How to Clean Your Home When You Have Pets (Without Losing Your Mind)
The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Cleaning Guide for Toronto Homeowners and Renters
If you live in Toronto and share your space with a furry friend, you already know the struggle: fur on every surface, muddy paw prints, pet smells, and surprise messes. Whether you’re a dog owner in Forest Hill or have two cats in a Midtown condo, keeping a clean home with pets can feel like a full-time job.
At Midtown Maids, we specialize in pet-friendly house cleaning services across Toronto. In this guide, we share the best tools, tips, and cleaning routines that help you maintain a clean, healthy home—without compromising your love for your pets.
🧹 1. The Best Way to Remove Pet Hair from Furniture and Floors
Pet hair is the #1 cleaning challenge for most Toronto pet owners. And no, vacuuming once a week isn’t enough.
Top Tools for Pet Hair Removal:
✅ Rubber squeegee for carpets and rugs
✅ Lint rollers for furniture and clothes
✅ Microfiber dry mop for hardwood or tile
✅ Vacuum with a HEPA filter and pet hair attachment (like Dyson Animal or Shark TruePet)
🪄 Hack: Lightly dampen rubber gloves and run your hands over upholstery—hair will cling to the glove instantly.
🐶 2. Combat Pet Odors with These Natural Deodorizers
Pet smells—especially in small Toronto condos—can stick around even if your pet is clean. Skip the synthetic sprays and try these natural odor eliminators:
Odor Busters That Work:
Baking soda in litter boxes, rugs, and shoes
Activated charcoal pouches (great for closets)
White vinegar spray for accidents or wet dog smell
Essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) diffused safely away from pets
💡 Note: Always check which essential oils are pet-safe before using.
🧼 3. Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Many household cleaners contain toxins that can harm pets, especially on floors where they walk, lick, and nap.
Safer Options for Pet Owners:
Plant-based cleaners (look for Green Seal, EcoLogo certified brands)
DIY all-purpose cleaner: vinegar + water + lemon juice
Enzyme cleaners for pet accidents and odor control
🧴 Midtown Tip: Buy eco-friendly refills from local Toronto shops like Eco + Amour or Bare Market.
🚿 4. Stop Messes at the Door: Create a Pet Cleaning Station
Toronto’s four seasons mean your pet brings in everything from mud and slush to pollen and leaves.
Set Up a Quick-Clean Station Near Your Entryway:
Paw wipes or a clean towel
A shallow bin with warm water and pet shampoo
Mat or boot tray for drying paws
Treat jar for good behavior
🧽 Fast Fix: Baby wipes (unscented and pet-safe) are great for in-between paw cleans.
🛋️ 5. Prevent Dirt Build-Up with a Pet-Centered Cleaning Routine
Routine is everything. The more consistent your cleaning schedule, the easier it is to control fur, dander, and smells.
Weekly Pet Cleaning Routine:
Vacuum all surfaces (yes, even the curtains)
Wash pet beds, toys, and blankets
Clean water/food bowls with soap and vinegar
Check for accidents in hidden corners
Wipe baseboards and door frames
📅 Bonus Tip: Book a professional cleaning service once a month to reset your space.
💚 Why Pet Owners in Midtown Toronto Trust Midtown Maids
We use the products you have in your home (which means you can guarantee pet-safe, non-toxic products on all surfaces)
Our team is trained to clean homes with dogs, cats, and other pets
We offer deep cleaning services for homes with pets that shed or have special odor concerns
Flexible scheduling for weekly, biweekly, or seasonal cleaning
🐾 Whether you’re dealing with furballs, slobbery windows, or that mysterious “wet dog” smell—we’ve got your back (and your baseboards).
🧽 Ready for a Pet-Friendly Deep Clean?
Midtown Maids offers professional cleaning services for pet owners across Midtown Toronto, including Yonge & Eglinton, Leaside, Rosedale, and beyond.
👉 Book your pet-safe clean now → midtownmaids.ca/contact
📌 Share This with a Fellow Pet Parent
Know a friend in Toronto who’s overwhelmed by fur and paw prints? Send them this blog or tag them in our latest Facebook post @MidtownMaids. 🐕🐈