We love our furry companions, but let’s be honest: they don’t exactly prioritize keeping our homes clean. Between the “zoomies” that kick up dust, the muddy paws tracking through the entryway, and the mysterious layer of fur that seems to coat every surface, maintaining a pristine home can feel like a losing battle. It often feels like we have to choose between a stylish, magazine-worthy living room and the joy of sharing our lives with a pet.

However, having a clean, sophisticated home and being a devoted pet parent aren’t mutually exclusive. The secret lies in a “work smarter, not harder” approach: choosing the right materials, establishing quick daily habits and using a few clever design hacks to manage the chaos. From strategic textile choices to designated “pet zones” that contain the clutter, you can minimize the mess without sacrificing your interiors. We talked to Lisa Hartman, Dog Trainer and Pet Expert, to get a few practical tips to help you keep your space looking (and smelling) fantastic. If you’re a current or prospective pet owner, here are 10 ways to ensure your home stays looking good with pets.

Secure trash cans

One of the best ways to keep your house clean is to keep your trash cans out of sight. “Keep garbage cans out of pets’ reach and with secure locking lids,” says Hartman. “Preventing a mess is always better than cleaning one.” Tucking trash cans away into a cabinet or a designated outdoor enclosure not only deters curious animals but also eliminates visual clutter and unpleasant odors from your living space.

Groom pets regularly

Keeping your pets groomed regularly serves two purposes: it keeps them clean and reduces pet hair and fur around your house. “Start by conditioning your pets to like being groomed by making it fun,” Hartman advises. “Give them their favorite yummy food while you touch their shoulder, then a paw. Over a week or two, work up to handling their entire body.” Once they’re comfortable with being handled, establishing a consistent weekly brushing routine will significantly minimize shedding before it ever reaches your furniture or floors.

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Teach pets to “wipe their paws”

Just like your other house guests, you can also teach your pets to “wipe their feet” before coming into the house. “Train your pets by placing a towel in the entrance area. Move a treat or favorite toy in front of them to lure your pet into spinning in circles or dancing side to side on the towel,” Hartman explains. This repeated movement naturally buffs away dirt and moisture from their paws, keeping mud and outdoor debris on the mat rather than tracking it across your clean carpets.

Choose easy-to-clean floors

Hartman says that if you can, choose easier-to-clean floors like wood or tile over carpets. “Solid floors are easier to maintain with pets than carpets,” she says. “If you want carpets in your home, choose low-pile carpets that are easily cleanable, or area rugs that can be thrown in the washing machine.” Opting for durable surfaces also means accidental spills and trapped odors can be addressed quickly, preventing long-term damage to your flooring.

Keep surfaces clean

It sounds simple, but make a daily habit to keep your counters, coffee tables and floors tidy. “Make sure you keep counters and other surfaces clean of objects, especially food,” recommends Hartman. “You want to make sure that your pets can’t get into any loose clutter and make a bigger mess.” By keeping surfaces clean, you remove the temptation for pets to “counter-surf,” protecting both your belongings and your pet’s safety.

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Brush your pets outside

Brush your pets outside if you’re going to do a dry brush, Hartman advises. “Brushing outside will minimize debris and hair in the home,” she says. “And if you make it a daily habit, you’ll have a higher chance of keeping your interior clean.” Stepping onto a porch or into the backyard allows loose fur and dander to float away in the breeze rather than settling into your upholstery or floors.

Consider pet-friendly fabrics

Some home fabrics are better than others if you have pets. “Cover sofas and chairs with washable covers, or invest in stain-resistant fabrics,” Hartman says. “Also, avoid delicate fabrics like silk and velvet, and embrace those that can handle a little wear and tear.” Pet owners should opt for durable textiles like microfiber or tightly woven canvas, which can also help prevent claws from snagging and make vacuuming much easier.

Use pet gates

Pet gates can be used to temporarily keep your pets out of areas you’d like to keep clean. “For instance, after playing outdoors with your pets, you can keep pets in areas of the home that are easier to clean,” explains Hartman. This practice allows you to contain muddy paws in mudrooms or tiled entryways until your pet is cleaned up, effectively creating a “buffer zone” that protects your more sensitive living areas.

Invest in a quality vacuum

If you have pets, consider upgrading your vacuum. “An automatic vacuum (like a Roomba) can help clean floor messes so you don’t have to,” says Hartman. For regular vacuums, choose one specifically made with pets in mind.” These specialized models often feature powerful suction and anti-tangle brush rolls that lift stubborn hair from deep within carpet fibers without clogging.

Stimulate your pets

If you find your pets are regularly tearing up your house, consider taking time each day to give them play time. “Give your pets daily enrichment activities like long walks and play time with interactive toys, catnip, climbing posts and snuffle mats,” Hatman explains. “This will happily occupy them and help prevent them from finding something messy to get into.”

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