House Cleaning: Budget-Friendly Ideas for Dog Owners
If you are a dog owner, you aren't alone. According to the latest APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 63.4 million US households have a dog. And though you love your dog, that doesn’t mean you love cleaning up after him. From fur and dander to saliva and other messes, your dog can wreak havoc in your home. Although you can’t eliminate the issues altogether, you can take some steps to keep your home as clean as possible without spending a bundle of money. Let’s take a look at some budget-friendly ideas for dog owners to keep things clean.
Bathe your dog regularly
If you want to keep your dog (and your house) smelling fresh, you can't skip bathtime. Bathe your dog every couple weeks or when they get especially dirty or smelly. Bathing your dog too often or in too hot of water can dry out his skin. Also, use a shampoo formulated for dogs or, as the Spruce Pets suggests, create inexpensive, homemade shampoo with baking soda and water. If you are unsure how often your particular breed of dog should be washed, ask your vet.
Brush daily to minimize shedding
For dogs with long or thick coats, you should brush them daily to reduce shedding and avoid matting of the fur. You don't need to spring for grooming as long as you are consistent with brushing at home. However, no matter how often you brush, dog hair will most likely end up on your floor. Many dog owners use a robot vacuum to pick up dog hair, rather than having to manually sweep or vacuum constantly. Also, vacuum your furniture weekly and use lint rollers when necessary to keep your home as fur-free as possible.
Keep cleaning supplies on hand
When your dog makes a mess in your home, whether that means mud, debris, saliva, or something else, try to clean it up as quickly as possible to avoid staining and other damage. Stock up on cleaning supplies so you’ll always have them available when needed. You can save significant money on these types of items by using a Target coupon code whenever possible.
Invest in an air purifier
To keep dog hair and dander out of the air, consider purchasing a HEPA air purifier. These purifiers can help keep your home looking clean and smelling fresh, and also reduce pet allergies. Target and other big-box retailers sell air purifiers in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can be sure to find one in your price range.
Absorb pet odors with charcoal
One of the most affordable ways to get pet odors and other nasty smells out of the air is with charcoal. You can purchase little bags of charcoal and place them where your dog hangs out, or even hide charcoal briquettes – just make sure they aren’t presoaked in lighter fluid.
Use throws and couch covers
Face it. You are not going to be able to keep your dog off your furniture completely. Even if you go to the effort of trying when you are at home, you never know what they are going to do when you are away from the house. Instead of the ongoing battle, cover your clean furniture with machine-washable throws and dog blankets. Also, make it a habit to wash them every week to get rid of hair, stains, and odors. Last but not least, wash your dog’s bedding weekly as well. Even if you can’t smell the odors, it’s likely any visitors can.
Your dog might be your best friend, but that doesn’t mean you enjoy dealing with all of his messes. While a picture-perfect home that is always sparkling clean is an unrealistic goal, with a little bit of planning and the appropriate products for the job, you can reduce shedding, clean efficiently, and keep your home as clean as possible.
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