These tips for pet owners offer practical solutions for everything from cleaning up fur to keeping pets off the furniture.
19 Cleaning Tips Every Dog or Cat Owner Should Know
![Remove Pet Hair with Duct Tape](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FH030711_001_TOUCLE_09.jpg)
Remove Pet Hair with Duct Tape
![milk jug scoop for pet foot](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HH-jug-scoop-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Pet Food Scoop
I’ve read many hints that advise the reader to cut off the tops of gallon-size plastic jugs and use them for funnels. I’ve found that if you replace the cap after cutting the top off, you can use the top for a scoop for handling potting soil, fertilizer or pet food. The no-scratch plastic also makes the jug/scoop ideal for bailing water out of your boat. —reader Ray Dean
For this scoop, we used an empty half-gallon milk jug and angled the cut so that the side opposite the handle is slightly longer, more like a scoop than a funnel. However, as Ray notes above, this scoop can also be used as a funnel by simply removing the milk jug cap. It helps to draw the cut line with a marker first, and then clean up any sharp or rough edges with the scissors after the initial cut.
![Enzymes Eliminate Pet Stains and Odors](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH100111_003_PETCAR_12.jpg)
Enzymes Eliminate Pet Stains and Odors
![Quick Cleanup Cat Litter](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH100111_003_PETCAR_10.jpg)
Quick Cleanup Cat Litter
![Chew-Free Electrical Cords](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH060611_001_HHPETS_07.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Chew-Free Electrical Cords
Some dogs love to gnaw on electrical cords around the house. This is not only dangerous but also really irritating when they destroy your computer cables. Solve the problem by wrapping the cords with a split flexible plastic conduit that you get at home centers and automotive stores. Just cut the length you need and push the cords into the pre-split slot. Your dog will soon lose interest in the cords (so you have time to fix them). Now if you could just get him to stop chewing up your slippers!
![Pet Repellent for Furniture](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH06JAU_PETREP_01.jpg)
Pet Repellent for Furniture
![A Fast Way to Remove Pet Hair](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH07FEB_PETHAR_01.jpg)
A Fast Way to Remove Pet Hair
![Easier Bath Time](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH060611_001_HHPETS_09.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Easier Bath Time
For a calmer and easier bath time, make a dog washing station in your shower. Cover the drain with a hair catcher to prevent fur from clogging it. Cut a hole in a bath mat so it fits over the drain and lay it in the shower to prevent your dog from slipping around. Using a handheld sprayer gives you more control and lets you avoid spraying water into your pet’s ears. Everyone involved will find bath day a whole lot more pleasant. Plus, these are the things you’ve always wanted to ask your dog to find out why they do certain things.
![Mask Pet Claw Scratches](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH08DJA_MASCRA_01.jpg)
Mask Pet Claw Scratches
Mask shallow claw marks and scratches in wood doors with stain and varnish. Gel stains work well for matching the existing finish. Here's how to easily repair pet claw marks.
![pouring baking soda onto upholstery](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-baking-soda-couch-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clean Upholstery with Baking Soda
The trick to get rid of cat smell might be in your pantry. Use this handy hint if there’s a funky pet smell lurking in your couch or upholstered chair: Sprinkle a generous amount of regular baking soda onto the fabric and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The baking soda will help to release odors and break up some light stains in the fabric.
After about 20 minutes, remove the baking soda—and the funky smell—with a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment for your large vacuum.
Check out these 40 perfect pet projects to show your pet some love.
![Don't Brush the Dog — Use a Vacuum Instead!](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH01JUN_VACUUM_01.jpg)
Don't Brush the Dog — Use a Vacuum Instead!
![No-Mess Litter Box](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH08OCT_LITTER_01.jpg)
No-Mess Litter Box
![Neat and Tidy Pet Food Dispenser](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH02SEP_3GSPRJ_28.jpg)
Neat and Tidy Pet Food Dispenser
![Protect Your Doors from Scratches](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH01JUN_DOORPR_01.jpg)
Protect Your Doors from Scratches
![Aluminum Foil Couch Saver](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH01JUN_TINFOI_01.jpg)
Aluminum Foil Couch Saver
Keep your cats off the couch with aluminum foil. Tear off a piece of foil long enough to cover the top of your couch, and set it on the cushions. The feel and sound of the foil drives cats nuts and they'll immediately jump off.
![Fur Filter for Dog Bathing](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH100111_003_PETCAR_07.jpg)
Fur Filter for Dog Bathing
If you wash your dog in the bathtub or shower, you're begging for a clogged drain. Keep fur out of the drain with a mesh-type scrubbing pad. In a shower, clip the pad to the drain plate with a bobby pin. In a bathtub, wedge two pads under the stopper from two sides. The pads catch fur but let water flow through.
![Tip-Proof Watering Dish](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Tip-proof-watering-dish-FH00OCT_02110005.jpg)
Tip-Proof Watering Dish
![FH060611_001_HHPETS_03-3](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FH060611_001_HHPETS_03-3.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Ant-Proof Pet Food Dishes
![Eliminate Pet Smells](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH05NOV_NOSMEL_01.jpg)
Eliminate Pet Smells
Up next, check out these top-rated pet safe cleaning products.