TAMPA BAY, Fla. (BLOOM) – Owning a pet is like having a full-time furry roommate who never pays rent, sheds on your furniture, and occasionally mistakes your carpet for a bathroom. But we love them anyway. While pets bring endless joy, they also come with messes. Luckily, we’ve got 12 hacks to help you keep your home clean—without losing your sanity.
1. Rubber Glove Magic
If your couch looks like it’s wearing a fur coat, grab a rubber glove. Slightly dampen it and run your hand across the surface. The fur will cling to the glove like your dog clings to you during thunderstorms. Bonus: It works on car seats, too.
2. Get a Pet Vacuum (Yes, It’s a Thing)
Regular vacuums are great for dust, but pet hair is their kryptonite. Invest in a vacuum designed for pet owners. Look for one with a HEPA filter to trap hair, dander, and the occasional crumb from your midnight snack.
3. Dryer Sheets Aren’t Just for Laundry
Pet hair loves clinging to baseboards and furniture. Swipe an unscented dryer sheet over these surfaces to make the fur disappear faster than your dog when they hear the word “bath.”
4. Baking Soda: The Odor Slayer
Your dog’s bed smells… how can we put this nicely? Lived-in. Sprinkle baking soda on it, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up. Pro tip: Mix in a few drops of pet-safe essential oils for a fresh scent.
5. Keep Pet Bedding Fresh
Pet beds are like sponges for smells. Wash them weekly using pet-safe detergent. If the covers aren’t removable (why?), sprinkle baking soda and vacuum the bed as a quick fix.
6. Activated Charcoal for Sneaky Smells
If there’s an area of your home that smells suspiciously like your pet, place activated charcoal sachets nearby. They’ll absorb the odors and leave your house smelling like… nothing, which is the goal.
7. Stop Litter Scatter With a Mat
Cats are adorable, but their litter-launching skills? Not so much. Place a textured mat outside the litter box to catch stray litter. Bonus points if it’s washable, because cats don’t believe in boundaries.
8. Wipe Those Paws
Mud happens. Keep a stash of pet wipes or a damp towel near the door to clean your pet’s paws before they track dirt through the house. Think of it as their personal red carpet moment.
9. Couch Covers Save Lives (and Furniture)
Can’t keep your pet off the furniture? Neither can we. Cover your couch with a washable protector to guard against fur, scratches, and mystery stains. Think of it as armor for your sofa.
10. Trim Those Nails
Long nails aren’t just bad for your floors—they’re bad for your pet. Trim them regularly to avoid scratches on hardwood or leather. Not confident? Your groomer or vet will gladly handle the job (and probably has the patience of a saint).
11. Clean Accidents Quickly
When accidents happen—and they will—clean them up ASAP. Blot the mess (don’t rub!) and use an enzymatic cleaner to neutralize stains and smells. Pro tip: Vinegar and water work in a pinch.
12. Food Mats for Messy Eaters
Your dog eats like they’re auditioning for a food fight. Place a non-skid silicone mat under their bowls to catch spills. Cleanup is as simple as rinsing the mat.
Living with pets doesn’t have to mean living in chaos. With these simple hacks, you can reclaim your home from the fur, smells, and mystery stains that come with pet ownership. So grab that lint roller and tackle the mess head-on. After all, a clean home is a happy home—even if it’s shared with a messy roommate who barks at the mailman…