Autumn is great for crisp walks, cosy evenings and watching the leaves change colour. But if you're a dog owner, there's one thing you could probably do without: muddy pawprints all over the house.

One minute your dog is happily running around outside, and the next they're charging through the house with four muddy paws. Sound familiar?

Luckily, there are a few simple ways to keep on top of muddy pawprints this autumn.

Create a paw-cleaning station

Make life easier by keeping everything you need by the door. A towel, doormat and a small bowl of water can make a huge difference.

After a particularly muddy walk, give your dog's paws a quick wipe before they head into the rest of the house.

Keep these by the door:

• An old towel
• A washable doormat
• Dog-friendly wipes
• A bowl of warm water for really muddy paws
• A washable mat for your dog to stand on

It only takes a minute, but it can save you from cleaning muddy pawprints off every floor in the house.

Let mud dry before cleaning it

If muddy pawprints have already made their way inside, don't immediately start scrubbing.

For thick, wet mud, gently remove as much as you can and let the rest dry. Once it's dry, you can vacuum or brush it away before cleaning the floor properly.

Trying to mop up wet mud can simply spread it around, making the mess even bigger.

Protect your carpets and furniture

If your dog loves jumping on the sofa after a walk, a washable blanket or throw can be a lifesaver.

You can also put rugs or washable mats in high-traffic areas to protect carpets and make cleaning easier.

And don't forget their own bedding. Dogs can bring plenty of dirt and moisture into their beds, so washing their bedding regularly will help keep your home feeling fresher.

Stay on top of the little jobs

The easiest way to deal with muddy pawprints is to stop them becoming a bigger cleaning job.

A quick routine can help:

• Daily: Wipe muddy paws and clean obvious pawprints.
• A few times a week: Vacuum and mop high-traffic areas.
• Weekly: Wash dog bedding, clean doormats and tackle those easily forgotten corners.

A few minutes here and there can save you from a much bigger cleaning session later.

Sometimes, it's easier to get a little help

Let's face it, autumn is busy enough without constantly cleaning muddy floors.

If keeping on top of the housework is becoming a chore, a regular cleaner can take some of that pressure off your hands. At Time For You, our local cleaners can help with the everyday cleaning jobs that keep your home looking and feeling fresh.

Because you can't stop your dog enjoying those muddy autumn walks. You can just make cleaning up afterwards a little easier.

Looking for a cleaner? Find your local Time For You office today.