Vacuum at least twice a week, wash pet bedding weekly and wipe paws at the door. Use a rubber glove to lift hair from upholstery and an enzyme cleaner on accidents. For most pet homes, a weekly or biweekly professional clean keeps hair and dander from building up.
Dogs and cats make a home, but they also bring in hair, dander, muddy paws and the occasional accident — and in Metro Vancouver's rainy season, a lot of wet dog. You don't need a spotless house to live well with pets. You need a few good habits, the right tools and a cleaning schedule that matches how much your pets shed.
Pet hair: what actually works
- Vacuum more often, not harder. Two quick vacuums a week beat one long one. Hair builds up fastest on rugs, stairs and under furniture.
- A vacuum with a motorized brush for carpets and a rubber-bladed squeegee or rubber glove for upholstery — run it over the fabric and hair rolls up into clumps.
- Damp microfibre for hard floors before mopping, so you're not just pushing wet hair around.
- Wash pet bedding weekly and blankets on the couch too, if that's where your pets sleep.
- Brush your pet outdoors or on the balcony when you can. Every bit of hair on the brush is hair not on the floor.
Muddy paws and wet dogs
From October to spring, the entry is the frontline. Keep a towel and a washable mat by the door, wipe paws after every walk, and put a second mat inside the entry. A boot tray catches drips from leashes and coats. Mop the entry more often during the wet months — grit on paws scratches hardwood over time.
Odours
- Find the source. Smells usually come from bedding, a litter box, a crate or a spot on a rug — not the air. Clean the source and you won't need air freshener.
- Litter boxes: scoop daily and empty and wash the box regularly.
- Accidents: blot (don't rub), then use an enzyme cleaner made for pet stains. It breaks down what causes the smell, so your pet is less likely to return to the same spot.
- Air the home out on dry days and run bathroom and kitchen fans.
A cleaning schedule for pet homes
| How often | What to do |
|---|---|
| Daily | Wipe paws, scoop the litter box, quick vacuum of the entry and wherever your pet sleeps |
| Twice a week | Vacuum all floors, rugs and the couch |
| Weekly | Wash pet bedding and throws, mop hard floors, wipe food and water areas |
| Monthly | Vacuum under and behind furniture, wash the pet's toys, wipe baseboards and nose prints on glass |
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Get my instant price →Pets and your house cleaner
- Tell us about your pets when you book — type, temperament, and whether they'll be loose or crated.
- Put away food bowls and toys so the floors can be done properly.
- Flag any accidents or stains you'd like attention on, so your cleaner knows before starting.
- Anxious or protective pets are often happier in another room or out on a walk during the clean.
For most pet homes, a weekly or biweekly plan keeps hair from building up. Our guide on how often to get your house cleaned goes through choosing a schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep my house clean with a dog?
Wipe paws at the door, vacuum at least twice a week, wash pet bedding weekly and mop hard floors weekly. A washable mat inside and outside the entry makes a big difference in the rainy months.
What's the best way to remove pet hair from a couch?
Run a rubber glove or a rubber-bladed squeegee over the fabric — the hair rolls into clumps you can pick up — then vacuum with an upholstery tool.
How do I get rid of pet odour in my home?
Clean the source — bedding, the litter box, crates and any stains — rather than masking it. Use an enzyme cleaner on accidents, and air the home out regularly.
How often should pet owners get their house cleaned?
Homes with pets that shed often do best with weekly or biweekly cleaning, so hair and dander never build up.
Should I tell my cleaner I have pets?
Yes. Let us know the type of pet, its temperament and whether it will be loose or crated, and put away food bowls before the clean.
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