As a homeowner with pets, keeping your living spaces clean can be a real challenge. Dogs and cats leave fur and dander throughout the home, making it difficult to maintain a tidy house. Fortunately, with a few simple housecleaning tips for pet owners, you can keep your home looking and smelling great.
Helpful Housecleaning Tips for Pet Owners
Groom Your Pets Regularly
Regular grooming is essential for keeping your pets’ hair and skin healthy and minimizing shedding. Brush your pet’s coat at least once a week to remove loose fur. This will reduce the amount of hair that ends up on the furniture and floors. Bathe your cat or dog regularly to keep them smelling clean.
Purchase a High-Quality Vacuum
Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with strong suction power and a HEPA filter. A good vacuum will effectively remove pet hair, dander, and dust from the carpets and floors. Vacuum floors and furniture at least once a week, and use a handheld vacuum for hard-to-reach areas.
Housecleaning Tips for Pet Owners: Use Odor-Absorbing Products
Pet odors can quickly become overwhelming, especially in small spaces. Use odor-absorbing products like baking soda or activated charcoal to combat bad smells. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets and furniture, let it sit for 20 – 30 minutes, and then vacuum the area. You can also place activated charcoal in small containers throughout your home to absorb odors.
Clean Accidents Immediately
Accidents happen, especially with pets. When accidents occur, it’s essential to clean them immediately. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for households with pets to remove stains and odors. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as these can attract your cat or dog to the same spot.
Wash the Pet Bedding Regularly
Your pet’s bed and blankets can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors. Wash the bedding at least once a week to keep it clean and smelling fresh. Use a pet-friendly laundry detergent and dry the materials on a high heat setting to kill bacteria.
Housecleaning Tips for Pet Owners: Clean Their Feet
Washing your pet’s feet after they come inside is an effective way to keep your house clean and tidy. Use a damp cloth or pet wipes to gently clean your pet’s paws, focusing on the paw pads and in between the toes. This will remove dirt or mud and prevent it from spreading throughout your home.
Following these simple tips will keep your home clean and odor-free, even while living with pets. You can enjoy happy, healthy, fresh-smelling living spaces with a little effort.
TUFF Home Inspections offers inspection services in New Jersey. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.