Keeping Your House Clean With Dogs: Practical Tips That Actually Work

One of my biggest fears as a dog parent is having someone walk into my house and say, “It smells like dog in here.” While I absolutely adore my fur baby, Marlee, I don’t want my home to smell like her. And it’s not just that “dog smell” we all know - it’s everything that comes with it. The grassy scent from rolling around outdoors, dirt tracked in after walks, and those wet paws from early morning dew leaving marks on blankets and rugs.

Owning a dog means taking on more than just feeding and cuddles - it also means creating a safe, clean space for them (and us) to live in. When I first adopted Marlee, my 7-year-old American Bully, she had come from a home that was constantly covered in dog pee. Not only did she carry that smell with her, but every toy she had reeked of it too. I promised myself that our home would be different - a place where she could feel comfortable, cozy, and clean.

As time went on, I also learned about her environmental allergies, which made keeping a clean home even more important. Dust, pollen, and other irritants can sneak inside and affect her skin and overall comfort. By staying on top of cleaning, I’m not just keeping my house fresh - I’m keeping Marlee healthy and happy, too.

The truth is, just like with any other cleaning routine, the secret is maintenance. Staying consistent is much easier than waiting until everything feels overwhelming and having to do a huge deep clean every couple of weeks.

Here are my top tips for keeping your house smelling fresh and feeling good - for both you and your pup.

1. Establish a Paw-Cleaning Routine

   

Keep a towel, pet-safe wipes, or a paw washer by every door you and your dog use. Wipe paws after walks, muddy outdoor play, or anytime they look dirty. Not only does this prevent dirty footprints on rugs and blankets, but it also helps reduce allergens like pollen or grass that can get trapped in the tiny crevices of your dog’s paws. If you’re wiping often, make sure the wipes are safe for frequent use. You can also use a nourishing paw balm to prevent dryness and irritation.

2. Invest in Washable Rugs & Mats

Place mats by entryways, under food and water bowls, and near crates to catch dirt, crumbs, drool, and paw prints. Washable runner rugs are especially helpful for trapping debris before it spreads throughout the house. Just remember to wash them frequently- grime and odors build up quickly in fabric.

3. Choose Pet-Friendly Fabrics

Slipcovers, machine-washable blankets, and performance fabrics on couches and chairs make cleanup much easier. A dedicated “dog blanket” on the couch or bed keeps fur contained to one spot and saves your furniture from wear and tear.

4. Vacuum & Sweep Regularly

A quick daily sweep or vacuum run prevents hair, dirt, and dust from piling up. Cordless stick vacuums and robot vacuums make this almost effortless. For allergy-sensitive households, look for pet-specific vacuums with HEPA filters to capture dander and fine particles.

5. Brush Your Dog Often

   

Just a few minutes of brushing every day dramatically cuts down on shedding around the house- especially for heavy shedders. Bonus: it strengthens your bond and keeps your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

6. Create a Dog Zone

   
   

Designate one spot for toys, leashes, and treats to cut down on clutter. If guests are coming, you can do a quick sweep by tossing everything into the “dog zone.” A crate or cozy dog bed also helps keep fur and dander centralized to one area of the house.

7. Stay on Top of Odors

   
   

Fabric holds onto smells more than anything else, so wash dog bedding and blankets weekly. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize odors. Use pet-safe air fresheners or diffusers (avoid toxic essential oils) and consider adding an air purifier to help with airborne particles and scents.

8. Clean Food & Water Areas Daily

   

Wipe down bowls and mats after meals to prevent sticky floors, bacteria, and even ants. Stainless steel bowls are best since they’re easier to sanitize and don’t absorb odors like plastic.

9. Keep Grooming Tools Handy

   
   

Dog wipes, lint rollers, and brushes make quick cleanups painless. Keep them in baskets around the house so they’re always within reach when you need them most.

10. Do a Weekly Deep Clean

    
    

Rotate and wash dog items like blankets, toys, bowls, and collars. Mop with a pet-safe cleaner to tackle paw prints. Some things (like sturdy chew toys) may not need weekly washing, so adjust your schedule based on what collects the most fur, drool, and dirt. The key is consistency- staying ahead of the mess keeps your home fresh without feeling overwhelming.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your dog feels loved and cared for. A perfectly spotless house isn’t a requirement for being a great dog parent. Give yourself some grace- because one day, you’ll miss the little nose prints on the windows or the muddy paw tracks by the door.

Your cleaning routine should fit you and your dog’s lifestyle, not the other way around. Find what works, let go of perfection, and remember- you’re already doing an amazing job.

What about you? Do you have a favorite dog-cleaning hack or routine? Share it in the comments below- I’d love to hear!