Spring Cleaning for Dog Owners: Organizing, Deep Cleaning, and Refreshing Your Home

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, and if you're a dog owner, it’s also a great opportunity to tackle pet-related cleaning tasks. From removing stubborn fur to sanitizing dog gear, a thorough deep clean not only freshens your space but also helps keep your pup healthy. Here’s a guide to spring cleaning for dog owners, covering organization, deep cleaning, and pet-friendly refreshers for your home.

Spring Cleaning Checklist for Dog Owners | LC HUNTING LABS

Step 1: Decluttering and Organizing Dog Supplies

Over time, pet supplies can accumulate—half-chewed toys, worn-out leashes, and expired treats. Keeping your dog's essentials organized makes everyday care easier and ensures their belongings stay fresh and safe.

✅ Sort Through Toys & Accessories – Dogs often have favorite toys, while others go untouched. Sort through all toys, discarding damaged ones that could pose a choking hazard. Wash plush toys in the washing machine and disinfect rubber or plastic toys with warm, soapy water. If you have too many, consider rotating them to keep your dog interested.

✅ Check Expiration Dates – Dog food, treats, and supplements don’t last forever. Check the expiration dates on kibble, canned food, treats, and medications. Dispose of anything past its prime and ensure your dog's diet remains nutritious and safe.

✅ Wash & Replace Bedding – Your dog’s bed and blankets collect dirt, fur, and odors over time. Wash all fabric items in hot water to kill bacteria and remove pet dander. If bedding is torn, flattened, or no longer providing support, consider replacing it with a new, orthopedic bed for added comfort.

✅ Organize Leashes & Grooming Tools – Keeping leashes, collars, brushes, nail clippers, and other grooming tools in a designated area prevents clutter and makes daily walks and grooming sessions smoother. Use hooks, bins, or storage baskets to keep these items easily accessible.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning Your Home

🐾 DIY Pet-Safe Cleaning Solutions

Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Instead, consider using homemade, pet-safe alternatives to keep your home fresh and toxin-free.

🧼 All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Castile soap in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil (pet-safe varieties) for a fresh scent. Shake well before use and spray on countertops, floors, and dog crates.

🛋 Pet-Friendly Carpet & Upholstery Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda over carpets and furniture, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum. For tough odors, mix baking soda with cornstarch for extra absorption.

🦴 Stain & Odor Remover: Combine one cup of hydrogen peroxide, two tablespoons of baking soda, and one tablespoon of Castile soap. Apply to pet stains, let sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a clean towel for best results.

🐶 Toy & Bowl Cleaner: Soak pet toys, food, and water bowls in a solution of hot water, one tablespoon of Castile soap, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to break down bacteria and grime. Scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly before use.

🧽 DIY Floor Cleaner (Safe for Hardwoods & Tile): Mix 1 gallon of warm water, ½ cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of Castile soap. For a fresh scent, add 5-10 drops of pet-safe lavender or chamomile essential oil. Mop floors as usual, ensuring they dry completely to prevent slips.

🛏 Laundry Booster for Pet Bedding & Blankets: Add ½ cup baking soda and ¼ cup vinegar to the wash cycle when cleaning pet bedding. Use hot water to kill bacteria and odors while keeping fabrics fresh.

By incorporating these homemade solutions, you can ensure a deep clean while keeping your home safe for your four-legged friend.

Tackling Pet Hair & Dander

Dogs can leave behind fur, dander, and odors that build up over time. A deep clean ensures a fresher, healthier environment for both you and your pup.

🐶 Tackling Pet Hair & Dander

Pet hair and dander can accumulate in places you don’t always notice, like under furniture, in corners, and on curtains. To effectively remove it:

Use a high-efficiency vacuum with a pet hair attachment to deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
Try a damp rubber glove or squeegee on fabric surfaces to lift stubborn fur.
Launder pet bedding, throw blankets, and washable furniture covers in hot water to remove allergens.
Dust and wipe down baseboards and vents, as they tend to collect pet hair and dust over time.

🦴 Eliminating Odors & Stains

Even the cleanest dogs can leave behind lingering odors and occasional accidents. To keep your home smelling fresh:

Use enzymatic cleaners to break down pet stains and neutralize odors at the source.
Deep clean dog crates, carriers, and food bowls with pet-safe disinfectants to prevent bacteria buildup.
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture before vacuuming to absorb lingering pet odors.
Wash walls and baseboards with a mild vinegar solution to remove stains and dander buildup.

Step 3: Refreshing Outdoor Spaces

As the weather warms up, outdoor areas where your dog plays may need some TLC. Regular upkeep ensures a clean, safe space for your pup to enjoy.

🌿 Yard Cleanup: Remove pet waste, rake up old leaves, and check for any hazards such as sharp objects, toxic plants, or holes in fences. Trim overgrown grass to reduce the presence of fleas and ticks.

🚿 Dog Bath Station: Set up a convenient area for washing your dog after outdoor adventures. Use an outdoor hose with a gentle spray nozzle, a non-slip mat, and a dog-friendly shampoo for a quick and easy cleanup.

🐾 Sanitize Outdoor Gear: Outdoor items like leashes, harnesses, and toys can accumulate dirt and bacteria. Wash them with mild soap and warm water, and check for signs of wear or damage that might compromise their effectiveness.

🦴 Refreshing the Play Area: If you have an outdoor kennel, dog house, or designated play zone, disinfect surfaces, replace old bedding, and add some new toys to keep your pup entertained.

Step 4: Switching to a Fresh, Spring-Friendly Routine

Spring is a great time to adjust your dog's care routine to fit the new season. Warmer weather means more time outdoors, new allergens, and shedding season, so a few small changes can make a big difference.

🌸 Grooming Refresh: Spring marks the start of shedding season for many breeds. Increase brushing frequency using a de-shedding tool to reduce loose fur in your home. Regular baths with a moisturizing dog shampoo can help keep their coat healthy.

🚶‍♂️ Update Your Walking Routine: The longer days and warmer temperatures provide more opportunities for outdoor activities. Try exploring new trails, scheduling playdates with other dogs, or setting up backyard agility exercises.

🧴 Check Seasonal Health Needs: Warmer weather means an increase in fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can carry heartworm. Make sure your dog is up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. If allergies are a concern, talk to your vet about symptoms and treatment options.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about a tidy home—it’s about creating a healthier, more comfortable space for both you and your dog. A little organization and deep cleaning can go a long way in maintaining a fresh, pet-friendly environment.

Taking the time to declutter, deep clean, and refresh both indoor and outdoor spaces will make life easier for you and more enjoyable for your dog. Plus, transitioning to a spring-friendly routine will ensure your pup stays happy, active, and healthy as the seasons change.

🐾 Do you have a go-to spring cleaning tip for pet owners? Share your best tricks in the comments, and let’s make our homes even more pet-friendly together!