Is your dog shedding? Here are 23 Best House Cleaning Tips for a Shedding Dog.
Updated February 20, 2021
House Cleaning Tips for a Shedding Dog
Did you know that 67% of U.S. households own either a dog or a cat. That’s means every year 85 million families are dealing with a shedding dog.
But don't worry! We’ve put together our top tips for keeping your pet-friendly home feeling fresh.
Spring means blooming flowers and shedding dogs!
Doesn't it seem like overnight, you notice dog hair on the couch, your clothes or beds?
It's an every year occurrence. As winter ends, your dogs shed their thicker winter coats to prepare for those hot summer days.
Does this sound familiar? You sit down and there’s dog hair on the couch, floor and your clothing! This is my exact embarrassing situation right now.
A Hairy Situation: Controlling Dog Shedding
One of the most common complaints most dog owners has is a shedding dog!
Unwanted dog hair can be found on car seats, carpet, and on the household furniture. Cleaning can be time-consuming and exhausting.
Although when owning a dog, shedding isn't avoidable, we can control it. There are many methods of controlling dog shedding and keeping the house clean.
So let’s get to our tips and tricks for cleaning up dog hair?
Cleaning Tips for a Shedding Dog
By staying consistent with these strategies I can say that my home, dogs and guests are sparkly clean.
Manage Your Dog’s Hair
One of the biggest problems pet owners' faces is animal hair all over their floors, furniture, and clothing.
Place an old towel or sheet anywhere your puppy likes to cuddle and regularly shake it outside to remove most of the hair before throwing it into the washing machine.
Pet hair on carpets
First, vacuum in all directions. Next, use a rubber rake or squeegee (if you have low-pile carpeting) to gently remove every hair.
To reduce fur deposits in the first place, use a shedding tool on your dog’s coat.
Stock up on Lint Rollers
These house cleaning tools are a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning clothing and furniture. Best of all, they’re cheap. If you buy multipacks of lint rollers, they are only about a dollar each!
Put one under the sofa in the living room and one near your bedside table to quickly clean up any shedding messes before they accumulate and get unbearable.
Lint-rollers can also be handy in your purse for last-minute touch-ups. You don’t want to step into an important meeting or fancy date only to realize you’re covered in dog hair.
Stock Up on Sponges (and Keep Your Spray Bottle Handy) and use them as one of the quickest methods to remove hair from your furniture (as an alternative or addition to lint rollers).
- Lightly spritz water over your furniture.
- Then dampen a cloth and run it over your furniture.
- The dog's hair should easily bunch up.
Protect your surfaces from puppy scratches
To start with, have your dog’s nails trimmed regularly.
Provide your dog a safe way to signal you, such as a jingle bell hung from the doorknob to avoid scratching on the door. Show him how to nudge the bell and open the door quickly when he rings it.
Pup-Safe Upholstery
Look for top-grain, semi-aniline leather furniture to repel hair, resist tearing, which can be easily cleaned. They treat these hides for protection from pets and maintain their color consistency. These pieces are also scratch-resistant.
If you prefer fabrics, opt for microfiber or micro-suede. Look for words on labels such as “high grade” and “tightly woven” on materials that feel loosely woven or thin.
Consider complementary colors and patterns that can camouflage your dog’s spots.
Finally, a simple old towel or sheet can be placed in the family dog's favorite spot. These can be easily picked up and washed whenever needed.
Ditch the broom and get out the vacuum
Pet hair is hard to pick up, so use your vacuum instead of a broom, even if you have hardwood floors.
Sweeping can actually make more of a mess because it forces hairs to float around, whereas vacuuming removes them all in one shot. Be sure to move your vacuum in alternate directions to achieve the best results.
Buy a quality vacuum cleaner
For pet hairs and odors, choose a vacuum cleaner that is designed for pets.
You will need an extra strong suction, a quality filter, and good brush action to pull hair out.
Consider the type of flooring you have in your home and, if your pet gets on your furniture, look for carpet cleaner that can handle furniture as well.
If you have a dog that’s a shedder, you’re going to need to vacuum daily to stay on top of things.
Hint: Be sure to regularly clean your filter, as a hair and dirt clogged filter will spread the odor of pet hair. Ah, the joys of pet ownership!
Work Quickly on Stains As Soon As They Happen
The sooner you tackle pet stains, the better. You should avoid leaving dog urine on carpets, as it can permanently alter the dye.
Remove any solid residue by using a dull knife. Blot fresh with a clean, white cloth.
After you remove as much moisture as possible from the stain, apply a solution mixed with one cup of warm water and ¼ teaspoon of dawn dishwashing liquid; wipe it off with a clean, dry towel.
Rinse by blotting with a damp towel. Repeat with a clean, damp towel in between alternating with a soapy towel.
For old stains or a persistent odor, you may need to call in a professional carpet cleaner.
Keep Your Mop Handy
Regardless of whether your floors are hardwood or vinyl, a daily mop is a good way to manage hair daily. Often, it is faster than using a vacuum.
Don’t overlook the corners and the underside of furniture, where fur balls collect.
Use Dryer Sheets on your Clothes
When it comes to your clothes, throw your clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes with a dryer sheet to get rid of hair when a lint roller just won't work.
Have Couch Covers on Hand
You can significantly reduce the need for spot cleaning if you use a couch cover, blankets or throws.
Changing the blanket or throw or putting it in the wash can be just as effective as cleaning furniture and keeps stains off your furniture.
This is ideal if you don't have much time and have guests coming over.
Set up a dog cleaning station
Your entryway console table may not look like the perfect entryway, but not when you're dealing with a muddy dog.
Of course, if you have a laundry room that enters from outside, you can set up a dog house cleaning station for your dog in the laundry room.
If not, tweak your entryway by having a heavy duty doormat, dog towels kept in a basket by the entryway table, along with pet wipes. A water bottle to clean muddy paws and maybe a couple of treats.
Keep your pets clean
If your dog always looks like he's run a Tough Mudder after walking, it's time to establish a pet grooming routine.
It may seem obvious, but dirt removed by grooming is that much less dirt not lying around the house. While you should not use pet shampoo much, a quick wash down can make all the difference.
Keep damp dogs confined to a single area, preferably one that is easy to clean, e.g. laundry room, kitchen.
Better yet, thoroughly dry them afterwards to avoid any wet dog smell from getting all on your furniture.
Bathe your dog regularly.
Most dogs should be bathed at least once a month or once every other month, depending on the breed.
Longer haired dogs, like Goldendoodles, need more baths than shorter hair breeds, like Labrador Retrievers.
By bathing your dog regularly, it’s a great way to loosen all that extra dog hair. Brushing helps keep it off your floors.
Our vet recommended this Earthbath’s Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. Bonus: it smells great!
Use Pet Wipes between Baths and Brushing
Using either dog wipes or a damp towel will help get rid of loose dirt between baths and keep your pup smelling fresh.
Keeping Paws Clean
Keep a towel or Portable Dog Paw Wash Cup near the front door to use on dirty paws when done with your walk. Or you can fill a shallow container one-third of the way with room-temperature water, keeping it by your door prior to walking.
Once the walk is over, dip each of your dog’s paws into the water. Dry them off and let your dog into the house.
If you make this a regular practice, it’s especially beneficial during the winter months when it may rain and muddy outside.
Add Fish Oil to your Dog's Food
Adding a tablespoon of fish oil to your dog’s food every day helps their coat maintain its softness and helps to avoid shedding.
It contains omega-3 fatty acids which conditions their skin and coat. Healthy coats equal less fur equals win-win.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Grooming your pup or feline friend regularly ensures that your home is clean as well.
Establishing a grooming schedule and sticking to it helps ensure that your pet does not shed hair and dander all over the house.
Regular Bath Schedule During Shedding Season
Regular baths are the most important step in keeping your dog and house smelling clean and fresh.
By bathing your dog at least once a month or every other month, during shedding season, you can help reduce shedding.
Remember, though, that too many baths can cause dry skin. Most dogs only need a bath every month or if they get especially stinky.
Tips for Bathing a Shedding Dog
1. A dog bath tool like the Kong Zoom Groom can really help to loosen and remove dog fur in the tub.
2. Use an extra large non-slip bath mat in the bathtub to save your tub and help your dog feel more secure standing in the tub.
3. Use a bath buddy with some peanut butter to help keep your dog occupied during bath time.
3. Run lukewarm water on your dog's coat to prevent dry skin.
4. Always use a hydrating conditioner after shampooing.
5. Dry your dog with an ultra absorbant dog drying towel.
6. Make your bath time a routine during those shedding months.
Brush your Dog Regularly
Brushing your dog regularly is the best thing you can do to keep loose hair off your furniture and floors.
This is because brushing removes loose hair, which reduces shedding and keeps your dog looking and feeling great. It also keeps your dog clean, which means you'll have less work cleaning up after your dog.
Brushing your dog regularly can help keep your pet's coat healthy. How often you brush your dog depends on the breed.
If you have a double-coated breed, such as a husky, you'll need to brush your dog every day. Brushing will help distribute natural oils in your pet's coat and keep the fur from matting.
Always look for a brush appropriate for your dog's hair. For example, my Goldendoodle needs a Chris Christensen Slicker Brush with the tines that will get down to her coat.
Wash your Dogs Bedding on a Weekly Basis
My dog's beds and blankets seem to be a magnet for many dog hairs and unpleasant odors.
By tossing them into the wash, you’ll keep your house smelling clean and fresh. Plus, you’ll help keep your dog clean.
Other House Cleaning Tips
- Move your couch regularly and clean underneath it. Everyone of my dog’s balls seems to land under the couch.
- Wash your dogs toys on a monthly basis.
Use the Best Household Tools
In keeping your house clean with a dog, it’s best to choose vacuum cleaners and cleaning products designed for doggie households.
Check our blog post on the Best Vaccuum Cleaners for Dogs I wrote about which vacuum cleaner works great for my household.
- 1. Use a vacuum made for picking up pet hair.
- 2. Keep a lint roller for your couch, chairs and your guests!
- 3. Use spot removing cleaners especially for pets.
Keep the Dogs Toys and Clutter Picked Up
Does your dog have 10,000 toys and balls? I can always find my dogs under the couch!
By keeping your dog's toys in cute baskets throughout your home, it will keep your house clutter free.
Plus, your dog will have a great time rummaging through the baskets to find their favorite toys.
How to Minimize Dog Smells when Company is Coming
Many people like to use household sprays and candles to make their homes smell good. Unfortunately, a lot of dogs can be sensitive to the chemicals in commercial candles, air fresheners or cleaners.
Alternatives to making your house smell good:
Essential oils
Mix water and about 20-25 drops of your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle.
Spritz this around your home before company arrives and you’ll have a great smelling entrance to your home. (Some essential oils aren’t good for pets. Do your research on which ones are good to use.)
Simmering your Spices
This is one of my favorites. It makes the entire house smell like baked cookies. Boil some water, turn it down to simmer and add in ingredients like cloves, orange rinds or cinnamon sticks.
Let it simmer and your house will smell like a Christmas cookie.
Beeswax or Soy Type of Candles
By using non-toxic candles designed for pet homes, you can have a slow simmer of good smells wafting around your home.
Enjoy your Clean Home.
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