Hardwood Floors and Dogs - Questions about Cleaning!

[marshies]

My house has hardwood floors. It seems that no matter how frequently I mop, sweep, and swifter, the floors of places she has access to is always dirty, dusty and hairy. Please, knowledgeable dog owners, share how you keep the hair and dirt under control.

The dirt improved when I put a rug in by the door that she comes in/out of. But it's still there.

I'm thinking of getting a steamer mop to help with the dirt. The swifter seems to be doing okay for the hair. This has to be an every-other day job, or else the place is covered again.

What products and tools do you use? How often do you clean?

[lemonadeicedtea]

I clean everyday. :X

Honestly, even with all the products/tools that I use, I find that the most noticeable difference comes from wiping my boy down with baby wipes (your typical unscented generic brand) whenever he comes indoors. It may sound finicky, but it's become like second nature and only takes a moment. When I know he's not going to be bringing in too much dirt (a quick trip outside to pee, for example), I just used a regular dish towel.

[shepherdmom]

I find a broom first to get up the majority of the hair and then one of these microfiber mops works pretty good.

Amazon.com: Professional Mighty Mop: Home & Kitchen

Amazon.com: Professional Mighty Mop: Home & Kitchen

Mine is a different brand but looks very similar.

[marshies]

Originally Posted by lemonadeicedtea

I clean everyday. :X

Honestly, even with all the products/tools that I use, I find that the most noticeable difference comes from wiping my boy down with baby wipes (your typical unscented generic brand) whenever he comes indoors. It may sound finicky, but it's become like second nature and only takes a moment. When I know he's not going to be bringing in too much dirt (a quick trip outside to pee, for example), I just used a regular dish towel.

Thank you! I do this when it's muddy/dirty outside. I honestly don't know where the dirt is coming from. Our yard is covered in snow!!!

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

I find a broom first to get up the majority of the hair and then one of these microfiber mops works pretty good.

Amazon.com: Professional Mighty Mop: Home & Kitchen

Mine is a different brand but looks very similar.

I do this right now. I don't like it because washing the mop is a huge hassle.

I'm thinking of going with a vacuum of some sort. I only have hard wood, so I don't know if it's neccesary.

Thanks for the response!

[Karma6577]

I clean everyday with a little dirt devil 10 amp portable vacuum..it's super light and way easier to pull out than my Kirby. The paw print issue I use rugs by every door and the water bowl..and wipe paws off as they come in with hand towels and a squirt bottle with water in it. I use my steam mop every other day to sanitize. I do enjoy cleaning so sometimes I will do it everyday.


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[marshies]

Originally Posted by Karma6577

I clean everyday with a little dirt devil 10 amp portable vacuum..it's super light and way easier to pull out than my Kirby. The paw print issue I use rugs by every door and the water bowl..and wipe paws off as they come in with hand towels and a squirt bottle with water in it. I use my steam mop every other day to sanitize. I do enjoy cleaning so sometimes I will do it everyday.


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Thanks! I had a dirt devil at school, and it died within 6 months of cleaning dog hair.

I'm thinking the Dyson DC 26 with a Steam Mop

My mom would be thrilled if I cleaned everyday. However, I work 12+ hours a day including commute...so literally I come home, eat, walk/jog dog, and die in my bed.

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by marshies

I do this right now. I don't like it because washing the mop is a huge hassle.

I'm thinking of going with a vacuum of some sort. I only have hard wood, so I don't know if it's neccesary.

Thanks for the response!

I have several mop head refills so I just change them out and wash a pile at once. I just toss them into my washing machine.

Vacuums don't really work well and I've got a bissel steam cleaner that I hate. All it does in clump the dog fur into a wet mess. UGH!

[onyx'girl]

I have the bissel steam cleaner too, and it works great if the floor is vaccuumed well. I hardly use it, not worth the $....but I do know the floors are a bit cleaner vs using a sponge mop.

[marshies]

Question for you vacuum users. Do your vacuums smell doggy?

[lemonadeicedtea]

Originally Posted by marshies

Question for you vacuum users. Do your vacuums smell doggy?

Nope! I have a Dyson DC33, and am pretty consistent about emptying the canister, pulling any stuck hairs from the roller brush and washing the filters often.