When it comes to co-habiting with canines, our beloved dogs may drive us mad with their sometimes stinky, drooly, mucky, hairy ways but it is possible to have a dog and still live in a clean home. Ahead of Spring Cleaning Week on 2 to 8 March, award-winning, British luxury dog bed and blanket company Charley Chau shares their nine top tips to whip your dog home into shape.

1. Clean up your animal – dust, wash, hoover and spray all you want but the first step starts with Fido. Whether via a professional groomer or DIY, it's important to maintain a grooming regime that’s suited to your dog’s breed and needs, be it regular trims, using a de-shedder, a daily wipe to clean food debris from their beard or a weekly bath. For their health and your home hygiene, it's also important to keep up their flea and worming treatments too. 

2. Time for an upgrade – a dog averages 12 to 14 hours sleep per day, so if your pet’s bed is looking shabby, it might be time for an upgrade. When picking a new dog bed there are some key considerations that will help get the best from your purchase. The dog’s comfort is essential and with the dog bed often taking residence in heart-of-the-home rooms what is looks like is important too. You must also consider size; pick a bed that matches or is ideally 25% bigger than their measurements when standing, from the tip of their nose to base of tail, and from top of skull to the floor, so they have enough space to curl up or stretch out. The shape of the bed is also relevant. Observe how your dog likes to sleep and choose a bed accordingly. For example, a flat mattress bed is great for ‘sprawlers’ whereas a donut or oval bed works best for curler-uppers! Some dogs may require a specialist bed to suit a particular need or environment; breeds that like to burrow or feel the cold easily, love Snuggle Beds with a stitched in blanket top for them to climb under. Older dogs with stiff joints may require the support of an orthopedic mattress such as a memory foam mattress. 

Its washability is also a factor in keeping your house looking proud, as a dog generally picks up a lot of muckiness, which goes back to their beds. From fully machine washable, outer covers and the mattress inners, “machine washable everything”, is a mantra Charley Chau designs by. You should also consider quality and buy the best you can afford. A cheap bed is likely to go lumpy, bumpy and ugly after its first wash. Similarly, some so-called luxury labels don’t always deliver, as they’re often made with the same inner and composition as a cheaper bed but with fancier fabric. Always read up on a dog bed and make sure that any claims about comfort and quality are substantiated in terms of the way that the bed is designed and constructed, the fillings used, and the quality of the fabrics used to finish the beds.

3. Buy blankets – an essential for any dog owner, both at home and on the go. For owners who let their dog on the sofa or their bed, a blanket will protect against muddy paws, fur, odours and general muckiness. They're also handy to hide any doggy-ness in a hurry should you receive guests at short notice. Charley Chau’s Double Fleece Blanket is their absolute product staple and come in a wide range of colours to suit all interiors. Anti-pil, they won’t go knobbly or scratchy when washed and are moisture-wicking to dry quickly. 

4. Invest in a quality vacuum – from carpets, hard floors, upholstery to nooks and crannies, pet hair manages to get everywhere as does dog dust and pesky parasites. If residing with a dog, it's wise to invest in a pet-specific rather than standard vacuum, as they have extra-strong suction, brush action and more robust filters. Brands such as Dyson and Shark are popular choices, and while they’re not cheap, their cost per use is minimal over time.  

5. Tackle their toys – make time to Spring clean your dog’s toy collection. Repair or toss any toys that have been loved to death by your dog. Pass on or donate unused or barely used toys to a local animal charity. Wash whatever you are keeping in the sink. You might also want to overhaul how they are stored, with a stylish basket that matches your interiors. 

6. Clean their collar – just like their bed, a dog’s collar is a host for muckiness, so it’s important to give it some domestic attention too. To avoid irritation, try washing and soaking fabric collars in the sink with a little bit of their dog shampoo, carefully rubbing the insides together to remove any neck dirt. Leave to dry naturally. Wipe leather collars with a lightly damp soft cloth. 

7. Get kitted out – for general home use, a lint roller helps get rid of dog hair from anywhere and anyone. Store alongside a fabric spray to freshen up pet beds and blankets in between washes. Kennel Spray from Australian botanical brand Bondi Wash is designed specifically for this purpose and includes anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and insect-repellant along with ingredients to relax and soothe. It's also a good idea to create a mini dog cleaning kit complete with items such as towels, wipes and water spray. You can also keep walking essentials such as toilet bags, lead, treats etc. here too. Store by the entrance of your home or utility room to make life easier and to contain any mess. 

8. Light a candle – for times when ‘eau de dog’ is strong, a beautifully scented candle will help neutralise the stink. These are particularly useful in Spring when sudden showers strike leaving you with a wet and smelly dog, and during the warmer months when the atmosphere feels stuffy and smells gets amplified in the heat. Similarly, reed diffusers can help add a sustained and pleasing scent to your dog-dwelling home. 

9. Form a habit – cleanfluencers such as The Organised Mum and Lynsey Queen of Clean are encouraging structured cleaning routines. So, as you are whipping off the sofa throw or bed covers for their wash, address your dog’s bed and blankets too. A weekly wash is best! Charley Chau offers Spare Bed Covers for all their fabric beds, to rotate between washes and their machine washable Waterproof Dog Bed Liners also help protect against dirt, dander and dust, keeping the mattress much cleaner for longer. 

Other habits to forge, ideally on a monthly basis, include attending to the cleanliness and condition of their collar and toy collection, as well as airing their mattress. To air the mattress, simply take off the covers and hang it up somewhere warm and dry – a linen cupboard or radiator are perfect.
 
Charley Chau take a dog’s sleep seriously, designing luxury dog beds and blankets that are cosy, stylish and practical. With more than fifteen uniquely styled dog beds and blankets made to the highest standards using soft-furnishings quality fabrics that are designed to look fabulous in your home, they are well-schooled on pairing pets with their perfect bed. Upgrade your dog house at Charleychau.com.