Sharing your home with your pets brings a lot of joy, but it’s no secret that it can also bring a bit of mess. Whether it’s shedding fur on the carpet, tracked-in dirt, or occasional accidents, pets can certainly make our cleaning routines more challenging. Even if you work with the best cleaning service, you’ll still need to maintain your space in between the appointments. However, with a combination of practical strategies and consistent effort, you can maintain a clean and inviting home while enjoying the company of your beloved furry friends.
How can I keep my pet-friendly home clean?
It’s time to take a look at our 10 expert tips for keeping your home clean despite having pets:
1. Designate pet-free zones
While we adore our pets, it’s wise to establish certain areas of the home as off-limits. This could be a formal dining room, a home office, or a guest bedroom. You can simply close the door or even use baby gates to prevent access and invest in protective covers for furniture in shared spaces.
2. Create a cleaning station
A designated cleanup area at the entrance to your home can significantly help you. All you need is a simple mat, some towels, and a pet-friendly cleaning spray. Water and soap would also be a practical option. Use them to quickly wipe the paws and fur before your pet enters the main living areas.
3. Use lint rollers
Lint rollers aren’t just for clothes. You can use them on your furniture, curtains, and even car upholstery to efficiently and quickly remove pet hair. This simple tool can save you hours of tedious cleaning, especially if you use it regularly.
4. Invest in a high-quality vacuum
A powerful vacuum cleaner is a must-have for pet owners. Look for a model with a strong suction, a good filter system to trap allergens and specialized attachments for cleaning upholstery and hard-to-reach areas.
5. Remove stains and odors
Pet accidents are bound to happen, but if you react quickly, you’ll easily prevent long-term damage. You should keep enzyme-based pet stain removers readily available to quickly deal with spills or accidents. These products can effectively break down organic matter and eliminate odors, so your stains won’t set in and the smell won’t linger.
6. Regularly groom your pet
Frequently brushing and bathing your pet can help you reduce their shedding. At the same time, it contributes to your pet’s overall health and well-being. If you don’t do this regularly already, try to make grooming a regular part of your routine to minimize the amount of pet hair in your home.
7. Maintain the litter box
For cat owners, keeping the litter box clean is very important if you want to make sure your cat is healthy and comfortable and avoid any unpleasant smells. You should scoop the litter box daily, use high-quality litter that controls odor, and consider using a covered box to prevent the litter from scattering around.
8. Consider air purifiers
An air purifier can help remove pet dander and allergens from the air. This promotes a cleaner and healthier environment for both you and your pet. This is especially important for pet owners with allergies.
9. Establish a cleaning routine
You can benefit from incorporating pet-related cleaning tasks into your regular cleaning schedule. Use this time to clean your pet supplies, their toys, litter box, hair on furniture, and anything else that needs your attention. Short, frequent cleaning sessions are more manageable than tackling a large mess all at once.
10. Embrace the imperfections
Remember that a home you share with pets is a home filled with love and laughter. While maintaining a sparkling clean home is admirable, don’t let the pursuit of perfection overshadow the joy that your pets bring to your life. If you give these strategies a try and make cleaning a shared responsibility with your family, you can successfully maintain a harmonious balance between a tidy home and unconditional love for your pets.
