How To Keep Floors Clean With Dogs

How to Keep Hardwood Floors Clean of Dog Hair

Keeping pet hair off your hardwood floors can be a daily chore

Every dog owner with hardwood floors has wondered how to keep hardwood floors clean of dog hair, but the answer isn't always a simple one. A regular routine of pet grooming and floor cleaning, however, can minimize hair problems no matter what type of dog you have.

Minimize Shedding

The easiest way to keep your hardwood floors clean of dog hair is to minimize the amount of hair your pets will shed. While every dog sheds and even short hair can quickly add up on a hardwood floor, there are tricks that can make the hair more manageable.

Groom your dog regularly with baths and frequent brushing using a good quality brush that will remove more loose fur. Not only is this a great opportunity to minimize shed hair, but it can become a bonding time between you and your pet as well.
Keep your pet's fur properly trimmed to minimize loose hair and additional shedding. At the same time, however, avoid shaving the hair completely as this robs your dog of the necessary insulation to protect their skin.
If possible, depending on the layout of your home, train your dog to stay off the hardwood floors. This can be an easy matter if the hardwood flooring is confined to one area.
Feed your dog a quality brand of food with plenty of protein to promote a healthy coat. This will ensure less shed hair from loose or damaged fur.
Control fleas carefully. A pet that scratches frequently will loosen hair and shed more easily.

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Tips for How to Keep Hardwood Floors Clean of Dog Hair

No matter how you to try to minimize shedding, some dog hair will inevitably accumulate on your hardwood floors. If you know how to clean hardwood floors properly with vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping, you can clean up that hair more easily. These additional steps can ensure you clean up as much pet hair as possible.

Instead of sweeping with a flicking motion that can spread pet hair, opt to vacuum your floor with a hardwood floor attachment or hard flooring setting. This will eliminate most hair, and you can buy a simple, lightweight vacuum for this daily cleaning instead of a heavy duty machine. Robotic vacuums can also be effective in cleaning up dog hair.
Be sure to clean beneath furniture and in corners where pet hair can accumulate. For stubborn areas, a slightly damp terry cloth mop can be effective, or use a dry dust sweeper.
If your dog's hair is snagging on parts of the hardwood floor when you try to clean it, the sealer coat may be thin or uneven. Reapply sealer in the affected area until you achieve a smooth, even coat with no sharp edges to catch hair. It may be necessary to strip the floor before applying new sealer, but a well applied layer of sealer can last several years.

Minimizing the Appearance of Dog Hair

Even with dedicated cleaning, it can be impossible to capture every single dog hair when you clean your hardwood floors. There are ways, however, to minimize the appearance of dog hair to the point where it is hardly noticeable, and to clean the rest of your home to remove excess hair that could get on your hardwood floors.

woman brushing her dog to keep hardwood floors clean of dog hair — Grooming will reduce shedding.

Use good quality air filters throughout your home and on your vacuum to catch floating hair. This will also help minimize other dust particles, decreasing the need for frequent cleaning.
Keep all carpets, rugs, and furniture as clean of dog hair as possible around your home, since it is easy to spread on clothing, shoes, or linens. A rubber sweeper, strong vacuum, or specialized pet hair removers can all be effective to help minimize pet hair throughout your home.
If you have the option, consider choosing a color of hardwood flooring stain that is close to the color of your pet's hair. This will help the hair blend in so it is not as easily seen if you can't clean it up as frequently.

Pet hair can be notoriously difficult to clean, but knowing how to keep hardwood floors clean of dog hair can help you enjoy both your best friend and clean, shiny floors without inconvenience.