By Andrey Zhilin, Professional Cleaner
If you live in Florida and have a dog (or two), I don’t need to tell you what your floors look like in August. Between the coastal humidity, constant trips outside, and heavy summer shedding, homes quickly become a mix of pet hair and beach sand — especially if you’re anywhere near the water.
As a cleaning professional who’s worked in countless Florida homes over the years, I can tell you: it’s not just about appearance. If you don’t get ahead of the mess in August, you’re setting yourself up for odor buildup, damaged flooring, and even pest problems by early fall.
The Florida Pet Owner’s Dilemma
Let’s be honest. You love your dog. But:
- Every walk brings back sand — in paws, fur, and sometimes noses.
- Every nap on the couch leaves behind a trail of hair.
- The humidity? It just glues everything to your tiles, carpets, and furniture.
Most of the clients I work with have tried the basics: robot vacuums, throw blankets on sofas, “no dogs on the bed” policies (that never stick). And still, they call me by mid-August when their home just feels sticky, furry, or smells “a little off.”
So, What Actually Works?
You don’t need to spend hours every day cleaning. But you do need to adjust for Florida’s unique combination of pet + sand + summer.
Here’s what I advise (and do in my own home):
1. Start At The Entry Point
Place a washable mat outside and inside every entrance. Make it a habit to wipe paws — even loosely. A quick towel rub can prevent half the mess.
2. Go For Hard Floors Where Possible
Carpets are sand magnets. If you rent or can’t remove them, schedule a professional steam clean at the end of summer. Don’t wait until the holidays.
3. Deodorize Like A Pro
Forget sprays. Mix white vinegar and water (1:3 ratio) for wiping surfaces and floors — it neutralizes pet odors without chemicals. I’ve used this in luxury rentals — it works.
4. Groom Strategically
August is peak shedding. Brush pets outside daily if you can. Some breeds respond well to a rinse with lukewarm water only — no shampoo — just to release dead hair and cool them off.
5. Don’t Let Hair Settle
Vacuuming once a day with a pet-specific brush attachment makes a huge difference. You don’t need a Dyson. Just stay consistent.
6. Freshen Soft Surfaces
Wash throws, pillow covers, and pet beds weekly in hot water. Let them dry completely in the sun if possible — the UV kills odor-causing bacteria.
When To Get Help
Some homes get to the point where even after cleaning, the space feels “off.” That’s usually when hair has settled under furniture, in vents, or behind appliances — especially dangerous in humid areas where it traps moisture.
A professional cleaning once per season can take care of what you can’t see: embedded fur in upholstery, filters clogged with dander, or that weird odor you’ve gotten used to.
And yes, if your dog’s a digger? We’ve cleaned entire bedrooms where beach sand was in the bedsheets. It happens.
Real Talk
Living with pets in Florida during August is not about perfection. It’s about staying one step ahead of nature. Sand and fur will win — if you let them.
So don’t. Clean smarter, not harder. Or call someone like me to do the hard part — then you just enjoy your dog, and the beach.
Was this article helpful? Check out more on Lawbattlefield.com
