It can feel like an endless battle keeping hardwood floors clean with dogs. After all, dog hair, muddy paw prints and the occasional accident can easily lead to a less than tidy house which is not exactly appealing. Not to fear, as there are easy methods and tricks for keeping your hardwood floors looking new even after the shenanigans of man’s best friend. To make your life easier, and home more enjoyable when you have dogs running about, this blog post will take an in-depth look at specific tips on how to keep hardwood floors clean with dogs. From shedding to an occasional spill, here are some tips to help you keep your floors as clean and new-looking.
How to Keep Hardwood Floors clean with Dogs?
Dog owners with hardwood floors would probably say that its pretty much impossible to keep them in pristine condition when you have four-legged creatures running around all the time. But there are ways to prevent your floors from getting dirty and still keep the pets happy Step-by-Step Guide to How To Clean Hardwood Floors With Dogs
Regular Sweeping
Sweep your hardwood floors daily. Start by using a soft-bristled broom or a hardwood setting on your vacuum cleaner to sweep away loose dirt and pet fur. This can keep dirt from rubbing and ensures that allergens do not collect on the bottom.
Pick a Light Wood Color
Lighter Wood Finishes: Because they disguise the scratches and dirt more easily. Light color floors make those little imperfections a lot less visible.
Choose the Right Vacuum
Choose a vacuum that is designed for hardwood floors. Remember to stay clear of vacuums with a beater bar or brushes which can cause surface damage. It also becomes faster as some models come with beater bar stops on the attachments to pick up pet hair.
Use a Pet-Friendly Mop
Use a microfiber mop dampened with water to clean your floors once per week. Do not over-water as this can damage the hardwood in time. Opt for a hardwood-safe cleaner specifically made to address pet messes. Be sure to wring the mop well when using it.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Act quickly to clean up any spills or mishaps. Blot the area with a soft cloth and sanitize using a hardwood floor cleaner. Helps avoid staining and damage to the woods finish.
Place Rugs and Mats
Place throw-away mats or rugs where possible, especially in front of doors and any high-traffic areas. These will attract dirt and moisture before it hits your hard wood floors. These mats have a non-slippy base to stop the skids happening.
Trim Your Dog’s Nails
Trim your dog’s nails often- this way they wont scratch up the hardwood floors too much. If your dog runs in the house, long nails will also cause damage.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Regular grooming helps to reduce the fur that is deposited into our carpets and on our floors. Take your dog and brush regularly to eliminate loose hair & dander. This also helps in reducing shedding.
Use Pet-Safe Floor Protectors
Use floor protectors or felt pads on the bottom of your furniture pieces. With this you avoid your dog making scratches or even rubbing its body when it is throwing the toys.
Check for Residue
Make sure to look for residue from cleaning products after the cleanup. Dirt really sticks to the residue, and over time your floors visibly appear a dull dirty grey. Use a well-wrung cloth to wipe over the cleaner and continue wiping with a damp cloth.
Create a Den for Your Dog
Choose a designated space for your dog to lounge so that it’s easier to keep the rest of your home clean. This worked to limit the amount of fur and dirt flying everywhere.
Protect Water Bowl Areas
Put a plastic tray or rubber mat under your water dish to catch spills resulting in any possible damage before it reaches wood floors.
Apply More Coats of Finish
You may want to apply more than one coat of finish to the wood floor. It provides an extra layer of protection to avoid scratches and other damages.
Choose the Right Wood Species
The durability of wood also depends on what type it is. Opt-in for hardwoods like oak or maple, which offer greater resilience.
Consider Doggie Booties
Invest in dog booties that are suited to the particular needs of your floors if you have hardwood, especially considering how tempting it is for dogs to scamper and play. And, they can be really useful during the winter to prevent yard junk from blowing indoors.
Opt for a Lower Sheen Finish
High sheen or gloss finishes are less forgiving of scratches and stains, while a more matte finish can help hide imperfections better.
Train Dog
Teaching a dog not to jump or run in the house can mean less nicks and scratches on your hardwood floor.
Use Entryway Mats
To preserve all the advantages of having hardwood flooring in your home, doormats should be placed at every point that anyone enters and exit.
Use Rugs in Vulnerable Areas
Drape some of those rugs in places your dog tends to frequent. This added barrier also works to shield your hardwood flooring from wear and tear.
Maintain a Cleaning Routine
Consistency is key. Create a Clean Schedule to Sweep, Mop and Check Damage. It will help you to get the same look of your wooden flooring with keeping them shiny.
Final Words
While at first thought keeping hardwood floors clean with dogs may seem like a near-impossible, task it is something that you can tackle if armed and ready. If you follow these few simple ideas, your floors will remain unscathed from the dirt and scratches that can come with a pet — all while keeping them comfortable too! Doing regular sweeping, picking a vacuum for the right job and using pet-friendly mops will help keep your floors looking their best. Also, keep his nails trimmed so he does not injure your pets and their fur grooming at a minimum to counter the shedding.
Rugs and Mats can help, especially in areas that get a lot of use (like inside the front door). These catch dirt prior to hitting your hardwood. Well for one, good finish protects your floors and using pet-safe floor protectors will give you added nickel-and-dime defense. Pick the correct kind of wood and keep up a customary cleaning routine, hardwood will look as beautiful in your home for twenty years!
Even having a certain space for your dog and they can wear some brilliant D.Q.M. Doggie Booties! Win-win for both of us, you can enjoy the look and feel of hardwood flooring with no guilt while I still have them when family or friends over.
