Raise your hand if you have dogs. Now raise your hand if you want a clean house and dogs at the same time!
We have four doodles in our family; two live with us full time and two visit. That’s a lot of fluff, but also a lot of joy.
Keeping a tidy home while enjoying pets takes a few simple habits. Below I answer common questions I get about living with dogs and keeping the house clean enough for both pets and people.
Here are some questions I’m often asked about dogs in our house.
1. Do your dogs shed?
No, our doodles don’t shed like many breeds. I don’t have experience with heavy shedders, so can’t offer tips for those dogs. That said, our pups still have plenty of loose fur that drifts around the house.
2. How do you manage all that fluff?
We brush them regularly and schedule professional grooming roughly every six weeks. A robot vacuum is a game changer for us — it keeps up with dust bunnies and loose fur between deep cleans. Regular grooming and frequent brushing reduce how much loose hair ends up on floors and furniture.
3. Do you let your dogs on the furniture?
Yes. Our dogs are part of the family and are welcome on the furniture. We balance that privilege with protective measures — washable covers, blankets, or slipcovers help keep sofas and chairs presentable and easy to clean.
4. Don’t they track mud all over the house?
Not often. We take steps outside to minimize mud and dirt tracking, which helps a lot.
5. How do you prevent mud from being tracked inside?
We keep our outdoor spaces tidy and dry: bark or mulch over exposed soil, cover tempting digging spots, and create plenty of hardscaped paths to the doors so dogs can shake off before coming inside. In winter or after rain we wipe paws at the door when necessary.
6. Don’t floors and rugs get dirty?
We favor hard flooring like wood and tile, which hide some dirt and are easy to clean. For rugs, indoor/outdoor styles or durable washable rugs are our go-to. We also roll up rugs when we expect extra mess, and keep a few heavy-duty rugs in high-traffic areas.
If you want a spotless, perfectly pristine home you might not choose pets — but for us the extra cleaning is worth the companionship. We accept a little imperfection and plan cleaning around it.
7. What do you do for dog accidents on rugs?
Accidents happen. We avoid harsh, toxic cleaners so the house stays safe for pets and people. We use a plant-based cleaner that works well on rugs and upholstery and is safe around family and animals when used as directed. Because it’s a concentrate, it’s economical and versatile for spot cleaning and larger uses.
For stubborn spots, prompt blotting, a gentle cleaner, and a bit of patience usually does the trick. Regular washing of removable rug pads and covers keeps things fresh.
8. How do you handle wear and tear on furniture?
We choose furniture that’s easy to clean. Our daybed is covered with a regular twin sheet and mattress pad so it’s simple to launder. Performance fabrics and washable slipcovers are staples in our home. When we had a white slipcovered sofa, spot cleaning and regular washing kept it looking great despite kids and puppies.
We keep washable blankets, throws, and removable cushion covers on hand so we can protect pieces and launder them often. Those small habits extend furniture life and reduce stress about messes.
9. What about dog smell?
Some odor is inevitable with dogs, but we minimize it through regular grooming, frequent washing of blankets and bedding, and good ventilation. Diffusing pure plant-based essential oils helps freshen the air naturally. We avoid synthetic scents and toxic air fresheners around our pets.
When using essential oils, follow guidelines for safe use around pets and people. Choosing high-quality oils and using them sparingly in a diffuser keeps the home smelling pleasant without overwhelming sensitivity.
10. What about dog noses on the windows?
This is my daily pet peeve. I wipe the main windows our dogs nose every day. There are only a couple that need attention and it takes a few minutes to keep them clear. A quick daily swipe prevents buildup and keeps windows looking fresh.
Tell me about your pets.
How do you keep your home clean with furry friends? Share tips that work for you — swapping ideas makes life easier for everyone who loves pets and a tidy home.
PS — you can see more of our pups on Instagram at Doodles at Home or Jack the Inspired Goldendoodle.
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How I Keep My House “Clean Enough” – 4 Daily Routines