Dogs have a big footprint when it comes to their share of mess. Dog toys strewn all over the floor, the plant life and dirt they bring into the house and the crumbs they leave on the floor. We pride ourselves on having a house that doesn’t look and smell like the dogs have taken over. Our previous landlord actually commented that even though she has a keen nose, she couldn’t smell any dog-related smells in the house. How do we do it? One of our biggest cleaning tips for dog owners is to make sure you stock pet-specific cleaners like Simple Solution and keep them handy for dog-related messes. Sometimes vinegar just won’t cut it.

Even if your dog is impeccably housebroken, sickness and accidents happen. Simple Solution makes different types of cleaners depending on what kind of mess you’re dealing with. They’re all pet and children-safe and now available at Petco.
- Everyday pet messes: Go with the Simple Solution Floral Fresh Stain & Odor Remover which has a pro-bacteria and enzyme formula to destroy stains and odors. If the problem is on a hard surface like the floor, table, or counter, try the Simple Solution Hard Floor Stain & Odor Remover.
- Tough Stains: To combat challenging stains, use a cleaner with an oxygen-activated formula like Simple Solution Oxy-Charged Stain & Odor Remover. The oxidizing agents help remove pet stains including vomit, blood, and feces.
- Urine trouble: Urine stains may need a targeted cleaner like Simple Solution Urine Destroyer Continuous Spray. The aerosol spray can penetrate through carpet to reach the base stain. For lingering issues, Simple Solution Extreme Urine Destroyer (available in two sizes) uses good bacteria and enzymes to eradicate remaining smells and odor.
- Tough Odors: Persisting odors are best dealt with a cleaning product with enzymes and “good bacteria.” They have natural enzymes which breaks down the odor and eliminates the residue like Simple Solution Odor Destroyer Continuous Spray. If it just won’t go away and you need something hardcore, use Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover, which comes in two sizes.
Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners
The Floors
Between dog hair, food and treat crumbs, and the dirt they track in, dogs account for a good chunk of floor cleaning that has to be done. That’s not even counting the various body-fluid related messes that happen from time to time. If you really want to start with a clean slate, you can always take a and then scour those spots with Simple Solution. Mr. N had an epic bout of stomach upset a few weeks ago and the Simple Solution Hard Floor Stain & Odor Remover took care of the stain on our new floors and the Simple Solution Oxy-Charged Stain & Odor Remover left the carpet fringe spotless. I don’t know why he always picks that back corner behind the cabinet to get sick!

Food + Treats + Supplements
Sort through all the edible products. Throw out expired goods and make a note to feed things that are close to their expiration date. If there’s something your dog won’t eat but it’s still good, donate or give it away. Our local animal shelter will accept opened food and treat bags as do many others. Toss the and
in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher safe.
Toy Box
The rule in our house is one toy box full of toys. When it gets to overflowing (Mr. N hoards toys instead of destroying them), I go through them and pick out the ones he never plays with. All of the plush toys get washed on delicate with unscented detergent and air dried. Some of the rubber toys go in the dishwasher.
Bedding
,
, and
all get a through washing. Mr. N eats raw so it’s even more important that things stay clean.
Clothing + Gear
Cold weather gear and clothing are washed and put into storage and all of the warm weather equipment makes an appearance. Mr. N’s ,
,
join his leashes and
by the front door.
Car
Once at the car wash, clean the car inside and out. A will take care of most of the mess but there’s always dog hair (from visiting dogs) and sand and dirt tracked into the car. Add some
for all those nose smudges and a bottle of
for those unexpected messes while you’re at it. You never know when someone will get carsick or eat something they shouldn’t.
First Aid/Emergency Kit
Is everything fully stocked and still good? Check all of them. I keep a in the car, an emergency and first aid kit in the closet and take a
on hikes. Emergency food especially should be replaced regularly. After rejecting numerous options due to space, pickiness and cost, I’ve settled on
for Mr. N’s rations.
Toss, Donate, Sell, Give Away
There usually ends up being four piles. Trash (or compost), a donation pile to take to the shelter, a consignment pile for the store that takes pet products and a pile to give away to friends’ dogs who are smaller or less picky. Keep what is useful and/or brings you and your dog .
The Dog
What’s the point of having a clean house if you have a dirty dog? The former will soon be rectified. So as a last step, bathe the dog and clean their collar so everything in your house is clean from top to bottom. And bask in the feeling of having a spotless and organized abode until the next time the dog decides to roll in a puddle..
What cleaning tips for dog owners do you have?
Simple Solution is offering three lucky winners a chance to try out their products. Enter below!
June 22, 2018 5:43 pm
We don’t get too fancy with cleaning, particularly when it comes to hair. It’s just part of life–and everything else 😉 Otherwise, I mostly use vinegar and/or baking soda. For really tough stains we used to have an enzyme-based cleaner.
June 23, 2018 4:26 am
Sophie gets an upset stomach from time to time. Luckily, she prefers to make her messes in the mudroom, whenever Theo has to throw up, he heads for the only room with carpet.
June 23, 2018 4:31 am
Now that I’m down to one dog, and one who doesn’t travel too often in my car, I can really see the difference in the amount of dirt and grit left behind. My springer especially brought a lot of sand into my car and left a lot of nose prints on the windows. Cleaning has always been a challenge. I’ll have to look into some of these products.
June 23, 2018 9:55 am
Most of the same tips work for us cat people too. I love Simple Solutions products. I entered the contest, that would be very helpful around here.
June 23, 2018 10:53 am
My dog is pretty clean most of the time but muddy paws & stomach are a major issue!
June 24, 2018 6:17 am
We can never have enough of good cleaning tips! I like natural struff such as vinegar and soda but sometimes they are just not good enough and you need a professional product to get rid of the mess.
June 24, 2018 8:23 am
My cat threw up all his food on the carpet, happens every so often, he just eats too fast..
June 24, 2018 3:42 pm
You’re so right. Sometimes vinegar doesn’t cut it, and this coming from a woman who sprays vinegar on everything, according to other members of pack McSquare. I’m liking the variety of products Simple Solution offers. I may need to look into the urine removal options. Lizzie is not a fan of “potty outside”during Tucson summers. Mr. N with the towel is adorable! He’s such a good boy!
June 24, 2018 4:34 pm
Great tips! I love Simple Solution products! Great giveaway, too! With five (now four) Siberian Huskies my messes can range from fur (always fur!) to mud as they love to jump and dig in muddy puddles! I do have hardwood floors now, so that solution sounds great as I have not tried it yet, but will put it on my list!
June 24, 2018 4:36 pm
Oh, PS! – the photos are just adorable! Mr. N is so cute, I’d buy all of those products just for his cuteness!!!
June 24, 2018 5:27 pm
Luckily Kilo has a stomach of iron but he does have the odd “accident” when it rains or snows or he feels like it. Will have to look at the pee one. I like the look of Simple Solutions. Love Mr N.
June 24, 2018 7:54 pm
My cat likes to leave hairballs everywhere. I’ve tried all the hairball remedies and nothing has ever worked. The worst was when he hocked into my sandals and I didn’t notice until too late. I love him and all but hate that.
June 25, 2018 9:57 am
I like the Simple Solution Extreme Spring Breeze Pet Stain & Odor Remover.
June 25, 2018 12:55 pm
Tearing up his bed and scattering it
June 25, 2018 4:48 pm
Peeing in the floor!
June 26, 2018 9:02 am
Those are great tips! Our cat is usually very well behaved but recently I have noticed some smells… I should find something similar for cats!
June 26, 2018 10:51 am
My pets don’t typically make big messes. But, lately, my youngest cat Jayce has been getting sick from eating his food too fast and then running around the house like a mad man.
June 26, 2018 5:03 pm
Does dog hair everywhere count? You should see my wife’s SUV it looks like it snowed in the back seat.
June 27, 2018 10:47 am
Our dog Artie sometimes potties in the house.
June 27, 2018 8:14 pm
my dog always finds a way to get into the garbage. not only does he get it everywhere but then he has an upset stomach afterwards. it is a habit we are trying to break!
June 28, 2018 12:51 pm
My dog loves to tear up paper. I need to hire him out as a shredder as he can make the pieces so small.
June 29, 2018 7:56 pm
Oh my goodness…. my pet has made some big messes. Currently, our elderly dog has thyroid issues and vomits a lot after eating… and I mean PROJECTILE ALL OVER THE ROOM vomiting