Top 15 Expert-Approved Products for Pet Cleanup

There’s no denying the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives, whether you’re a proud dog or cat owner. However, along with the love and loyalty, pets also come with their fair share of challenges, such as shedding, hairballs, and messy floors.

Jill Koch, a cleaning and organization expert from Jill Comes Clean, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean home for both you and your pet. “Clutter can pose hidden risks for pets, like ingesting harmful items, and it can also make it harder to spot accidents or illnesses,” Koch explains to Mytour. Additionally, common pet-related messes—such as shedding, muddy paw prints, and scattered food or litter—can make your home appear dirtier than it actually is.

This makes it even more important to include pet-friendly solutions in your spring cleaning plans. To help you out, here are the top pet-safe cleaning products recommended by experts to handle everything from fur cleanup to stubborn stains.

Top Products for Pet Grooming

1. Top Choice for Long-Haired Dogs: Chris Christensen Big K Dog Slicker Brush; $76

Similar to humans, dogs shed their fur, but the amount varies based on factors like breed. Breeds such as Siberian huskies, with their dense undercoats, tend to shed more, while others like pugs, with less fur, shed significantly less.

“Shedding is genetically determined, so there’s no effective way to stop it entirely,” explains Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian at The Vets, a mobile veterinary service, in an interview with Mytour. However, Savageau suggests managing shedding by “daily brushing, particularly for breeds with dense undercoats, such as huskies and collies.”

Robyn Smith, the owner of Shaggy Chic Mobile Dog Grooming, a mobile grooming service operating in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, highly recommends Chris Christensen’s slicker brushes for long-haired dogs. “They’re pricey but absolutely worth the investment,” she says, highlighting their ability to detangle fur and “remove the undercoat” without harming the dog’s topcoat.

2. Top Pick for Medium-Length Coats: JASWELL 2-Sided Undercoat Rake Grooming Tool; Starting at $7

Seasonal changes significantly influence shedding patterns in dogs. “Dogs tend to shed more during spring and summer as they transition between their winter and summer coats,” Savageau explains. While some dogs shed consistently throughout the year, similar to humans, certain breeds are more affected by temperature changes, leading to increased shedding during those periods.

For dogs with medium-length coats, such as Australian shepherds or Akitas, shedding can be particularly noticeable in spring and summer. Smith recommends using a razor rake like the JASWELL model, which effectively removes the undercoat without harming the outer layer. This dual-sided comb is also effective for detangling matted fur and works well on medium-haired cats.

3. Top Choice for Smooth-Coated Pets: FURminator deShedding Tool; Starting at $22

Smooth-coated breeds like beagles and Boston terriers are often considered low-maintenance due to their short, flat fur. However, despite being less prone to tangling, these dogs still require regular brushing as they shed frequently.

“The FURminator is ideal for smooth-coated dogs,” Smith states. “It efficiently removes loose fur and is user-friendly.” This versatile deshedding brush, available in sizes for both short- and long-haired pets (including cats), features a stainless steel edge designed to extract loose undercoat hair and a button for easy cleanup. Smith advises caution: “Avoid overuse, as it can damage the dog’s coat.”

4. and 5. Top Bath Products for Pets: Bloom Towels Microfiber Towel; $40 and Aquapaw Pro 2-in-1 Sprayer and Scrubber Tool; $45

Regular brushing is an effective way to manage shedding, but Savageau also suggests bathing your dog to help remove loose fur. For bath time, Koch highlights the importance of microfiber towels, which are highly absorbent due to their tight weave. These oversized towels are suitable for dogs of all sizes and feature charming double-sided designs.

Although she hasn’t tried it herself, Koch endorses the Aquapaw sprayer and scrubber tool. This versatile gadget lets you massage and scrub your pet, aiding in the removal of loose fur. Its silicone design allows you to control water flow, making bath time less stressful for your pet. It also includes adapters for use in showers or with garden hoses outdoors.

Top Vacuums and Hair Removal Tools for Pet Owners

6. Top Upright Vacuum for Pet Owners: Bissell 2254 CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum; $134

While regular brushing and bathing can minimize shedding, pet hair and dander often find their way onto furniture and clothes. To avoid constantly picking up fur, a dependable vacuum designed specifically for pet owners is a must-have.

Tammy Messina, an employee at the New England-based Paws Pet Boutique, highly recommends Bissell vacuums. “With five dogs, including a 120-pound Great Pyrenees, you’d never guess I have pets,” Messina shares, crediting her Bissell for keeping her home spotless. This bagless model is versatile, working on both carpets and hard floors, and features a triple-action brush roll designed to tackle pet hair. It includes handy accessories like a corner tool for tight spaces and a turbo eraser tool for upholstery, along with a retractable cord. Messina also appreciates that each purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which aids homeless pets.

7. Top Robot Vacuum for Pet Owners: Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum; $543

While upright vacuums like the Bissell model are excellent for deep cleaning pet hair, robot vacuums are a great option for maintaining floors between thorough cleanings. Though they may not offer the same level of deep cleaning, they are perfect for daily upkeep.

“I own and adore the Shark AV2501S [AI] robot vacuum,” Koch remarks. “It offers powerful suction, covers entire homes or specific areas, and features a true HEPA filter to combat pet allergens. It’s been highly effective at managing pet hair in our household.”

In addition to its strong suction and true HEPA filter, the Shark AV2501S AI supports voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Its app allows you to schedule cleanings remotely. It also includes a bagless, self-emptying base capable of storing around 30 days’ worth of dirt and pet dander.

8. and 9. Top Brooms for Pet Owners: FURemover Pet Hair Remover Carpet Rake; Starting at $17 and TreeLen Broom and Dustpan Set; $20

If you’re not in the mood to use a vacuum, Koch suggests rubber brooms like the FURemover as an effective solution for removing pet hair from carpets and rugs. “The rubber bristles attract hair, clumping it together for easy cleanup after sweeping,” she explains.

For sweeping hard floors, Koch recommends the broom and dustpan set from TreeLen due to its compact storage and innovative design. “The dustpan features teeth to clean the broom while sweeping, and the built-in scraper and comb make removing pet hair effortless,” she adds.

10. Top Pet Hair Remover for Furniture and Upholstery: ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover; $30

Need a tool to effortlessly remove pet hair from cushions and upholstery where vacuums fall short? Both Koch and Jen Robin, founder and CEO of Life in Jeneral, praise the ChomChom roller as a must-have for pet owners.

“Simply glide it back and forth by hand, and it collects hair in its chamber,” Koch says. This reusable roller is cordless, battery-free, and features an easy-to-empty compartment, making it simple to clean and maintain.

Top Pet-Safe Cleaning Solutions

11. and 12. Best Hard Floor Cleaners for Pet Owners: Bona Pet System Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray; Starting at $9 and Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash Concentrate; $14

For cleaning hardwood floors, Koch emphasizes the importance of using pet-safe products, as pets often lick their paws after walking on treated surfaces. “A simple mix of a teaspoon of dish soap in a gallon of hot water is usually sufficient for hardwoods,” she advises. “Just avoid oversaturating the floors and keep them slightly damp.”

For those who prefer ready-made solutions, Koch highly recommends Bona’s multi-surface floor cleaner spray. Designed for both cats and dogs, this enzymatic spray effectively tackles tough messes and naturally breaks down pet accidents. The cat-specific formula even removes stains and grime for up to five days, according to the brand.

Koch also suggests Aunt Fannie’s vinegar wash concentrate, which is suitable for all sealed floors, including hardwood, tile, concrete, linoleum, and laminate. This eco-friendly cleaner leaves a subtle lemon scent while effectively removing stubborn stains from grease, dirt, and grime.

13. Top Pet Stain Remover: Skout’s Honor Severe Mess Solution; $19

No matter your pet’s breed or age, accidents are inevitable. Depending on how recent the incident is, you may need to follow specific steps to completely remove stains and eliminate odors like urine from your home.

JoAnn Goldsmith, owner of the New England-based Paws Pet Boutique, praises Skout’s Honor for offering “the best cleaning products on the market” to handle pet messes. Beyond being eco-friendly and socially responsible, Goldsmith highlights that Skout’s Honor products are “safe for carpets, upholstery, and furniture.” This specific solution is designed for cats and dogs, effectively dissolving tough stains and neutralizing odor molecules, reducing the chance of lingering smells. It also discourages pets from soiling the same spot again.

14. Top Pet-Safe Disinfectant: Lysol Pet Solutions Disinfecting Cleaner; $6

As a pet owner, cleaning up accidents and pet hair isn’t your only responsibility. Robin emphasizes that pet toys also require regular cleaning. Over time, especially dog toys, they can accumulate dirt, slobber, bacteria, and even mold. In fact, a 2011 study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) ranked pet toys among the top 10 germiest household items.

“Use a pet-safe disinfectant to clean hard toys and the surfaces where they’re stored,” Robin advises. This Lysol solution is pet-friendly and uses hydrogen peroxide to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, such as salmonella, that may be present on toys or in areas pets frequent. It also neutralizes odors from urine, feces, and vomit, and its light scent helps deter pets from re-marking those spots.

15. Top Pet-Safe Laundry Booster: Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Dog Stain and Odor Remover; $11

Regularly washing soft toys in the washing machine helps eliminate dirt, bacteria, and pet hair, which Robin highlights as crucial for their maintenance. Washing them every few weeks also provides an opportunity to introduce new toys, keeping your pet “engaged and interested in their playthings.”

Nature’s Miracle provides a pet-safe laundry booster that works alongside your detergent to effectively remove tough pet stains and odors. It’s compatible with all washing machine types.