Living in an Apartment with a Dog: How to Keep Your Home Clean

Beyond

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Living with a dog in your apartment is pretty great. They’re always there, always happy to see you, and honestly, nothing beats coming home to that wagging tail. But, yeah, things can get messy in a small space. One minute everything’s clean, the next, you’re stepping over clumps of fur and wiping up paw prints. We’ve all been there. The thing is, you don’t have to pick between a clean place and your pup’s company. Change up a few habits, and you can keep your apartment feeling fresh, no problem.

Common Cleanliness Challenges in Apartment Living

Apartment life throws some unique curveballs at dog owners, presenting specific hurdles that don’t exist in larger homes with yards.

No Buffer Zone: Since you don’t have a backyard or a mudroom, dirt tracks straight from the sidewalk into your living room.
Trapped Odors: In a compact space, “doggy odor” can settle into your sofa and carpets surprisingly quickly, and limited airflow often makes things feel stuffy.
Intense Shedding: Loose fur feels way more overwhelming in close quarters, often ending up in places you didn’t think possible, like your morning coffee.

Tips for Having a Clean Home with Dogs

You don’t need to spend weekends scrubbing. Staying tidy is about smart, small habits rather than exhausting cleaning sessions. Here is how to keep your place looking great.

1. Using a Dog-Specific Vacuum Cleaner Regularly

Let’s be honest: dog hair is the real villain here. Regular vacuums? Most of the time, they just move the fur around or choke up after a few swipes. If you actually want to get ahead of the mess, you need a vacuum made for the job. Go for one designed for pet hair, with strong suction and brush rolls that don’t get tangled.

If you live in an apartment, a cordless stick vacuum is a total game-changer. It’s light, easy to grab, and perfect for those quick sweeps before guests show up. You can zip through the main spots in five minutes and stop the fur from sinking deep into your carpets. Now, have you tried a robot vacuum? These little guys are amazing. Let them roam while you’re at work, and they’ll quietly pick up that never-ending layer of hair and dust. You come home to floors that actually look clean. It just keeps the daily chaos under control, so you don’t have to stress.

One thing, though: empty the bin often. Pet hair fills it up way faster than you’d think. Clean filters matter, too. They help your vacuum work better and grab more allergens, so your place smells fresher and feels lighter.

2. Using Pee Pads for Dogs

Sometimes, you just can’t get outside fast enough. Maybe you’re up on the tenth floor, or there’s a thunderstorm that’s got your pup spooked. Puppies and older dogs? They’re not always waiting for you to grab the leash or make it to the elevator. Accidents happen, and let’s face it, nothing ruins a carpet or laminate floor faster.

Setting up a designated relief spot saves your floors and your sanity. It gives you peace of mind when you are stuck on a long call. Many pet parents are ditching the wasteful paper options now. Switching to washable pee pads for dogs is a sustainable move that actually works better.

These pads are super absorbent and don’t leak like the flimsy disposable ones often do. Since they are reusable, you aren’t constantly throwing money (and trash) away. You just wash them, and they are ready for the next round.

Tuck the pad in a quiet corner, away from their food bowls. It’s a simple backup plan that keeps your home hygienic and stress-free.

3. Maintaining a Regular Bathing and Brushing Routine

Brush your dog a couple of times a week. Seriously, it makes a huge difference. You want all that loose fur in your brush, not drifting across your couch. If you’ve got a balcony, that’s the perfect spot for grooming since the fur stays outside. No balcony? No problem. Just pick a place that’s easy to sweep up, like the bathroom floor.

Bath time? Once a month is enough. That way, you keep your pup smelling fresh without messing up their natural oils. Grab a mild, dog-friendly shampoo, and on the days between baths, grooming wipes work wonders for a quick clean-up. This little routine keeps your place from smelling like “wet dog” and helps your dog’s skin stay healthy.

4. Cleaning Paw Prints at the Door Immediately

Think of your front door as your first line of defense. Set up a quick cleaning spot right at the entrance; a microfiber towel and some water spray do the trick. Make it a habit: paws get wiped before anyone walks in. Get between those toes, too. Your dog will catch on fast and start waiting for the routine.

Want to keep your floors even cleaner? Use two doormats. Put a tough one outside to grab the dirt, then an absorbent mat inside to soak up any leftover moisture.

5. Training a Dog to Use Designated Areas Indoors

Living in a small apartment means you’ve got to set some ground rules to keep the mess in check. Maybe you make the bedroom off-limits for your dog, but trust me, hair-free sheets are worth it. If your pup gets couch privileges, just toss a washable blanket over their favorite spot and teach them that’s their place. It’ll save you from scrubbing the couch later.

Make your dog’s bed extra inviting. Add a soft blanket, toss in a treat or two, and let them know it’s their special spot. When they hang out there, your rugs stay cleaner. Don’t forget to toss their bedding in the wash every week. It knocks out the germs and keeps your place smelling good.

Disclaimer: Articles in our Beyond category are independent. They are not overseen by our editorial team and may not reflect our opinion.