Frugal Cleaning Tips For Common Dog Messes

By Jessica Brody at ourbestfriends.pet

Photo credit by Unsplash
                      
You love your dog, but you don’t love the mess that comes with fur, drool, and accidents, and spending a ton of money for professional cleaning isn't always an option. So, how can you make your home cleaner without breaking your budget? Here are some affordable tips for cleaning the most common messes that your dog may make.

Buying The Right Air Purifier And Filter  
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your home feeling fresh and clean is to invest in an air purifier designed for pet owners. A good one will have a HEPA filter that removes over 99 percent of allergens, including pet dander. HowToHome.com also suggests finding a model with a pre-filter. They explain, “The pre-filter is the air purifier’s first line of defense and is able to filter out larger particles such as dust, dirt, and pet hair,” so you’re not only protecting the air in your home from pet debris, but from other allergens as well.
 
Drool On The Sofa
Dog saliva on your upholstery can be full of bacteria that creates a smelly stain on your furniture. According to Hunker.com, removing that stain requires breaking down the protein that causes the odor.
 
While they recommend using ammonia to clean it, a safer solution comes from Porch.com, which suggests you use white vinegar and dish soap. However, it is key to address the stain right away. Alternate using cotton or terry cloth rags (one wet, one dry) to clean the spot.
 
What’s That Smell? Cleaning Odors 
Unfortunately, saliva is not the only smelly scent your beloved dog leaves behind. The key to preventing odors left by your dog is to clean thoroughly and frequently. That includes washing drapes, vacuuming your couch, and laundering his doggie bed.
 
However, if you are struggling with urine smells and stains, use an enzymatic-based pet urine removal solution (Schmitt's Animal Hospital sells a great product called Urine Away that fits this category). This is the only proven option to remove the smell. Be sure to follow the directions for the best results, as you will need to soak the stain for a long time.
 
A Fact Of Life: Doggie “Accidents” 
Whether you are house-training a puppy, caring for a dog with bladder issues, or dealing with a rare mishap, your dog will have accidents from time to time. What happens when your dog has a poop accident?
 
Here are a few tips you should know:
 

• Remember that pet poop can be dangerous to your health. HouseWifeHowTos.com states that it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Therefore, when dealing with any kind of poop, they recommend using rubber gloves, scrubbing the mess off with cold water, and using an enzyme cleaner. If it’s an item like a bed cover, you should launder it in hot water with bleach or white vinegar.
• WikiHow advises that you don’t flush animal poop unless you know you are allowed to. Many cities ban this action because it can’t be properly processed in certain waste systems. You can bag and store it separately in a designated trashcan or install a pet waste digester.

 
Dealing With Dander And Fur 
Dander can cause health risks for guests who have allergies or asthma. If you want to avoid making family members and visitors uncomfortable, you need to deal with the dander and fur your pet sheds. In addition to regular cleaning, you should bathe your dog regularly. KrazyCouponLady.com has 10 tips for using things commonly found around your home, like a pumice stone or squeegee, to clean up dander and fur.
​
Your dog is a valuable part of your family, and his messes don’t have to harm your family. Use these tips to keep your home safe and clean without a major financial investment.