31 Cleaning Tips For Homes With Dogs To End The Smell For Good

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Imagine Finally:

  • No more lingering odor when guests walk in
  • Less trapped fur means less daily buildup
  • A simple weekly routine that saves real time all year

Here’s how you make it happen…

1. Vacuum All Floors Slowly Every Other Day

Dog hair settles deep into carpet and along baseboards fast, girl.

Start Small With This: Vacuum high traffic areas every other day before fur piles up.

It will be so much easier if you use a vacuum with a rotating brush head to lift embedded hair.

2. Wash Dog Beds In Hot Water Once A Week

Dog beds hold odor even if they look clean.

Here’s What To Do: Remove the cover and wash it in hot water weekly.

3. Wipe Down Baseboards Where Fur Collects

Fur sticks along the wall edges and spreads back onto the floor.

Give This A Try: Run a damp cloth along baseboards after vacuuming.

This gets easier if you use a long handled baseboard cleaning tool to reach low areas fast.

4. Clean The Dog Crate With Warm Soapy Water

Crates trap fur and moisture inside corners.

Use This Simple Trick: Scrub the crate tray and bars with warm soapy water weekly.

5. Wash Throw Blankets That Dogs Sit On Weekly

Blankets hold smell longer than floors.

Begin With This: Toss pet favorite blankets in the washer once a week.

It will feel less stressful if you try a laundry odor eliminator additive to remove deep smells.

6. Mop Hard Floors Twice A Week

Paw prints leave oils that build up over time.

Instead, Try This: Mop entryways and living rooms 2 times per week.

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7. Sprinkle Baking Soda On Carpets Before Vacuuming

Baking soda absorbs hidden odor in fibers.

The Easy First Step Is: Sprinkle lightly and vacuum after 20 minutes.

8. Clean The Couch Cushions With A Damp Cloth

Cushions trap fur and dander daily.

If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Wipe cushions and under them every few days.

This is faster when you use a handheld vacuum with a pet attachment to lift loose hair.

9. Brush Dogs Outside To Reduce Shedding Indoors

Loose fur falls off during brushing, babe.

Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Brush dogs outside before coming back in.

10. Open Windows For Fresh Air Daily

Stale air keeps pet odor trapped inside.

To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Open windows for 10 to 15 minutes each day.

11. Empty Trash Cans Before They Overflow

Food scraps mixed with pet fur increase smell.

Start Small With This Instead: Take out the trash when it is three quarters full.

12. Clean Around Food And Water Bowls Every Day

Spills create sticky spots and odor fast.

Consider This: Wipe the feeding area daily with warm soapy water.

This takes less time if you use a spray mop with reusable pads for quick cleanup.

13. Wash Reusable Cleaning Cloths After Each Use

Dirty cloths spread odor instead of removing it.

One Easy Reset Is: Wash cleaning cloths in hot water weekly.

14. Clean Air Vents To Remove Trapped Fur

Fur collects in vents and blows back into rooms.

Here’s A Gentle Way To Start: Remove vent covers and wipe them clean monthly.

It will be so much easier if you use a small detail cleaning brush to scrub vent slats.

15. Wipe Down Doors Where Dogs Rub

Doors collect oils from fur and noses.

The Most Doable Way Is: Wipe lower door panels weekly with warm water.

16. Vacuum Under Furniture Once A Week

Fur drifts under couches and beds and stays there.

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Here’s The Shortcut Version: Slide light furniture and vacuum underneath weekly.

This gets easier if you use a low profile vacuum head to reach flat spaces.

17. Clean The Entryway After Walks

Dirt from paws spreads into the house.

To Make This Feel Less Heavy: Sweep or mop the entryway every evening.

18. Wash Dog Toys In Warm Soapy Water

Chew toys collect drool and odor.

Here’s What To Do: Wash plastic toys in warm water once a week.

19. Replace Old Or Worn Dog Bedding

Flattened bedding holds odor even after washing.

Start By Doing This Instead: Replace bedding when smell does not come out in the wash.

20. Clean Carpet Stains Right Away

Fresh stains set quickly into fibers.

If You Want To Keep It Easy: Blot stains with a clean towel as soon as they happen.

21. Use Vinegar On Odor Spots And Let It Sit

Vinegar helps neutralize pet odor on hard surfaces.

Give This A Try: Spray lightly and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping.

22. Wash Curtains That Collect Pet Smells

Fabric curtains trap odor longer than walls.

Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Wash lightweight curtains every few months.

23. Clean The Car Interior If Dogs Ride Often

Car fur transfers back into the house.

Instead, Try This: Vacuum car seats and mats weekly.

24. Wipe Down Walls Near Dog Sleeping Areas

Walls near beds collect fur and oil marks.

The Easier Approach Is: Wipe the lower wall area with a damp cloth weekly.

25. Sweep The Kitchen Floor Daily

Food crumbs mix with fur near feeding areas.

Start Small With This: Sweep the kitchen floor every evening before bed.

26. Clean The Litter Or Potty Area Every Day

Indoor potty areas hold strong odor if skipped.

Here’s A Quick Way: Remove waste and wipe the area daily.

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27. Wash Dog Towels In A Separate Load

Dog towels hold odor that spreads to other laundry.

The Easy Starting Point Is: Wash pet towels separately in hot water.

28. Remove Fur From Upholstery With A Lint Roller

Fur clings to fabric and stays visible.

Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Roll couch arms and cushions every few days.

This feels easier if you use a lint roller refill pack to stay stocked.

29. Clean The Dog Collar And Leash Weekly

Collars hold sweat and outdoor smells.

To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Wash collars and leashes in warm soapy water weekly.

30. Use A Squeegee To Lift Hair From Rugs

Hair sticks deep into rug fibers.

One Easy Reset Is: Drag a rubber squeegee across rugs to gather fur into piles.

It will be way faster if you use a rubber floor squeegee to lift embedded hair.

31. Set A Weekly Timer To Deep Clean One Dog Zone

Cleaning one focused area keeps the whole home under control, bestie.

The Most Doable Way Is: Set a 20 minute timer and deep clean one pet zone each week.

You can make this easier to finish if you use a visual timer clock to stay on track.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)