(StatePoint) For all the companionship pets provide, it’s fair to admit that they can mess up a clean, tidy home pretty quickly.

But rather than sequester furry loved ones to certain rooms of the house or simply submit to the chaos, you can follow a few savvy tips to keep your home fresh with less work.

Pet Grooming

Brushing pets regularly is good for them — and good for flooring and furniture. Do so every couple days in order to keep your pets’ coats healthy and help prevent shedding fur from ending up everywhere.

After walking the dog or letting the cat into the backyard, wipe paws before pets get a chance to track in mud and debris. You can set up a clean-paws station by your home’s entrance to ensure you make this a habit.

Smart Flooring

There’s no need to compromise on the quality of your home’s flooring, say experts.

“As much as we all love our pets, it’s no secret that they can wreak havoc on flooring, especially carpets,” says Jennifer Bertrand, Flooring America design consultant. “But by seeking out products specifically designed for busy homes with pets, you can maintain the look of your carpets.”

Bertrand points to Stainmaster’s PetProtect from Flooring America as a good solution for pet owners for a few reasons. “It resists pet stains. Which means you can worry about other things, like which dog park to visit next. Your pup will love it too, because he won’t get in trouble after his little mess-ups,” she says.

When it comes to pet “mess-ups,” the carpeting features a breathable moisture barrier designed to prevent spills and accidents from soaking through the cushion and subfloor, so there are no lingering pet odors after a thorough cleaning. And because the carpeting releases more pet hair when vacuumed, this routine chore is made fast and simple.

Look for carpeting with extra durability and protection against color fading, which means it will stay newer-looking for longer, with no compromise to your pet’s territory or your daily schedule. More information about pet-friendly carpets and flooring can be found at flooringamerica.com.

Cleaning Habits

With smart pet-friendly flooring and furniture choices (think microfiber sofas), cleaning up after your pet and busy lifestyle should be easy. But remember, it’s easier to clean as you go than it is to wait until things get out of hand.

Keep cleaning supplies nearby (in a locked cabinet for Fido’s safety) for spot cleans and quick touch-ups after mishaps, and remember to vacuum regularly. Don’t forget corners, where build-up tends to occur. Wipe down surfaces to lift pet dander off baseboards, counters and window sills.

With a few tricks, and some smart pet-friendly product selections where carpeting and furniture are concerned, you can have the best of both worlds: a clean and fresh home, and all the members of your family — including those with four legs — together when and where you like.

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