Our furry friends mean the world to us – they give us unconditional love, plenty of cuddle time, and occasionally a few messes to clean up. Yes, cleaning up after them comes with the territory; however, you might not want to spend hours constantly cleaning up after them. Here are some cleaning tips for pet owners!
Cleaning Tips For Pet Owners
You’ve probably asked yourself how you can keep your home spic and span while avoiding having drool on your carpets, stains, fur or even feathers all around your house.
Luckily for you, we’ve got some expert cleaning tips to help you keep your home looking the way you like.
1. Clean Paws As Soon As You Walk In
This is our number one cleaning tip for pet owners – after all, if you prevent dirt from entering your home, there’s not much left to clean inside.
Muddy, messy paws cause stains on carpets and sofas and track dirt throughout your home. Plus, if it happens to be wet outside, they will add additional moisture to your carpets, which, if left alone, are fodder for bacteria and mould growth.
As soon as you’re back from a walk or a day out with your pet, clean their paws of all the gunk from outside.
You can use pet wipes or have a bowl of water and some towels at your door to clean their paws.
2. Pro cleaning Tip for Pet Owners: Always Keep A Trusty Cleaning Tool On Hand
Have you tried to remove fur from the upholstery in your home? It’s really tough, right?
Well, that’s because the fibres of your upholstery are a magnet for fur and dust – and once it’s stuck, it’s a nightmare to get off.
Another important cleaning tip for pet owners is to make sure that there is minimal pet fur around your home.
Here are three tools you can use:
- Vacuum Cleaner – Use the brush or upholstery attachment to keep up with daily maintenance.
- Latex Gloves – Wear the gloves and rub your hands on couches, carpets and other upholstered areas. The latex causes friction, getting the fur to stick to
- Lint Roller – The roller’s stickiness is great for picking up loose hairs.
3. Clean Collars And Toys
One thing that is often forgotten is that pet toys and collars need washing too. Once every couple of weeks, give your pet’s toys a good clean and wash their collars and leashes as required.
Pet toys (especially the ones made of high-quality plastic and silicone) can be washed in your dishwasher.
When it comes to their leashes and collars, you should wash them by hand or in your washing machine.
Also, another cleaning tip for pet owners is to wash your pet’s food and water bowls. When left damp, these bowls can develop rust on the inside. And if improperly cleaned, they will leave food stains and aromas behind. So remember to wash them with warm and pet-safe soapy water.
4. Protect Furniture With Throws
If your pet is allowed up on your couches and chairs, then likely you’ve seen them chew a treat or drool on your furniture. You’ve also probably encountered some dust and dirt that they’ve brought in too.
A simple way to avoid cleaning your upholstery often is to get some cheap throw blankets. All you have to do is toss them on the arms and seats of your furniture. That way, your pet’s fur and crumbs won’t affect your gorgeous furniture.
Once the throws are dirty, simply toss them into your washing machine to clean them off.
Purchase durable fabrics for this job since they will see a lot of wear and tear.
5. Regularly Brush Your Pets
Are you seeing a whole lot of fur balls and stray pet hair lying in the corners of your home? Well, that’s nothing but the natural shedding process every animal goes through.
Don’t forget that you should groom your pets regularly. Not only is grooming good for their health, but it’s also a bonding activity between you and your fur baby!
When you brush them at least once a week, you’ll be able to collect the fur they would shed. It’s best to use a deshedding brush from a pet store.
Most importantly, consult your vet first to get the appropriate tools and information on how to best groom your pet.
6. Baking Soda To Get Rid Of Stubborn Odours
The best way to remove foul odours from your carpets, upholstered furniture and pet beds is to get them deep-cleaned once in a while.
If you’d prefer to use a more budget-friendly option, try baking soda!
Simply pour baking soda onto your furniture and carpets, allow it to sit for a while and then use a vacuum cleaner to pick up all the baking soda powder.
7. Clean The Litter Box Often
If you’ve noticed that your litter box is consistently smelly, it’s probably because you’re not cleaning it enough. Most people clean their cat’s litter boxes once every couple of days. However, to keep both the litter box and your home hygienic and smelling fresh, you should clean it at least once or twice each day.
Up your cleaning game by washing the litter box with warm, soapy water to keep all those smells at bay.
8. Pro cleaning Tip for Pet Owners: Use Antibacterial Cleaners On Floors
Aside from using a vacuum cleaner on your floors, you should also mop your floors (this goes for hardwood floors too).
Not only does mopping remove stray pet fur, but it will also sanitise your home’s flooring. In this way, if there is any dirt or insects that come in along with your pet, the antibacterial cleaning solution will protect you!
Though this goes without saying, remember only to purchase cleaning solutions that are kid and pet friendly.
When you properly clean your pet’s accessories, toys and beds – and take care of your upholstery, you’ll always be in a clean, organised and great-smelling home! All you need to do is follow our cleaning tips for pet owners – yeah, it’s that simple!
Remember, a clean home is as healthy and beneficial for you – as it’s for your furry friend too!
