An Easy Way To Clean Dirty Dog Paws

There’s nothing like a rainy day to make letting the dog back in the house an annoying and time consuming task.

Before you know it, Fido bolts past you to leave a long trail of muddy prints all the way through your house. It doesn’t matter if you have carpet, hardwood, tile or anything else because dirt and mud are not fun to clean off of any type of flooring. When mud gets deposited deep into rugs it’s annoyingly difficult to clean off, but dirty smears on hard flooring can be just as big of a disaster. For pets that are allowed on furniture, you may find the animal resting comfortably on the couch, surrounded by dirty paw marks before you realize that it rained last night, and you forgot to clean their dirty paws after they took a poop.

The best way to prevent floors and other stuff from getting coated with dirt is to avoid the grime from touching it in the first place, but most dogs have little patience, so whatever you use to clean their paws has to be quick and effective if its going to work.

Prevention Is Key

If you don’t stop the grime at your back steps, you’ll end up having to shampoo or mop your floors to get things clean. Not only is this an avoidable step, it’s also a much bigger, and more time consuming task. If the mud is cleaned off its paws as your dog enters the house, you can capture all of the grime before it gets inside.

There are several ways to go about cleaning dirty dog paws, but as with anything, some methods are better than others, and there are certain downsides to be aware of.

Constant cleaning of carpets can reduce fluffiness, and force replacement sooner, and mopping costs time and money that nobody wants to spend. Add to that the fact that neither of these are really practical to do each time your dog has to pee, and you’re almost forced to have another option available if you don’t want a dirty home.

You could also make your pet wear booties each time they step outside, but this can be time consuming for you, and not everyone wants the neighbors to see their silly looking dog prancing around the yard with doggie shoes on.

Why So Much Mud?

Dogs don’t like to poop unless there is grass involved, and all grass needs dirt to survive. When rain or snow starts to fall, this dirt becomes mud, and it sticks like glue to pads, nails and other parts of your dog’s paws.

Many dogs have instinctual tendencies to cover their scent after dropping a deuce, or draining their bladder, and although no bobcat is actually tracking them, they have an innate need to make their trail hard to follow. For this reason, each number one or number two is covered up after much kicking and scratching, and this digging at the ground helps to collect loads of mud that travels with them inside.

Other animals like to run and dig when the ground gets soft, and they end up with dirt all the way up to their elbows. Puppies can’t resist puddles, and older dogs often run back and forth trying to catch squirrels and other fast moving varmints, and they tear up the ground in the process.

The bottom line is that your dog never thinks about dirt or your carpet, so they make no effort to remain clean when playing or relieving themselves outside.

Clean Paws = Clean Floors

If you want to keep your house clean, you’ll need to keep your dog clean. If dirty paws are allowed to walk around, there will be no chance for clean floors. To avoid everyday mopping and vacuuming, you can collect the dirt and mud at the door by using one of the paw washing solutions listed below. Not every option will work for every dog and owner, so continue reading to see which option may be best for you.

Use A Runner To Collect Mud

Placing a long throw rug right inside the door can greatly reduce the amount of dirt that makes it all the way in. This method is not fool proof, and will never really get mud that is deep in between claws, but it’s quite effective as a first line of defense. A specialized mat made for absorbing dirt can improve upon this idea, but even then, you would probably want both because it’s extremely difficult to train dogs to stand still and wipe each paw.

Longer runners will allow for walking, and therefore less training, but there’s no way to ensure cleanliness, so it may not be the best option for everyone. When combined with other methods, a rug or mat can add extra protection and either help to dry or clean dirty paws as your dog comes in from outside. Once in place, there’s nothing to worry about or do until the runner needs washing, so if you have the room, lay down a rug to absorb dirt and mud from your pet’s paws as they walk in.

Rugs with longer fibers will grab and hold more debris, but absorption is also important because moisture is part of the problem. A series of surfaces will most likely produce the best results, and training your pet will be necessary to ensure these surfaces are utilized properly. A microfiber bath mat is actually an effective primary mat because it doesn’t slip, and it has long soft fibers designed for cleaning and soaking up moisture, but any other heavy duty mat that is similar will work as well.

How To Do It:

Choose a good mat for right inside the door, and then follow with a longer rug made from durable material that is easily washable.
To train your dog, just use a leash for a short time, and walk them along the path for several days until they do so naturally themselves.
Once set up and training is complete, this technique can eliminate most dirt in many cases.

Eventually the rug or mat will need washing, and this takes time, money and effort, but having the grime concentrated in one location is far better than having it spread all over. As a total paw cleaning solution, or as a first line of defense, a good rug can do the job nicely.

Use Disposable Wipes To Clean Paws

Just like the disposable cloths used to wipe baby buns, they actually make some specifically for use on pets. Using disposable wipes to clean dirty dog paws is easy, but you’ll probably need several cloths to get the job done, and they’re not at all reusable. This means that you’ll have to buy more when they run out, and you’ll also have to have a trash can close to the door in order to dispose of the muddy ones.

Disposable wipes do come out of the dispenser wet, so they clean pretty well, but the small, thin material will not be durable, and you can easily rip them as you wipe. Ripping may cause problems, or cause you to get your hands dirty.

How To Do It:

To clean dirty dog paws with disposable wipes, simply pull one out, hold in your hand, and wipe the dirty area.
For best results, wipe from elbow to toe-tip, and do one paw at a time.
When a cloth gets thoroughly soiled, throw it in the trash.
Use as many cloths as required to remove all mud and dirt.
Once finished, ensure that the container is properly sealed shut. If they dry out, the wipes will not work well anymore.

Depending upon the ingredients in the liquid, certain pets may have sensitivities that could cause irritation, but most animals should be fine with products like this. Although there is enough moisture to make them effective, your pets paws should dry pretty quickly after using one. As a downside, if you leave the container open, the wipes will dry out, and they will no longer work as well.

This technique is expensive in the long run, but many people may enjoy the convenience that disposable wipes offer. It’s a fast cleaning method, but the thin material will not keep your hands clean in all cases, so you may need to wash your own skin a bit before you finish. Because the wipes are wet and treated with soap, it’ll be easy to get your dog’s paws clean, and unlike reusable alternatives, you can just toss the cloth when you finish instead of washing away all of the dirt and mud in the laundry.

Use A Paw Washer To Remove Mud

A dog paw washer will work well to get dirty paws clean, but they’re not the best option when you consider speed and ease of use. For super dirty dog paws that would normally require a bath, this tool can save time and effort, but for regular dirt and mud on paws it can actually take longer than necessary. Essentially you are submerging your dog’s paw into a mini bath, one leg at a time, so it will certainly get the mud off.

How To Do It:

To prepare the Paw Washer, make sure it is clean, then add clean water to the fill line.
You can use it with water alone, or you can add some shampoo for extra cleaning power.
When cleaning, work on one paw at a time. Wash and then dry.
To Clean, just insert the dirty paw into the device, and then move it back-and-forth to scrub.
All of the mud and dirt should wash off quickly. Once clean, remove the paw and dry with a towel.
Repeat to wash all dirty paws.
Once finished, dispose of the dirty water.

You sort of stick the dirty dog paw inside the washer and then plunge up and down to scrub. When you do, all of the dirt should mix with the water inside as it washes off your pet. Each paw should be left clean as it is removed, but you’ll have to dry each one after you finish. Also, depending upon amount, you may have to dump out the dirty water and get fresh stuff in order to clean all four paws.

Some pets may be too small or too large for one of these, and many may flat out refuse to use one. After some training, most dogs should be fine sticking their foot inside, but patience and practice may be required before everyone is comfortable using it.

Whenever you’re finished with it, the brown water will have to be poured out somewhere, and further washing of the actual device may be required. In order to be ready for use again, fresh water will need to be added. Because it’s not safe, and probably less effective, you won’t want to leave it full until your next use, so many people will find themselves running to fill the paw washer up as the dog is barking at the door.

A Paw Washer is one of the most thorough techniques for cleaning muddy dog paws outside of a full bath, but it may not be the quickest or most convenient. Because you will have to touch the muddy fur in order to stick it in the bucket, you may have to wash yourself afterward, and due to soggy hair when finished, and additional towel will be required.

A Quick and Easy Way To Clean Dirty Dog Paws

Other options require work and effort that most folks would prefer to avoid. When cleaning dirty dog paws to remove mud and other grime, speed and effectiveness is key. Nobody wants to do the job in the first place, so thorough results with little effort is ideal in this case.

Microfiber Paw Cleaning Mitt

An easy and effective way to quickly get dirty dog paws clean is to use a Paw Cleaning Mitt. This tool completely surrounds your hand to keep it clean, and this same feature also makes it easy to use. The large, microfiber mitt has long, fluffy material on the underside so digging up and locking in mud is as easy as shaking your dog’s paw.

The microfiber is also highly absorbent, so fur will dry as the dirt is eliminated. You can use it dry for light build up, get it wet for times when mud is severe, or add soap to really get fur clean.

If Fido decides to roll around and get his whole body dirty, you can even use this versatile cleaning mitt in the tub to gently scrub away dirt on any part of your pet. As you grab a paw with this mitt, the chenille material gets between claws and under nails to remove dirt that a quick wipe would normally leave behind. The material scrapes up grime and locks it into the fibers in one quick motion, so a single grab will clean most paws in a matter of seconds.

You can either teach your dog to sit still and wait for cleaning after they enter, or you can quickly grab feet as they walk inside. Because a single swipe removes more dirt than other methods, this will be sufficient for most occasions.

This tool is totally washable and reusable so when it gets too dirty just machine wash for reuse. With this mitt you will have one of the fastest and most effective ways to clean paws and prevent dirty tracks in your house. It is highly affordable and totally reusable, so one small purchase will solve this problem for years to come.

Instructions For Use:

This mitt is one size fits all, but due to orientation of the longer, chenille fibers, it is best used on your right hand.
Place the mitt on your hand and use it dry for most situations.
To clean paws, simply grab and wipe. As you apply pressure to hold the paw, the fibers will get deep into fur, under nails and between pads.
Increased surface area and advanced material will attract and absorb dirt so it separates from fur and removes easily.
For tougher grime, get the mitt wet. Just place it under a faucet to saturate the fibers and then wring out until it no longer drips.
This added moisture will cut through stubborn grime and help to remove heavier mud build up. If your dog’s paws are extremely dirty, you can also rinse out the mitt to keep on cleaning.
For use in the bathtub, simply wash and scrub like normal while wearing it. The material will provide a gentle scrubbing action that reduces time and improves results when washing any animal.
When you finish cleaning, hang the mitt to dry if wet, machine wash if dirty, or simply hang for convenient reuse if only used lightly.

Many folks use an old rag or dirty towel to wipe paws as pets come inside from using the bathroom. This is a great idea because it keeps your house clean, but using the Paw Cleaning Mitt takes this same idea, and makes it even faster and easier. You’ll still be doing the same thing, but each time you wipe, more dirt will be removed, and because it completely covers you hand, there is no chance that dirt and mud will touch your skin.

Cotton towels and rags are good for wiping, but they will never clean as well, or hold as much dirt. They’re also far less absorbent, and they take much longer to dry if you get them wet.

Why use an inferior product that only ends up costing you time and effort? Our Paw Cleaning Mitt offers an easy way to get the job done, and because it doesn’t require intense training or tons of effort on your part, it’ll be easier to guarantee usage.

One thing is for sure, if you remove mud before those paws hit your carpet, it’ll be way easier to keep your home clean. This simple and effective mitt slips on in a flash, and eliminates dirt with very little effort. Give it a try because your floors, and the person that cleans them will thank you when you do.

Dirty Paws = Dirty Floors

If you were too late, neglected to heed our warning, or missed a dirty paw, then you’re probably staring at a trail of mud all over your floors, and wondering how to clean it. Lucky for you, it’s easily cleanable, but it’ll take some time and effort to get rid of all those brown spots. It’s not quick, fun or simple to clean this mess, and that’s why prevention is key.

The method you use will depend upon the surface that was coated in muddy paw prints, but the instructions that follow will fix the problem and prevent you from locking the dog outside in a fit of rage.

Cleaning Carpets, Throw Rugs and Upholstery:

For all over cleaning, a shampooer will work best, but most times you will just be spot cleaning for this job. A similar method can be used for carpeting, throw rugs, runners and even couches and chairs. Other products may work too, but Quick N Brite has proven to eliminate this type of staining with little effort, and the results are basically guaranteed. To complete the chore, you will need this cleaner and a couple of terry cloth towels.

For most spots caused by muddy paws, a heavy solution will be perfect. Some jobs may need full strength cleaner, but this will be rare. To make your heavy solution, add hot water and 3 Tbs of QB to a quart spray bottle and shake to mix.
To prepare for cleaning, pick up any large chunks of mud and dirt by hand, and throw them away.
Spray on a liberal amount of cleaner to completely cover the brown spot. If using full strength cleaner, pour on the liquid and work in, or use a damp towel to apply paste and work it in afterward.
Continue covering spots until you have cleaner on all of them. This will allow time for the cleaner to break down and free the stain.
For heavier soil, allow five to ten minutes of sitting to get he best results.
Once the cleaner is on, and it has sat for a while, use a clean terry cloth towel to buff the stain out.
A quick back and forth motion will cause the stain to rub out of the fibers as it transfers onto your towel.
All dirt should come up with a single application, but reapply if it doesn’t.
To remove any excess cleaner, use a clean towel that is slightly wet and rub the area again to rinse and remove anything left behind.

Cleaning Hard Surfaces Like Tile, Linoleum and Hardwood:

If the muddy tracks are on a hard flooring surface then you’re in luck. This is way easier to deal with than anything made of cloth or fibers, but the correct tools and techniques will help to improve results and make the job easy. You’ll want to have a good mop available, and you may also need a cleaner like Quick N Brite to help remove any severe stains, or stubborn dirt.

To prepare for cleaning, sweep or pick up any loose pieces of dirt.
Spray down cleaner on any spots that look like they will give you trouble.
Get your mop ready – this varies by type.
Mop back and forth to free and absorb dirt.
Once the mopping is complete, toss the mop pad, rise the mop head and/or dump dirty water to finish.

Prevent Dirty Dog Paws

The easiest way to have clean dog paws is to avoid them getting dirty in the first place. Preventing muddy dog paws can be challenging, especially if you live in a rainy or muddy area. However, there are several strategies you can use to minimize the amount of mud your dog tracks into your home:

Regular Grooming: Keeping your dog’s fur well-groomed can help prevent mud from sticking to their paws and coat. Trim the hair around their paws to reduce the amount of mud they pick up.
Paw Wipes: Use pet-friendly paw wipes or a damp cloth to clean your dog’s paws after walks or outdoor playtime. Make sure to dry them thoroughly to remove any remaining moisture and dirt.
Foot Mats: Place durable, washable mats or rugs near the entrances your dog uses to come inside. Encourage your dog to wait on the mat for a moment while you wipe their paws.
Pet-Friendly Doormats: Invest in doormats specifically designed for pets. These mats are often made of materials that trap dirt and moisture, keeping it from spreading further into your home.
Booties: Consider using dog booties, especially in particularly muddy conditions or when going on hikes. Booties can protect your dog’s paws from mud and other outdoor elements.
Gravel or Mulch Paths: Create designated paths in your yard with gravel or mulch. This can help your dog avoid the muddiest areas when they need to go outside.
Outdoor Paw Wash Stations: Set up an outdoor paw wash station with a hose, bucket, or kiddie pool filled with water. After outdoor playtime, rinse your dog’s paws in this station to remove mud.
Regular Yard Maintenance: Keep your yard well-maintained to reduce the amount of mud your dog encounters. Proper drainage and landscaping can help minimize muddy areas.
Training: Train your dog to sit and wait at the door before coming inside. Use positive reinforcement to reward them for good behavior. This can help prevent them from charging inside with muddy paws.
Rain Gear: Consider using doggy raincoats or jackets with hoods to protect your dog’s body from getting wet and muddy.
Alternate Exercise: On particularly muddy days, opt for indoor play and exercise, or provide mentally stimulating toys and activities to keep your dog entertained without going outside.
Regular Paw Maintenance: Keep your dog’s paws healthy by checking for cuts, abrasions, or other issues regularly. Healthy paws are less likely to trap dirt and mud.

Remember that some dogs love mud and may always find a way to get dirty. While these strategies can help reduce the amount of mud your dog tracks into your home, it’s essential to be patient and understanding when dealing with messy paws. Regular maintenance and training can go a long way in keeping your home cleaner and your dog happier.

Stop struggling with dirty floors due to mud and dirt tracked in by your dog. You can take steps to prevent the amount of dirt and mud they pick up, but you can’t avoid it altogether. Eventually your dog will want to come in, and she’ll want to do so with paws that are covered in mud. It’s essential to have a plan for when this inevitably takes place.

If you clean dirty dog paws before they start walking around you house, you can avoid shampooing carpets, and mopping hard floors afterward. Keep your furniture and flooring looking it’s best, and avoid unnecessary chores by wiping quickly as your dog returns from their potty break.