How To Keep Your House Clean With a Labrador

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Bathe and Groom Your Labrador Frequently

The first step towards maintaining a clean home with a Labrador is keeping the dog clean. Your canine's body can harbor a lot of dirt that, in turn, makes your house messy.

The first thing you need to do is set up a grooming schedule for your Lab.

Get the ideal cleaning products, including pet shampoo, dog wipes, a grooming brush, and nail clippers. If you aren't comfortable grooming your dog at home, you can also schedule regular sessions with a professional groomer. However, that can get pretty costly. As long as you have the right tools and products, I promise you can do it on your own.

Ensure you brush your Lab's coat daily to minimize shedding (Labradors are notorious shedders) and to remove debris, dust, and other dirt your dog may have collected with its fur. Always wash your dog's feet after walks or outdoor playtime.

Don't forget to trim your Lab's nails often, too. This is important because your dog's long nails can contribute to a messy house, since long nails carry dirt, mar hardwood floors, and scratch furniture.

Vacuum Your House Regularly To Remove Dog Fur

One of the persistent issues you'll have to deal with as a Lab parent is dog fur. Labradors are prone to shedding, and if you aren't careful enough, your canine friend can turn your house into a den of nuisance-causing fur.

Although regular grooming may reduce shedding, you'll still need a cleaning plan to tackle your dog's large amounts of fur.

Therefore, you should invest in a quality vacuum cleaner that is powerful enough to remove pet hair.

Vacuum cleaning often can be tedious and time-consuming, but the good news is, you can keep your house vacuum cleaned with zero effort. This is achieved by using a robotic vacuum cleaner, such as the iLife V9e from Amazon.com. This is the brand that I use because it does the job perfectly and is half the price of some of the more popular ones out there. I set it to go off at the same time every day and I don't even think about it!

A robotic vacuum cleaner does everything for you, thus keeping your house spotless even in your absence. Where were these when I was in college?!

For a more detailed discussion around my approach to combat shedding, check out Do Labs Shed? A Complete Guide to Labrador Shedding

Air Out the House To Get Rid of Foul Smells

Despite potty training your Lab, you may still find the occasional accident indoors, which can leave the carpets, furniture, and curtains smelling unpleasant.

To get rid of these foul smells, ensure you air out your house. If the weather allows it, leave your doors and windows open for some time to let in a little fresh air.

You can also use deodorants and air fresheners to mask some of the smells. My wife is a big fan of essential oils, so you could try a starter pack like this one from Amazon to see if that's a solution that works for you.

Cover Up Your Lab's Favorite Spots to Contain the Mess

If your dog has some favorite spots in the house, you should consider covering them up to contain the mess and simplify cleaning later on.

You can do this by using throw blankets to cover your couches and bed, or use easy-to-clean mats to shield the floors. Old towels can also be used for areas where your dog enjoys treats, or by the water bowl to prevent puddles on the floor.

Invest in High-Quality Doormats to Keep Paws Clean

Do you get irritated by muddy paw prints anytime your Labrador gets back from a walk or an exercise session outdoors? You can contain these by investing in high-quality doormats.

It's best to purchase doormats in pairs so you can place them on the outside and inside of your door. They won't give your Labrador's paws a thorough cleaning, but they'll help reduce the amount of loose dirt that comes into your home.

It's also vital to change and wash the mats from time to time. Dirty doormats that have accumulated outdoor debris won't be able to clean your dog's paws as effectively. The best way to keep your house clean with a Labrador is to limit the debris on entry!

Have a Stain and Odor Remover on Hand

Even with a trained dog, accidents are bound to happen, and you're likely to find stains in various spots around your house. The best way to tackle stain spots is to remove them as soon as they appear.

This means you should always have a stain remover handy, closely followed by an odor neutralizer.

When choosing a stain remover, consider investing in a pet-specific one and ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Also, be sure to check that it's ideal for use on the surface you intend to use it on, especially for textiles or hardwood, concrete, and tiled floor surfaces.

Once you've removed the stains, you can then spray the area with an odor remover to get rid of any lingering smells.

Wash Your Labrador's Belongings, Including Toys and Bedding

Neglecting your dog's treasured items, such as toys and bedding, will continue to make your house dirty. It's recommended to give your dog's belongings a thorough cleaning to reduce any buildup and dirt that can accumulate on them. These items should include your dog's favorite toys, any bedding and blankets, as well as food and water bowls.

You can also wash your Labrador's harness, leash, and any other items that are used regularly and could become dirty or smelly from frequent use.

Upgrade Your Home With Stain-Resistant Materials

Some fabrics and materials used in furniture have a higher risk of attracting dog fur. There are also a few materials which are easier to clean and maintain than others.

When it comes to making your home more Lab-friendly, you should consider changing your furniture and opting for fabrics and materials that are easier to clean, stain-resistant, and more durable. Replacing carpets with hard flooring, for example, can help control excess dog fur and stains because the hard materials are easier to clean and less absorbent than carpet fibers.

Wrapping It Up

Sometimes, keeping your Labrador comfortable and your house clean simultaneously can be challenging. However, there are ways you can maintain the cleanliness of your home and the wellness of your dog. Keeping your house clean with your Labrador will keep both of you happy and sane!

These tips include: