If you are a pet lover, chances are you share your home with one or two of them. Studies show that pets can help lower stress, stay fit and become happier. Unfortunately, having pets also means that your house is not as clean as you would like to think.
Your furry friend is shedding fur all over your carpet and furniture every day, and you cannot even see it. Worse still, they collect fleas and ticks out there and bring them to your house. Their tiny paws are not so innocent either as they hide all types of dirt inside there. Taking extra care of your home when you have pets is a no brainer, and these tips will help get you started.
1. Regular grooming
The only way to ensure your pet does not shed all that hair and dirt into your house is to keep them clean. Keep up with regular grooming at the salon if you can’t do it on your own. Professionals will trim their hair, shorten those nails and give them a spa therapy that includes a bath.There are certain dog breeds that don’t shed if you don’t have time to take them to the groomer.
Your pet needs to bath regularly, vacuumed and moisturized to keep fleas and ticks from their bodies. It is only during such regular grooming that you will notice fleas and other issues on their skin. On a day to day basis, you can brush them slightly as you spend time together to get rid of any shedding hair.
2. Vacuum
Mopping a house may be sufficient for other people, but it will not be if you are living with a pet. You need to vacuum your house at least three times a week to suck out all pet dander, hair and smell off your furniture and carpets. Make sure you also vacuum the hardwood floors because of hiding particles you may not see. Use the long attachment to get the nooks and crannies under your cushion and corners of the seats. Sometimes, you can take all the precautions when cleaning, but if you have a flea infestation, you will still miss the mark. In such cases, it’s always best to schedule a flea treatment with trusted professionals. This way, you are sure all the annoying pests are exterminated.
3. Buy a rubber squeegee brush
Even with regular grooming, your pets will still shed some hair on your furniture and floors. A rubber squeegee brush is the only way you can get that fur out of your surfaces. Start with the couch and brush out every strand of hair before moving on to the carpet. Use short strokes to remove all strands and avoid missing a spot.
4. Buy a lint roller or several
Every pet owner must have a lint roller. Have one in the living room, one in your bag and another one in the bedroom. A lint roller collection will help to keep your throw pillows, lampshades and furniture free of pet hair. If you hold your furry friend, you also need to swipe it over your clothes before you go somewhere.
5. Cover up
Covering your beautiful couch is not an ideal situation, but it’s worth it when you have pets. A good cover will prevent the pets from scratching your expensive furniture, making it smell bad and staining it. You also won’t have to keep vacuuming your seats every day. You can throw the covers in the wash every few days and replace them with clean ones. A good seat cover should be well secured on the seats so they don’t slide right off when somebody sits, and they should at least match the rest of home decor. You can remove the covers when you have guests and allow your new seats to shine.
6. Wash bedding
If your furry friend uses a blanket, they are likely to start smelling every few days. Throw them in the wash separately once a week to get rid of stains, odor and shed hair. You should do the same with that comforter you place on your couch to keep you warm at night.
Similarly, keep the place where your pet sleeps clean and tidy. You should vacuum, and wipe the surface as much as you do the rest of the house. If your pet is a bird or a reptile, make sure to clean their cage regularly as well to get rid of smell and bacteria.
Empty and clean the litter box as regularly as possible because it is one of the causes of bad odor in the house.
7. Keep dirt outside
If your pet spends the entire day running outside, you can expect them to be filthy in the evening. Ensure there is an old towel or mat outside the door to wipe off their feet before getting into the house. You have to train your pet to behave well, or they will climb on the couch with muddy feet. If it’s possible, take the time to wipe their paws thoroughly and use a wet towel or wipe the rest of their bodies before they get inside. Most pets should not be given a full bath every day because it will strip essential oils from their skin and make them dry so a good wipe will suffice.
8. Get rid of the odor
Mopping, brushing and vacuuming every day is very important to get rid of hair and dirt particles such as dog poop.Change your dog’s diet to a less poop dog food. It will help reduce the poop and make it smell better. However, it may not get rid of stains and odor. You don’t want to use air fresheners and candles to mask out the smell. It is better to deal with the smell itself and get rid of it before it becomes a permanent visitor.
Lightly spritz some vodka or baking soda on your furniture and floors a few minutes before vacuuming. Vinegar also works wonders to neutralize or remove any odor that comes from pets. Make sure to open all windows and doors during the day to let some air get inside the house.
Living with pets doesn’t mean that you have to get used to a dirty, smelly house. You can train your pet to behave like a civilized animal and take care of itself. However, you also have to stay on top of things by cleaning and vacuuming the house daily. Take care of any accidents and stains immediately and keep your dog healthy. Once in a while, call professional cleaners to come over and do a thorough cleanup of the house.
