7 Steps To A Cleaner Home With Pets

One thing I have discovered with any pet I’ve ever owned is that they are all messy. No matter the breed, the hair and “stuff” they track in is a never-ending job to clean up. Here are 7 simple steps to a cleaner home with pets:

1. Groom Your Pets. Groom and brush your pets regularly to minimize the amount of shedding. Here is my absolute favorite grooming tool. These rechargeable clippers cut through thick hair so easily without pulling so there is no stress involved for you or your pet.  It is also important to keep pet nails trimmed to avoid scratching fabrics and floors.
2. Keep Your Pets Clean. Ensure that your pets come inside with clean feet! You can try keeping towels by your back door as it will make cleaning their feet convenient. If it has been raining, lay down extra towels for them to step onto prior to entering your home. You can also place a bowl of water at your entrance. Dipping muddy feet into water might take a couple of extra minutes, but could save you from mopping every time they go outside.
3. Clean Your Pets Belongings. Take the time to wash your pet’s bed, food, and water bowls, leashes, and toys (check to make sure they are washable). I wash toys in the washing machine and balls in a sink full of soapy water.
4. Cut Down On Cleaning Tasks. Placing a mat down where your pets eat and drink will reduce the amount of water that touches your floor. Your pet may also have a favorite spot to lay which you can protect by covering those surfaces with a sheet or blanket. Choose washable bedding so cleaning is easier if your pets like to sleep with you. If pet hair makes an appearance on any of your furniture, try this trick: Use a slightly damp washcloth to wipe down the fabric. It rolls up and easily wipes away. You can also use a lint roller if you don’t feel comfortable using a damp cloth.
5. Vacuum or Dry Mop. Ugh! The never-ending job. We can’t entirely blame our pets for tracking in on a daily basis so vacuuming or dry dusting your floors are a crucial step in maintaining a clean floor. Grab and lock away pet hair like a magnet effortlessly with our Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Mop Kit.
6. Air Out Your House. By opening a few windows on the opposite side of the house frequently, you can help eliminate some stagnant odors plus it can improve indoor air quality. Even during the winter months, you should open your house at least once a day, no matter how bitterly cold it is outside. It doesn’t have to be for long, opening a window or door for even just a few minutes will create a cross-draught. The old, damp air will exit your home and fresh air will return.
7. Have A Backup Plan For Accidents. For hard floor surfaces, our Quick Shine Daily Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner is perfect for life’s little spills and of course pet accidents. Our pH-neutral formula is also safe to use around pets. If you have carpet, the following recipe is my DIY favorite: It’s a three-stage process. First, you have to find the urine stains. Then you need to extract the dried urine, and finally, use an odor neutralizer to eliminate the smell.  Soak the stains using undiluted white vinegar, using enough to penetrate through to the pad. Let it dry naturally. The odor will dissipate as it dries. Two treatments, spaced 24 hours apart to allow for dry time, maybe the most effective. Shake baking soda over the area, covering it completely. Mix 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1 tsp. dish soap. Spray it on the stain, and rub it in with a clean rag. Allow it to dry for at least an hour. Vacuum over the stain to pick up the powdery residue. This leaves a completely odorless carpet or rug. I also use this solution in my shampooer when I treat all of my carpets.  My Bissell is pretty dated, however, this one looks great!

If you can stay on track with these 7 steps, you are well on your way to a happier, healthier home!

Tags: cats, checklist, dogs, floor scratches, pet accidents, pet care, pet safety, pets, safer choice