Home Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents

Congratulations on the exciting new chapter of welcoming a pet into your home! Whether it’s your first time or you’ve had pets in the past, there’s something so special about the first pet that’s all yours.

But let’s be honest: with a new pet comes new challenges—especially when it comes to keeping your house clean. I totally get it. A friend of mine and her husband just welcomed an adorable baby Corgi into their lives, and it’s been so fun watching their journey on Facebook. They’ve always loved Corgis, and now they’re even more in love with their new furry friend. Their feed is filled with sweet puppy photos, and it’s clear this little one has brought so much joy (and a little chaos!) into their home.

When cleaning before moving in with a new pet, it’s important to think about how to keep your home tidy and safe for both your new pet and your family. Through some research, a few smart tips, and some elbow grease, they’ve managed to keep their home surprisingly clean despite the puppy chaos. I’m here to share what’s worked for them—and hopefully, it’ll work for you too!

1. Wipe Those Paws Right Away

One of the first things I learned when cleaning before moving in with a new pet is that a quick wipe-down of dirty paws can make all the difference. With a puppy, muddy paws are pretty much a given, so my friend and her husband made it a habit to wipe their new Corgi’s paws with baby wipes before she even gets back in the car. They even do this when their puppy’s been out on a walk or in a store—just to make sure they’re not tracking any dirt or germs back into the house.

Pro tip: Look for wipes that are fragrance- and dye-free to avoid irritating your pet’s skin. If you have an indoor-outdoor kitten, make it a routine to wipe their paws too. And hey, you can even use them to clean up any messes that might have stuck to their fur!

2. Have a Towel Handy for Rainy Days

Cleaning before moving in with a new pet means you’ll want to be prepared for any mess, especially on those rainy days. After a wet walk, they use a towel to wipe down their Corgi’s paws, and if she’s soaked through, they even dry off her coat. This little habit makes a world of difference in keeping their home clean and dry!

3. Invest in a Washable Couch Cover

Here’s a little secret: a washable couch cover can save your sanity when cleaning before moving in with a pet. Not only does it protect your couch from muddy paws, drool, and even puppy teeth, but it also helps keep the dust, pollen, and fur that accumulate on the cover from settling into your upholstery. It’s a win-win for keeping things clean and extending the life of your furniture. Plus, let’s be real—you’re going to need to wash it often!

4. Roll Up Rugs During Potty Training

If you’re potty training, trust me: it’s easier to roll up your rugs during this phase. My friend didn’t have any rugs when they first got their puppy, but they kept her mostly on hard floors. If she needed to be on a carpeted area, they either carried her or made sure she was safely in a spot where accidents couldn’t happen. The same goes for kittens who may be marking—rolling up the rug gives you one less thing to worry about while you’re getting things under control.

5. Use Baby Gates to Contain the Chaos

Sometimes, you just need a little peace of mind. Baby gates are lifesavers when you need to keep your puppy in a specific area while you’re not actively supervising. This helps prevent any accidents or destruction in the rest of the house, and it’s safer for your pet, too. Puppy-proofing the room and using gates will save you from constant worrying!

6. Crate Training Can Be a Game-Changer

While some might shy away from crate training, it’s been an absolute game-changer for my friend. Their new Corgi loves her crate—it’s her safe space, where she can rest and recharge. Plus, it’s been a lifesaver when they’re away or need to leave the house. Crating their pup prevents accidents and helps avoid any chewing disasters!

7. Praise Your Dog for Chewing the Right Things

Dogs love to chew, especially puppies. The key is to channel that natural instinct into the right places. Make sure your pup has plenty of hard plastic toys and bones to chew on. And when they do, praise them like crazy! Redirect any attention from furniture or shoes to the proper toys, and before you know it, they’ll be choosing the right things to chew on by instinct.

8. Get Your Carpets Professionally Cleaned

Once your pet is fully potty trained and you’re feeling confident about the situation, it’s time to get your carpets professionally cleaned. My friend recommends every 3-6 months, especially if your pet has been shedding a lot or had accidents. Professional cleaning removes embedded fur, dander, and bacteria that can lead to odors and respiratory issues, keeping your home cleaner and healthier.

Whether you decide to try one, a few, or all of these tips when cleaning before moving in with a new pet, I hope they help you keep your home cleaner and more manageable as you settle in with your new pet. But, more importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the process! It’s such an exciting time in your life—make sure to soak it all in and celebrate the adventure ahead!