House Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners
Pets make homes better — and messier. Here's how to stay on top of pet hair, odours, and the occasional accident without spending your entire weekend cleaning.
Pet Hair: The Ongoing Battle
Vacuum more than you think you need to. For homes with shedding dogs or cats, vacuuming 2–3 times per week is realistic, not excessive. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter — pet dander is a common allergen and HEPA filters trap it instead of recirculating it.
Rubber gloves trick: Put on rubber gloves and run your hand over upholstery — the hair clumps together and is easy to pick up. Works better than a lint roller on large surfaces.
Dryer sheets on baseboards: Wipe baseboards with a dryer sheet — the anti-static coating repels future dust and pet hair from sticking.
Pet Odours
Baking soda on fabric surfaces: Sprinkle baking soda on dog beds, sofas, and carpets. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes and vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odours rather than masking them.
Air purifier: A HEPA air purifier in the room where your pet spends the most time makes a noticeable difference in overall home odour.
Wash pet bedding weekly: Pet beds are the biggest source of pet odour in most homes. Washing weekly (or bi-weekly at minimum) keeps it manageable.
Dealing With Accidents on Carpet
Act immediately. Blot (don't rub) with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then apply an enzyme-based pet stain cleaner — these break down the proteins in urine that cause odour. Regular cleaners mask the smell temporarily, but enzyme cleaners eliminate it.
After cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the area, let dry, and vacuum.
Hardwood Floors and Pet Urine
Pet urine on hardwood floors needs to be cleaned immediately. Left to sit, it penetrates the wood and causes permanent staining and warping. Blot immediately, clean with a hardwood-safe cleaner, and dry the area completely.
High-Traffic Pet Areas
Entry areas, feeding stations, and litter box surroundings need daily attention. A washable mat under food and water bowls catches splashes and is easy to shake out or toss in the wash.
Professional Cleaning for Pet Owners
A monthly deep clean by professional cleaners makes a significant difference for pet owners — particularly for carpet cleaning, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas where pet dander accumulates. Maidless offers pet-friendly cleaning across BC with background-checked cleaners. Book at maidless.ca.