Housebreak your pet. If you have a kitten or puppy, it's easier to housebreak them because they are still learning. An older animal can still be housebroken, but it may take a little more work. Although this task can prove to be tiresome, most pets will catch on within a matter of weeks. Depending on the age and intelligence of the animal, it's not impossible for him/her to learn the rules of the road within days. In no time, your pet's instinct will come into play and he/she will be the perfect house guest. If you need assistance in housebreaking your cat or dog, consult with a local veterinarian or pet trainer.

Make time for litterbox maintenance. If you have a cat, make sure to change the litterbox regularly. You may also wish to consider a self-cleaning litterbox, but always make sure to keep the area clean and free of spills or other mishaps.

Consider your choice of flooring. If you are trying to housebreak a pet, carpet is not your friend. It retains odors and stains making it more difficult to keep your home smelling and looking fresh. If feasible, you may want to consider adding hardwood flooring of vinyl for easy maintenance and cleanup. With this type of flooring, fewer odors will be trapped, along with pet hair and stains.

Choose a specialty cleaner. If possible, use a floor/carpet cleaner specifically designed for the removal of pet stains and/or odors. As is the case with all cleaners, make sure to use in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Now that you know how to keep your home smelling fresh and clean, don't forget to include an air freshener or scented candle to add a touch of your favorite fragrance to the air. Just make sure to keep any such item out of your pet's reach.