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A Simple Weekly Cleaning Routine for Pet Owners

Sophie
by Sophie
Published:  July 24th, 2026

Living with pets brings plenty of joy, but it also comes with fur-covered furniture, stray pieces of litter, dirty paw prints and odors that seem to appear from nowhere. 


A short cleaning session each week can keep these everyday messes under control before they become a much bigger job. Focus on the spaces your pet uses most, and the routine should remain practical and manageable.

Image via Canva

Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Table of contents

1. Remove Pet Hair From High-Traffic Areas

Begin with your pet’s favorite sleeping and lounging spots. Use a pet-hair remover on upholstered furniture, fabric pet beds and chairs before vacuuming the floors. 

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Then clean rugs, hard flooring and baseboards, paying extra attention to corners where fur tends to collect.


Cleaning elevated surfaces first allows any loosened hair to fall to the floor, where it can be picked up during the final vacuuming.

Image via Canva

2. Launder Beds, Blankets and Washable Items

Take pet beds, blankets and removable crate liners outside and shake off as much hair and debris as possible. 


Wash each item according to its care instructions, and make sure it is completely dry before placing it back in your pet’s area.


The CDC recommends washing pet bedding and blankets each week. Most washable toys can generally be cleaned once a month, or sooner when they look dirty or develop an odor.

Image via Canva

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3. Deep-Clean the Feeding Station

Your weekly reset is a good opportunity to clean more than the bowls themselves. Wipe down any raised feeders and scrub the mat underneath. 

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Move nearby items so you can collect crumbs, dried food and splashes hiding along the wall or beneath furniture.

Bowls should be cleaned more often than once a week.


The CDC recommends washing dishes used for wet food after every meal, while dry-food and water bowls should be washed daily.

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4. Tidy Litter Boxes and Crates

Vacuum or sweep up litter surrounding the box, then wipe down its exterior and the nearby floor. 


For a crate, remove the bedding and clean the base tray, bars and surrounding area. Check seams and corners since they tend to trap fur, dirt and bits of food.

Image via Canva

5. Handle Stains and Refill Essentials

Inspect carpets, rugs and upholstery for small stains that may have gone unnoticed. Blot new messes gently rather than scrubbing them deeper into the fabric.


Apply a pet-appropriate stain remover as directed on the product label.

Image via Canva

The ASPCA recommends storing household cleaners where pets cannot reach them. Keep animals away from freshly cleaned surfaces until those areas are dry and safe to use.


Finish by replenishing frequently used supplies, including litter, waste bags, paper towels and clean cloths.

Final Thoughts

A weekly cleaning routine will not prevent every stray hair or muddy footprint, but it can stop pet-related messes from piling up. 


Prioritize sleeping, eating and bathroom areas, then tackle any visible stains or clutter. With time, the process should become faster and easier to maintain.


For more ideas, check out how to keep your dog safe this summer from 6 hidden backyard hazards.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.  

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Sophie
Sophie

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