Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

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?

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