How to Keep Your Home Clean When You Have a Pet

Sharing your home with a pet is one of life’s great joys. Whether it’s a dog, a cat, or another beloved companion, pets bring warmth, companionship, and unconditional love. However, they also bring fur, smells, occasional messes, and a fair amount of cleaning challenges. The good news? With a little planning and the right products, it’s completely possible to enjoy a clean, fresh home without sacrificing the joys of pet ownership. Here's how to make your living space sparkle, even with paws running around. 

Establish a Clean Routine for Your Pet

Clean pets make for cleaner homes. A solid grooming routine is your first line of defense against dirt, dander, and odors. If your pet sheds, regular brushing is essential. Not only does it help keep fur off your furniture and floors, but it also promotes a healthy coat and reduces hairballs in cats. Depending on the breed, some pets may need brushing daily, while others just once or twice a week.

Bathing is another key part of keeping your pet and home clean. Use gentle, pet-friendly shampoos that cleanse without irritating your pet’s skin. Regular baths help remove dirt, allergens, and odors before they spread throughout your house. Be mindful not to over-bathe, as it can dry out your pet’s skin—typically once every 4–6 weeks is enough unless your vet advises otherwise.

Also, pay attention to the small things. Wiping your pet’s paws after walks can prevent mud, pollen, or even harmful chemicals like de-icing salts from getting on your floors. Clean their ears to prevent wax buildup and odors, and trim their nails regularly to avoid scratches on floors or furniture.

By staying on top of grooming, you’re not just improving your pet’s health and comfort—you’re also creating a cleaner, healthier environment for yourself. 

Use Pads and Diapers for Young, Old, or Incontinent Pets

Pets at different life stages—or with certain health conditions—sometimes need a little extra help to stay clean indoors. That’s where pads and diapers come in.

For puppies and kittens still in the potty-training phase, absorbent training pads are essential. Placed in designated areas, these pads teach your pet where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves. Over time, this consistency helps with housebreaking and reduces the chances of accidents around your home.

Senior pets or those with medical issues like incontinence can also benefit from these aids. Diapers—either disposable or reusable—offer protection against leaks and help maintain hygiene. Disposable options are convenient for quick changes, especially while traveling, while reusable ones are more sustainable, washable, and gentle on your pet’s skin.

Using these tools isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about dignity and care. Pets don’t want to live in unclean conditions any more than we do. With the right support, you can help them stay comfortable while protecting your floors, furniture, and peace of mind. 

Invest in High-Quality Cleaners and Odor Removers

Even the most well-trained and well-groomed pets can have the occasional accident. When that happens, it’s crucial to act fast—and with the right products. Standard household cleaners often don’t cut it when it comes to eliminating pet messes, and worse, some contain chemicals that can be harmful to animals.

That’s why it’s so important to choose products designed specifically for pet-related messes. One excellent solution is the Dog Stain and Odour Remover with Scent of Lemon. This powerful cleaner doesn’t just mask odors—it uses a non-toxic, enzyme-based formula to break down and neutralize stains and smells at the source. It’s safe for use around pets and effective on multiple surfaces including carpets, upholstery, tiles, and hardwood.

Its fresh lemon scent adds a natural, clean aroma to your space without overwhelming fragrances. Unlike typical cleaners, which may only disguise the smell, this product removes the underlying cause, helping prevent pets from marking the same spot again.

Whether you’re cleaning up after an unexpected accident or just doing routine maintenance, having a product like this on hand makes it easier to keep your home feeling and smelling its best. 

Control Odors Naturally

Pet odor is a common concern, even in homes that look spotless. From the subtle scent of fur to stronger smells from litter boxes or damp dog coats, odors can build up over time. The key is to manage them before they become noticeable.

Start with your pet’s belongings. Bedding, blankets, toys, and clothing should be washed regularly using fragrance-free, pet-safe detergents. Clean food and water bowls daily, and sanitize them weekly to avoid bacteria buildup.

Air circulation also plays a big role. Open windows whenever possible to let fresh air in and help move stagnant odors out. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove pet dander, hair, and odor particles, improving both smell and air quality—especially beneficial for allergy sufferers.

On surfaces, baking soda is a gentle, natural deodorizer. Sprinkle it on carpets or cushions, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, and then vacuum it up to help absorb lingering smells. You can also use odor-neutralizing sprays that are specifically formulated for homes with pets. These sprays safely eliminate bad smells without introducing harsh chemicals that might irritate your furry friend’s respiratory system.

The goal isn’t to overpower your home with scent—it’s to restore a neutral, fresh-smelling atmosphere that’s pleasant for everyone. 

Keep Your Pet’s Space Organized

Pets, like people, thrive in tidy spaces. Creating a clean, organized area for your pet helps minimize clutter and makes routine maintenance easier. Choose a spot in your home that’s easy to clean—somewhere with a washable mat or easy-to-mop flooring.

Keep toys, grooming tools, leashes, and other essentials in baskets or storage bins. Not only does this keep things out of the way, but it also makes it faster to find what you need when it’s time for a walk or grooming session. Washable mats under food and water bowls catch spills and crumbs, making cleanup quicker and preventing stains.

If you crate your dog or have a dedicated pet bed, make sure it’s washable and cleaned regularly. Shake out or vacuum the area daily to remove fur, crumbs, and dirt that can accumulate unnoticed.

When everything has a place, not only does your home feel more orderly, but it also becomes easier to maintain a clean, comfortable environment for both you and your pet.

Living with a pet doesn’t mean giving up on a clean home—it just means being a little more mindful and proactive. With regular grooming, thoughtful hygiene habits, and the right cleaning tools, you can create a space that’s both pet-friendly and beautifully maintained.

Using effective products like the Dog Stain and Odour Remover with Scent of Lemon makes managing accidents and odors far less stressful. Combined with smart strategies like using training pads, organizing pet gear, and keeping bedding fresh, you can enjoy all the love your pet gives—without the mess that sometimes comes with it.

Because when your home is clean and your pet is happy, everyone wins.