While we love our pets to bits, there is no doubt that they can make a mess. In fact, if you don’t make it a point to maintain your home and clean when you can, then things can quickly get out of control. While you can’t eliminate every paw print and spill, by implementing a cleaning routine every week, you can still salvage your home and keep it sparkling.
It is possible to have a pet and a clean house. Consider these tips for a helpful routine that will make it easy to tidy up and get the best of both worlds.
Protect Your Surfaces
If you have had a pet for a while, then you may have realized that the surfaces around your house have likely seen better days. Pets are always moving around, and that means that your floors, baseboards, and tabletops are likely taking the punishment. Make it a point to clean off your tables and counters every day with a spray or moist towels that are made specifically for people with pets, which you can find online. These products are also non-toxic, so they won’t hurt your furry friend.
Many pets can leave a lot of dirt and scuff marks on the floor and baseboards, so it is a wise idea to mop, sweep and use your pet vacuum cleaner every day as well. If possible, you can take the leg work out by investing in a robot vacuum that you can program to go around the house at a certain time of the day and do the cleaning for you. If there is a space that you absolutely want to keep clean, then make it completely off-limits for your pet.
Another idea is to find stylish outdoor rugs that you can put inside on the floors that get the most abuse from your pets. Many outdoor rugs are built to withstand stains, so they are easy to clean if your dog or cat has an accident on the carpet. Also, outdoor rugs are often less expensive, so if there is a major issue, you can dispose of them without a major hit to your wallet.
If your pet does have an accident on a carpet or your rug from Rugstore NE, then clean it by using paper towels to absorb as much as you can. Then, spray a 50-50 mix of vinegar & water and continue to blot with the towels. For bigger messes, it may be a good idea to hire a professional carpet cleaner so they can completely remove the stain and any bacteria that comes with it.
Keep Outside Dirt From Coming In
While you can clean floors all day long, if you let your pets go in and out of the home, then they will likely drag in dirt and debris, and you’ll never get clean. It is important to find time to play with them outside, so don’t keep them cooped in the house. Instead, create a routine, so they don’t make unnecessary messes.
The amount of debris that you’ll deal with will depend on where you live, but the easiest thing you can do is to make it a habit to wipe down their paws every time they come in from going to the bathroom or investigating the backyard. You can also put a rug right next to the door, so some of the dirt will come off before they get too far into the house.
If your pets like to run around in the forest or a wooded area, then there is a good chance that your dog could be bothered by fleas, ticks, and other pests. That is another reason why you should wipe down and inspect your pet every time they come back inside. You will want to resolve health issues like tick bites quickly by brushing their hair when they come back in, and if you find one, carefully remove it with tweezers. Then, apply a topical treatment to prevent further bites.
On the topic of going outside, if you leave your pet at home while you are off at work and they typically go to the bathroom in the yard, then you will want to ensure that they have the chance to do so, or there could be an accident on your floor when you get home. A good solution is to install a doggie door in your storm door that will allow your pup to come and go when necessary. You can even install one yourself by following instructions online.
Keep Your Furniture Clean
As a pet lover, you probably enjoy hugging and snuggling your dogs and cats, but you probably don’t love the pet hair that can cover your furniture by doing so. The easiest way to keep your chairs, couches, and stools free of pet hair is to cover them with a large cloth or sofa cover. Instead of buying a bland plastic sheet, go online and look for a fitted cover that will match the dimensions of your sofa for a natural look.
In order to prevent the hair from getting too deep or making a stain, create a habit of vacuuming the furniture on a regular basis, even once per day. Use one of the vacuum’s attachments to get behind the cushions and in all of the crevices, so you don’t find any hairy surprises. Cleaning your furniture will remove that hair as well as dust, germs, and mites that can be harmful to pets.
If you are in the market for new furniture, then consider looking for options that are pet-friendly and easy to clean. For instance, leather is a great choice because it is easy to wipe down, and it doesn’t attract hair like other fabrics. Another great option is microfiber which is soft and comfortable while also being durable and easy to clean with a damp cloth.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can keep your home clean, even if you live with a pet. Consider these tips and make a weekly routine, and you’ll be happy with the results.
