Dogues de Bordeaux are BIG dogs that make BIG messes. Of course, a clean home is important to all of us. Nonetheless, if you are a perfectionist or “clean freak” by nature, you are probably going to have to learn to lower your standards a bit. Otherwise you will drive yourself (and your family) crazy following your DDB around with a mop. Having owned Dogues for years now, I have found that the simplest house staples are my cleaning go-to’s. Making a clean home manageable and affordable.
Your new best friends:
BABY WIPES
VINEGAR
RUBBING ALCOHOL
BAKING SODA
BLUE DAWN DISH SOAP
GENERAL CLEANING
From the dog crate to your counter top, an outstanding multi-surface cleaner is simply 1 part water to 1 part white vinegar and some Dawn dish soap mixed together. You can also use undiluted vinegar for a cleaner with more kick. I always have a spray bottle of this on hand. Not to worry, the potent vinegar smell will completely disappear when dry, taking with it all unpleasant pet odor. I use vinegar for just about EVERYTHING. Even fabric softener! It’s awesome.
DROOL
This stuff will be EVERYWHERE if you own a Dogue de Bordeaux. Regardless if you clean every week, every day, or every hour.
Any drool spots on your clothes and sofa (cloth or leather) can be taken care of with a couple of baby wipes. Always have a pack handy in your living area, in your car, in your purse, etc. As soon as your Dogue de Bordeaux brushes up against you leaving a wet, gooey present, get your handy dandy baby wipes out. Wiping the drool off with a baby wipe cleans the surface area much more effectively than a dry paper towel. I have had folks tell me that their Dogue de Bordeaux’s drool actually stained their clothing, even after washing. Using baby wipes as soon as I notice the mess, I’ve never had that problem.
Drool on the windows is another big problem in my home. My Dogues de Bordeaux can spend hours a day looking out the window. Simultaneously they layer the window with breath and drool and snot. Once dry, believe me, you are going to need something stronger than Windex! A powerful glass cleaning solution I use that will leave your window looking like new is:
1 part rubbing alcohol
1 part water
1 part vinegar
HAIR
Some Dogues shed more than others. Doing a little pet cleanup every day is essential to keeping the pet hair from taking over. Vacuum, sweep, or dry mop the most dog traveled areas of your home each day.
Cover any surfaces your Dogue de Bordeaux lays on all the time such as his bed, the couch, your car seats, etc. Cover these areas with an old sheet that can easily be removed then thrown into the wash. Never throw away your old blankets/towels because they’re too worn out for company. Instead, relegate them to be used as “dog blankets”.
Our household averages two loads of laundry per day. With a Dogue de Bordeaux you will likely be doing laundry OFTEN. In addition, Dogues can be prone to sensitive skin. Some commercial brand detergents may cause irritation. I make my own laundry detergent that is strong enough for any mess my Dogue de Bordeaux makes, and gentle enough for their sensitive skin for a fraction of the price of retail. Win, win! Try it out, there are many great recipes.
ODOR
Cloth surfaces can be difficult to clean. Even more difficult to deodorize. When Hooch’s dog bed or the sofa becomes a little ripe get the baking soda out. Sprinkle it on the surface. Let the baking soda set for at least fifteen minutes. After the time elapses, vacuum it up. A pleasantly significant difference will be noticed.
VOMIT
Dogues de Bordeaux have sensitive stomachs. Be prepared for 2 a.m. upset tummies. Especially in puppies. Cleaning such a mess on solid surfaces is easy. Carpet and upholstery…not so much. Here’s what we suggest:
1. Scrape off as much of the mess ASAP. Using a scraper and dust pan is the most effective way to do this.
2. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the affected area of the carpet using enough to completely cover the stain. This will absorb the liquid and odor.
3. Let the baking soda sit there for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. With a clean cloth, apply dry cleaning solvent such as Dryel.
5. Blot the stain until all of the dry cleaning solvent has been absorbed.
6. If you still see remnants of the stain, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one tablespoon of dish washing detergent, and 2 cups of warm water. Sponge the stain.
7. Rinse the carpet with cold water to remove the solution.
A helpful tip for cleaning a dirty microfiber sofa: Fill a spray bottle part way with rubbing alcohol. Spritz the alcohol onto your couch using a wide spray then scrub with a clean, white sponge.
LABOR OF LOVE
Owning a Dogue de Bordeaux can be hard work. Hooch himself requires much of your time. Add to that the time spent cleaning up after him. It starts to add up. I promise it is time well spent. For a dedicated owner, living with even the messiest Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most fulfilling decisions you will ever make. You’ll come to find these dirty chores are labors of love.
***DISCLAIMER – The photos in this post are purchased stock images and are NOT my own personal Dogues***