Easy Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners

Pets are great companions, but they can also make your house messy. Whether you have a dog, cat, hamster, or parakeet, there will be dirt and odors around the house. Here are some home cleaning tips for pet owners that will come in handy.

1. Groom Your Pets Regularly

The first step in maintaining a clean home with pets is to keep your pets clean. Regular grooming removes dirt and excess hair, so it doesn’t end up on your rugs and furniture. Bathe dogs about once a month and give both cats and dogs a good brushing at least once a week.

2. Vacuum and Sweep Often

Shedding is usually a problem with pets, so sweeping and vacuuming floors should be done on a strict schedule. Invest in a high quality vacuum cleaner and go over your carpeting at least once a week. Sweep hard flooring every few days to keep excess pet hair under control.

3. Place a Mat or Tray Under Feeding Dishes

Crumbs and stray kibbles fall out of pets’ food bowls often, which makes a mess and attracts bugs. One of the easiest home cleaning tips for pet owners is to purchase a mat or tray to place under feeding bowls. Then you just need to clean the mat often instead of the entire floor.

4. Furniture Cleaning Tips For Pet Owners

Pets like to lounge on furniture, but this habit can leave lingering odors and hair. If possible, train your dogs to stay off the furniture. This is usually not an option with cats, but you can purchase washable covers to protect your furniture. Clean and remove odors in upholstery by sprinkling down baking soda, letting it sit, and then vacuuming it up.

5. Home Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners Include Using Doormats

Keep absorbent doormats on either side of your front and back doors to prevent your pet from tracking in dirt, mud, and snow. You can also keep a small towel in the hallway to wipe off paws when pets come inside.

6. Use Pet Odor Neutralizer on Rugs and Upholstery

If your pet has an accident inside the house, clean it up immediately to prevent messes from soaking into rugs or flooring. Enzyme-based cleaner, available at most pet stores, will help to remove all lingering odors.

7. Air Out Your Home Regularly

Indoor air gets stale when the windows are kept closed. Home cleaning tips for pet owners include opening the windows for just 10 minutes, once a week.

Pets are worth the extra effort it takes to keep your home clean and sanitary. Pet hair, tracked in dirt, and pet odors are the most common problems you will encounter. Keep your home clean and comfortable with these home cleaning tips for pet owners.

Appalachian Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Western North Carolina. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you are buying or selling a home.