by Andrey Zhilin, pet-friendly cleaning specialist
If you’ve got a dog or cat in Florida, you already know:
It’s not just fur — it’s fur plus sand plus humidity.
That trifecta? It turns even the tidiest home into a constant battle zone. Floors feel gritty hours after mopping. Pet beds develop that damp “beach smell.” And somehow, there’s always hair — clinging to baseboards, floating near vents, collecting in tight corners no broom ever seems to reach.
I’ve cleaned homes with two Labradors and a sun porch. I’ve seen condos where the cat ruled the couch and the sand ruled everything else. And I’ve learned this: pet ownership in Florida demands smarter cleaning, not just more of it.
Let’s start with what the climate does to fur. In dry air, hair sheds and floats — annoying, but manageable. In humid air, it sticks to everything. Especially floors. Especially fans. Especially damp fabrics. Combine that with sweat, drool, and saltwater — and suddenly your shaggy retriever isn’t the only thing in need of a wash.
What works? Fabric surfaces need regular rotation and washing — not just vacuuming. I always recommend removable, washable covers on pet beds and sofas. Weekly laundering in hot water keeps both hair and that musty coastal smell under control.
And speaking of smell — deodorizers don’t solve it. They just layer over it. The real solution is airflow and absorbents: baking soda, activated charcoal, or natural dehumidifiers like Moso bags. And yes, sometimes just cracking the windows when the air’s dry is enough.
Now let’s talk sand. Sand is a Florida pet’s best friend and your home’s worst enemy. It lives in paws. It hides in fur. It falls off hours after the beach walk. I’ve seen homeowners mop twice a day and still crunch when they walk.
My advice? Don’t fight sand. Trap it. Use mats at every entrance — one outside, one inside. Keep a paw towel near the door. For dogs that really dig in, a small paw-wash cup or even a shallow rinse bin outside can save your floors and your sanity.
Floors, by the way, need a rethink. In Florida, I always recommend dry mopping daily, wet mopping only as needed. Over-mopping adds moisture to an already humid house. A quality microfiber dry mop or a low-suction hard-floor vacuum works better than any broom.
And finally — the fur in the air.
Pet owners always think it’s the floor that matters most. But ceiling fans, air returns, and duct vents collect fur, dander, and pollen faster than you’d expect. Especially in summer, when AC runs constantly. A quick monthly wipe with a damp cloth (and a reminder to change that AC filter!) can do more than hours of vacuuming.
A Note from Andrey
You don’t need a spotless house. You need a system.
One that fits the dog. The cat. The humidity. The hair.
That’s what we do at Sharky — not just clean, but adapt our methods to your lifestyle.
Because fur is love.
Sand is Florida.
But mold? That one’s on you.
Read also: The Truth About Air Duct Cleaning in Florida: Is It Really Necessary?
