Many people have pets in their homes. Whether it is a dog, the universal crowd-pleaser, a cat, the star of the Internet, or a more exotic choice like a bird or a lizard, pets really bring joy in so many people’s lives, especially if you have children.
However, there is the other side of the medal with pets – the responsibility. You will be responsible for their wellbeing and their behavior and, most importantly for your home, their cleanliness and cleaning up after them.
That last bit especially can be tricky. That’s why we sought some advice from home cleaning experts at Hire A Maid about the extra care that a house with pets requires.
Hairs Everywhere
Seeing how cats and dogs are the most popular choice, tips in this article will focus on those two groups of animals. Whether you like it or not, most pets will shed. So, unless you have a hypoallergenic pet, chances are you’re familiar with the constant infestation of hairs.
Vacuuming seems like the best option, but an average vacuum cleaner can’t get all of the hairs out of your carpets or furniture. But there’s a trick you can use. Use a wet rubber glove – just swipe them across your couch or carpet and be amazed.
Your Pet’s Bed
Most pets today have a bed of their own, with plenty of cushions and soft materials. However, if you don’t wash them regularly, they can get a bit stale and musty, soon giving your whole room a somewhat unpleasant smell.
Washing the pet’s bed at least once a month should resolve the issue of smell, as well as bacteria accumulation which is likely, too. Just make sure not to use strong smelling detergents and softeners, as most pets don’t really like those.
Pet ‘Accident’ on the Floor
Perhaps a thing that every pet owner dreads – a toilet malfunction right on the carpet in the middle of the room. However, it’s really not the end of the world, there are simple solutions for every type of mishap.
If it’s urine, you can leave a wet towel on top of the area to soak through and then use another towel soaked in white vinegar and water to brush away the stain. It will remove both the stain and the unpleasant smell.
On the other hand, if it’s feces, most experts recommend not scrubbing and rubbing right away. Instead, remove all you can without pressing it into the carpet and then wait for the stain to dry. It will be much easier to clean and will leave no residue after you’re done.
The Litterbox
Every cat owner knows the importance of a clean and fresh litterbox, both for their cat’s health and for a clean and fragrant home.
Ideally, you should clean the cat’s litterbox at least once a day, so make it a part of your morning routine, or an after-work chore. Cats are very habitual creatures, so they will expect that every day. You can use a lightly deodorized litter if your cat doesn’t mind it for that extra fresh smell.
Pet Hair on Clothes
No matter how careful you are with your clothes around your pets, some always seems to find its way on your business suit or your favorite dress. Even if you can’t stop pet hair getting there, you can still find a way to remove them.
Use plastic balls in your dryer – they help separate hairs from clothes and make them clump into small knots of lint (so make sure you clean your dryer often). Additionally, a simple lint roller can go a long way in helping you remove pet hair.
Living with pets is so rewarding and heart-warming that a lot of us are willing to put in a little extra work in order to make their lives better. And house cleaning is just a part of that. After a while, you get used to it, and it doesn’t even feel like an extra step anymore.
