As the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, it’s time for spring cleaning! But if you’re a Dog Mom, you know that cleaning up after your furry friend can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. From shedding fur to muddy paw prints, dogs can leave their mark on your home. But don’t worry! With some handy tips and tricks, you can tackle your spring cleaning tasks while keeping your pup happy and healthy.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue to provide valuable content to our readers. Thank you!
Groom Your Dog Regularly
One of the best ways to keep your home clean and fresh is by regularly grooming your dog. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and keep your dog’s coat healthy. Use a brush that’s suitable for your dog’s coat type to remove loose fur, tangles, and mats. Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails to prevent them from scratching your floors and furniture.
The tool we use to get all the dead undercoat hair out and keep them all fresh and shiny is this one: the Groomi Tool!
Wash Your Dog’s Bedding and Toys
Your dog’s bedding and toys can harbor dirt, hair, and odors. Spring is the perfect time to give them a good wash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing your dog’s bedding, and use pet-safe detergents. Wash your dog’s toys with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You can also sanitize them by soaking them in a solution of water and pet-safe disinfectant.
Clean Up Pet Hair
Pet hair can accumulate quickly, especially during shedding season. Use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment to clean your floors, carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and in corners where pet hair tends to accumulate. For hard-to-reach areas, use a lint roller or a damp cloth to pick up pet hair.
You might want to opt for a vacuum cleaner that is specifically made to also clean up pet hair!
If you wanna go for the full thing (a must if you have carpets!), I’d recommend to go for a Bissell (with over 68000 positive Ratings!), which comes with a Pet TurboEraser tool to clean stairs, upholstery and more. What I also love about this (apart from the cleanliness and freshness it will get you of course) is that every purchase helps dogs! “BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.”
Eliminate Pet Odours
Spring is a great time to freshen up your home and get rid of any lingering pet odours. Wash your dog’s blankets, bedding, and other washable items with pet-safe detergents. Use baking soda to neutralise odours on carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. You can also use pet-friendly air fresheners or make your own by simmering water with lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or other natural odour-absorbing ingredients.
Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets and upholstery can trap dirt, pet hair, and odors, so it’s essential to give them a deep clean during your spring cleaning routine. Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional carpet cleaning service to deep clean your carpets and upholstery – or get a Bissell (see above) as you might want to do this regularly. We invested in a carpet cleaner and haven’t looked back since! Be sure to use pet-safe cleaning products and allow carpets and upholstery to dry thoroughly before allowing your dog back in the cleaned areas.
Organise Your Dog’s Gear
Spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to declutter and organise your dog’s gear. Sort through your dog’s toys, treats, leashes, collars, and other accessories. Donate or discard items that your dog no longer uses or needs. Use storage bins, baskets, or hooks to keep your dog’s gear neatly organised and easily accessible.
Check for Hazards
As you clean and declutter, take the time to check for any potential hazards for your dog. Look for loose cords, small objects, poisonous plants, and other hazards that your dog could get into. Keep all cleaning supplies, chemicals, and medications securely stored out of your dog’s reach. Make sure your home is safe and dog-proofed to prevent accidents or injuries.
Freshen Up Outdoor Spaces
Don’t forget to spruce up your outdoor spaces as well! Clean up your dog’s outdoor area by picking up any dog waste, trimming overgrown plants or bushes, and sweeping away dirt and debris. If you have a backyard, consider giving it a good rinse with a hose to freshen it up. Make sure your dog’s outdoor space is safe and free from any hazards, such as toxic plants or small objects that your dog could ingest.
Create Enrichment Stations
Spring is a great time to create new enrichment stations for your dog. Enrichment activities, such as puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and sniffing mats, can provide mental stimulation and help prevent boredom in your dog. Set up designated areas in your home where your dog can engage in these activities, such as a puzzle toy corner or a sniffing mat spot. Rotate the toys and activities regularly to keep your dog entertained and mentally engaged.
For more on enrichment, have a look at this post: CANINE ENRICHMENT: The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Enrich Your Dog’s Life
Set Up a Cleaning Routine
Maintaining a clean and organized home as a Dog Mom can be challenging, but setting up a cleaning routine can help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Create a cleaning schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, such as vacuuming, washing your dog’s bedding, and deep cleaning carpets. Stick to the schedule as much as possible to prevent tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. Consider enlisting help from family members or hiring a professional cleaning service if needed.
Spring cleaning can be a daunting task for Dog Moms, but with some planning and organisation, you can make it more manageable and enjoyable. By regularly grooming your dog, cleaning up pet hair and odours, organising your dog’s gear, checking for hazards, freshening up outdoor spaces, and creating enrichment stations, you can create a clean and dog-friendly environment for both you and your furry friend. Don’t forget to establish a cleaning routine to help you stay on top of your responsibilities and enjoy a clean and organised home with your beloved pup.
Happy spring cleaning!