6 Tips On How To Keep Baseboards Clean With Dogs

To keep baseboards clean with dogs, stop the dirt before it gets inside (doormats and wiping paws), wipe your dog’s wet beard after it drinks, vacuum along the baseboards and wipe them down weekly, and give them a washable, protective finish so marks come off easily. Regular brushing also helps, since much of the grime on baseboards is oil and hair from your dog rubbing past.

Dogs are wonderful companions, but they can also track a lot of dirt and mud into the house and leave their mark on your baseboards. Here are 6 tips that will help you keep your baseboards clean when you have a dog. We share more ideas in how to keep dirt out of the house with dogs.

How to keep baseboards clean with dogs

Baseboards are an often-neglected part of the home, but they can actually be quite delicate. Made of wood, metal, or plastic, baseboards are susceptible to damage from dirt, grime, and pet hair. In order to protect your baseboards and keep them looking their best, it’s important to take some preventive measures:

1Place mats at all entrances to your home

One way to do this is to place mats at all entrances to your home. This will give your dog a chance to wipe its feet before coming inside, and it will also help to catch any dirt that is tracked in.

Make sure to clean your doormats frequently, and consider using a mat with a raised edge to help trap dirt.

2Wipe your dog's feet before they come inside

A doormat does a good job of catching most of the dirt that your dog tracks in, but it’s not always enough. To further protect your baseboards, wipe your dog’s feet before they come inside. You can use a damp cloth or pet-safe grooming wipes to do this (skip scented baby wipes, since your dog may lick its paws afterward).

Be sure to wipe in between each toe, and make sure that you get the underside of your dog’s feet as well. This will help to remove any remaining dirt, mud, or sand that could otherwise be left behind on your floors. Taking this extra step will help to keep your home clean and tidy – and it will also save you from having to scrub your baseboards later on!

3Clean your dog's beard after drinking/eating

Many people are familiar with the fact that dogs often wipe their beards on surfaces after drinking or eating. What fewer people realize, however, is that this habit can result in stains on baseboards and other hard surfaces.

In order to avoid this, try to wipe your dog’s beard with a towel after meals and big drinks. Keeping a small towel next to the water bowl makes this a quick habit. If you’re not home to do it, placing the water bowl on a mat away from walls, or in a room with easy-to-clean surfaces, limits the mess.

4Vacuum regularly

Baseboards are often one of the first places that dirt and dust accumulate. And, once they’re dirty, they can be difficult to clean.

One of the best ways to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on your baseboards is to vacuum regularly. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or hair that has been tracked in. Be sure to use a vacuum with a brush attachment, so you don’t damage your baseboards. For the floors themselves, see how to keep laminate floors clean with dogs.

In addition to vacuuming, you should also wipe down your baseboards with a damp cloth on a weekly basis. This will help to remove any residue that has been left behind by the vacuum. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your baseboards clean and looking like new.

5Use an air purifier

While you may vacuum and sweep regularly, it can be difficult to keep your home completely free of pet hair. However, there is an easy solution- using an air purifier.

Air purifiers are designed to remove particles from the air, including pet dander, fine hair, dust, and pollen, so less of it settles along your walls and baseboards. Models with a carbon filter can also help to reduce odors. They won’t replace vacuuming, though, since most shed hair falls straight to the floor. As a result, an air purifier can be a simple and effective way to keep your home clean and comfortable for both you and your pet.

There are a variety of air purifiers on the market, so it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for homes with pets. Look for an air purifier with high CADR ratings for pet hair and odors, and make sure to choose a model that is the right size for your needs. With a little bit of research, you can find an air purifier that will work well for both you and your furry friend.

6Protect your baseboards with coating

If you’re finding it difficult to keep your baseboards clean, you might want to consider coating them with a clear sealant. This will create a barrier between your baseboards and any dirt or debris that could be tracked in. There are many different types of sealants available, so be sure to choose one that is durable and easy to clean. For painted baseboards, repainting with a semi-gloss or satin paint has a similar effect: glossy finishes are much easier to wipe clean than flat paint.

You may also want to consider a sealant that is specifically designed for use on baseboards. By taking this measure, you can help protect your baseboards and keep them looking clean and new for longer. Window sills often take a beating too; see how to protect window sills from dogs.

How to clean dog marks off baseboards

For everyday grime and greasy rub marks, wipe the baseboards with a cloth dipped in warm water and a few drops of dish soap, then dry them. A melamine sponge (like a Magic Eraser) works well on stubborn scuffs, but test it on a hidden spot first, as it can dull glossy paint. If your dog has peed on a baseboard, clean it with an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine, which breaks down the odor so your dog isn’t tempted to mark the same spot again.

And if the marks keep showing up at dog height, brushing your dog a few times a week and bathing it as needed will cut down on the oil and hair it leaves behind.

Final thoughts – How to keep baseboards clean with dogs

Baseboards are an important part of any home, and it is important to keep them clean. With a little bit of effort, you can maintain clean baseboards – even with dogs in the house. By taking some simple steps, such as vacuuming regularly and using an air purifier, you can help to keep your home clean and comfortable for both you and your pet. Thanks for reading!