Cleaning Tips for Homes with Pets

Who knew that your pets' adorable little paws and fluffy coats could set off a tornado of hair and paw prints all over the house? Learn some tips for maintaining hygiene when owning an animal.
Cleaning Tips for Homes with Pets

Last update: 07 December, 2023

Sharing your home with a pet is a unique experience that brings unconditional love, endless laughter, and unforgettable moments. However, living with a companion animal also means facing challenges to keep your living space impeccable. Keep reading to learn some cleaning tips for homes with pets.

From cat hair on the furniture to unexpected accidents on the carpets, keeping a clean home can be a daunting task for pet owners. But don’t worry; with the help of some good cleaning tricks, you can maintain order and harmony in your home.

It’s essential to take a deep breath when a mishap occurs and apply appropriate strategies to easily solve the damage caused by unintentional furry pets.

8 cleaning tricks perfect for homes with pets

Having a pet waiting for you when you come home from work is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. Although furry pets fill our existence with meaning and happiness, the truth is that they also bring with them responsibilities that can’t be overlooked if you want to maintain order and hygiene in your personal space.

Here are some cleaning tricks ideal for homes with pets.

1. Wash stains and remove odors promptly

A puppy sitting on the couch next to a wet spot.

One of the most common problems pet owners face is dealing with unwanted stains and odors in their homes, especially on carpets. When your four-legged friend still isn’t used to doing its business where it should and has an accident, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent the bad odor from permeating and staining your upholstery.

To begin, blot the area gently to remove as much liquid as possible. Next, for cleaning pet stains from rugs, a mixture of white vinegar and water can be an effective and safe solution. Apply it to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot until the dirt is gone.

Remember that baking soda is excellent for neutralizing odors. So, sprinkle it on the stain, let it sit overnight, and remove it the next day using a vacuum cleaner. However, if these methods don’t work on a stubborn stain, it’s always best to consult a professional.

2. Keep your pets’ hair under control

Whether you have a fancy cat or a fluffy dog, the constant parade of fur is an undeniable reality in homes with pets. Some animals’ fur can be very persistent, clinging to furniture, clothing, and even curtains.

Here are some effective tips that can be of great help in keeping your home free of hair:

  • Give your pet a regular brushing: If your furry friend tends to shed a lot, establish a brushing routine and stick to it. This won’t only strengthen your bond, but also reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.
  • Use special de-shedders: Explore the world of products to collect your pets’ long hair. For example, there are brushes and gloves that are designed to remove excess hair and prevent it from ending up on your furniture and floors.
  • Get a powerful vacuum: One of the best cleaning tips for homes with pets is to invest in a good vacuum cleaner with specialized attachments. Just be sure to tackle hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and upholstery.
  • Clean surfaces frequently: You can use a moistened rubber glove to easily pick up hair from furniture and fabric surfaces. To remove hair from clothing, a lint roller can work wonders.

3. Keep floors clean

A kitten sitting on a smart vacuum cleaner.
If you don’t have time to sweep the floor every day, invest in a smart vacuum cleaner.

Pets often bring dirt and dust into the house from outdoors, so it’s important to keep your floors clean. To do this, place mats both inside and outside your doors to catch dirt before it spreads.

For hard floors, a microfiber mop can effectively trap pet hair and dirt, while a robot vacuum cleaner can be a time-saving tool for daily maintenance.

4. Freshen up your pets’ bedding

Your furry bedding can harbor odors and dirt, making it a critical area that needs regular cleaning.

Use a pet-safe detergent and wash your pet’s bedding in hot water to remove bacteria and odors. If you feel the odor persists, sunlight is a natural disinfectant, so let it air outdoors on a sunny day.

5. Use safe, pet-friendly cleaning products

When cleaning a house with pets, it’s essential to use pet-friendly products. This means avoiding cleaners with harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia. It’s better to opt for natural alternatives such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Consequently, read labels carefully to make sure they won’t harm your furry ones.

6. Prevents future disorders

Prevention is the key to a clean and tidy home with pets. Therefore, regularly trim your furry friend’s nails (whether you have a cat or a dog) to avoid scratching floors and furniture. At the same time, training your pet and establishing designated areas for eating, playing, and relieving themselves helps to maintain overall hygiene.

7. Manage litter box odors

For cat owners, one of the crucial cleaning tricks is to control bad odors in the litter box. You should clean the litter box every day and change the litter when necessary.

A good idea is to place a small box of baking soda near the litter box to help absorb odors. Also, consider purchasing an air purifier to keep the surrounding area fresh.

8. Clean your dog’s toys and accessories

Take time each week to check your pet’s toys. Look for signs of wear, tears, or any signs of accumulated dirt. Then, prepare a vinegar and water solution to deep clean them. This method is safe and effective for removing germs without leaving chemical residue.

Likewise, don’t forget to disinfect the dishes in which your furry friend feeds. Otherwise, germs and fungi can spread and affect their health. After washing the dishes, make sure they dry completely before using them again.

Put these cleaning tricks for homes with pets into practice

Making the decision to have a pet requires extra effort to keep your home clean, but with the help of the above tips and the right tools, it’s not an impossible task.

By incorporating these cleaning tricks into your routine, you can enjoy a fresh, hygienic home without compromising the joys of pet ownership. Remember, a clean environment isn’t only pleasant for you. It’s also healthier for your furry companions.

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The contents of My Animals are written for informational purposes. They can't replace the diagnosis, advice, or treatment from a professional. In the case of any doubt, it's best to consult a trusted specialist.