Did you know that well over half of American households have at least one pet? The most popular pets are dogs and cats and we can see why; both of these breeds are tons of fun to have around! However, they can also make a pretty big mess around the house.
Trying to keep your house clean with one or more furry critters running around isn’t always easy. From the occasional accident to the constant shedding and beyond, it seems like there’s no way to keep a pet-friendly household truly clean.
However, we’ve got some weekly and deep cleaning tips that pet owners are going to love. We’ll talk about everything from pet hair to stains in this easy-to-follow guide.
Ready to get started? Read on for our top-to-bottom cleaning guide for pet-friendly households.
First Thing’s First: Pet-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
When we think “deep cleaning,” we often think of products with chemicals that pack a powerful punch. For example, we may reach for bleach to kill bathroom germs, ammonia to clean the floors, and air freshening sprays containing phthalates to cover or eliminate odors.
However, these products are toxic to pets who may consume them or lick them off of their feet. That’s why it’s important to approach pet-friendly deep cleaning with caution.
It’s always an option to replace chemical-based cleaning products with more natural ingredients. However, there is another solution that is also available to you.
If you know that you’re going to be using any chemicals that are toxic to your pet, shut them out of the rooms where the chemicals are being used. If possible, keep them away from the area for 12-24 hours. You should also always read the instructions on your cleaning supplies to make sure that you’re using the right amount and, if necessary, diluting them properly.
Staying on Top of Pet Hair
Now, let’s take a look at one of the most persistent pests in a pet-friendly household: pet hair. Pets not only shed, but they also produce dander. Plus, outdoor pets can track in other irritants such as pollen, dirt, and dust.
On the Carpet
Your carpet is, unfortunately, trapping quite a bit of your pet’s hair. At least once a week, make sure to thoroughly vacuum any rugs or carpeting. When you’re taking the deep clean approach, use your vacuum attachments to pull up any hair that is trapped between your carpets and baseboards.
On the Furniture
Upholstered furniture is also a pet hair haven, especially if your pets are climbing or sleeping on your furniture. You can use your vacuum attachments to remove some of this hair, but much of it will stick around. During a deep clean, grab a lint roller or metal lint remover and go over all of your upholstery and even your curtains to remove that stuck-on pet hair.
When washing and drying any furniture covers or other household fabrics, make sure to include a dryer sheet or two in your drying cycle. Dryer sheets help to reduce static electricity in fabrics, making them less likely to attract pet hair, in the first place.
Tackling Pet-Related Stains
When you have pets running around the house, you’re bound to end up with a few stains. Your dog might track mud in on his paws on a rainy day or your cat might have an accident outside of the litter box. Either way, we’ve got tips to get both new and old stains out of your carpet and upholstery.
New Stains
If you don’t have a carpet cleaning solution on hand, don’t sweat it. Create a mixture with half a cup of vinegar, a tablespoon each of dish detergent and salt, and two cups of warm water. You can then apply this mixture to the stain using a sponge, rag, or paper towel before blotting it with a dry rag or paper towel.
Repeat the process as needed.
Old Stains
What about the stains you didn’t catch when they were fresh? Once again, we’ve got an easy mixture you can create with household items.
Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of dish detergent. Then, dust the old stain with baking soda before pouring your liquid mixture onto the stain. Allow it to bubble and fizz for about five to ten minutes before blotting it up, repeating the process as needed, and vacuuming away any residual baking soda.
Eliminating Odors
Sometimes, the most bothersome thing about owning a pet is the smell. Although cats and dogs are relatively hygienic animals, they can stink up the place. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can eliminate odors in your home.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
The most common thing we hear from pet owners is that their indoor air smells musty or stale. This is largely due to the irritants we discussed earlier, like pet hair, dander, and dust. By vacuuming regularly, improving indoor air circulation, and taking a few steps to keep your pets tidy (like brushing them regularly or cleaning their paws after outside time), you can boost indoor air quality.
Getting Rid of Tough Smells in Carpeting or Furniture
What about those really tough smells that seep into carpeting and furniture and seem impossible to eliminate? Once again, you’re going to want to head to the pantry and grab your baking soda.
In fact, you can use the same steps we recommended for cleaning old stains. This time, however, you’re going to want to use more baking soda and allow the baking soda to sit for a longer period of time–in some cases, you may even want to let it sit for an entire 24 hours.
Want to Skip These Deep Cleaning Tips? Give Us a Call
House cleaning is tough for pet owners. We hope that these deep cleaning tips will make it easier for you to tackle everything from pet hair to pet stains and beyond.
Not looking to take on any additional chores, yourself? We can’t say we blame you. Contact us to see how our professional cleaning services can help you to maintain your pet-friendly household today.