Essential Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners
There are plenty of things to look forward to when spring comes around. This is the time that you “defrost” from the winter season, and likely spend as much time as you can outdoors. Unfortunately, this also means that you’re more likely to track unwelcome house guests like dirt, and pollen, and other potentially harmful particles back into your home with you. This is one of the many reasons why spring cleaning is a common tradition among households – but it’s especially important for homes with pets. Whether you’re looking to stay in your home for years to come, or put it on the market, make sure you add these essential home cleaning tips to your to-do list!
Invest in Odor and Stain Remover
Pets can be messy – that’s just a fact of life. Luckily, there are products designed specifically with them in mind. A good odor and stain remover can be your best friend (apart from your pet, of course), especially when the time comes to deep clean your home after a winter spent indoors. Look for an option that can be used on many different surfaces to get the best value for your money, and to make sure you never miss a spot!
Use a Vacuum Designed for Pet Hair
The amount of fur that your pet sheds can be truly staggering. Even worse, however, is that many vacuums are simply unable to keep up with the mess. You might consider a pet-specific option to ensure you get the job done. These machines are designed to withstand the rigors of pet cleaning and will last longer and clean more effectively than other solutions.
Additionally, it’s likely that your pet has spent a lot more time indoors during the winter season than they normally would. This might have meant spending more time on your furniture, too. Many vacuums, especially those created with pets in mind, come with attachments to allow you to easily clean upholstery.
Pet-Safe Laundry Detergent
While a good stain remover is indispensable, you still need a detergent that can help keep your clothes and bedding as clean as possible. That’s especially true if your pet sleeps with you. A pet-safe detergent will be free of harmful chemicals and toxins, and also good for the environment. And when it comes to keeping your bed clean, a general rule of thumb is to change your sheets every two weeks, however with a pet we recommend doing it much more frequently.
Aerate Your Home
During the winter season you may have been forced to keep the windows closed, however now is a great time to aerate your living space as much as possible, when weather permits. Airing out your house is not only good for your lungs, and keeping the air free of pollutants, but it can help keep pet hair and other particles from making themselves comfortable in your home. However, make sure that you have a window screen, so that your pet doesn’t try to jump out.
Stop Dirt At The Door
It’s a good idea to stop dirt at the door as much as possible, to prevent cleanup later. Try putting a small tub of water by the door, followed by a towel for your pet to rinse and dry their feet with before entering the home. That way, they aren’t tracking dirt, mud, or other outdoor messes inside your home.
Deep Clean All Pet Collars And Toys
Don’t forget to deep clean not only your pet, but their belongings. Pet collars are great for attracting pollen, dirt, and other particles that you don’t want to get in your house. Regularly hand-wash your dog’s collar to ensure that it stays clean despite the time they will likely be spending outdoors this season.
It’s also a good idea to wash your pet’s toys, especially if they have a favorite toy that they bring everywhere. Plastic toys can go in the dishwasher and stuffed toys can go in the laundry machine.
Disinfect Safely
As you complete your cleaning, make sure that you’re using a pet-safe, and non-toxic cleaner to help disinfect your countertops, carpets, or hard surfaces. White vinegar is a great natural option that helps disinfect while being safe for most animals.
Guest Post by: Stephanie James