Over half of all American households have at least one pet. While we love our pets, they make it more challenging to keep the house clean. Here are some cleaning tips for pet owners that everyone who owns an animal should know.
Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners: Reducing Odors
It’s easier to prevent pet odors than to eliminate them. For example, always purchase pet beds with removable covers that can be machine-washed.
If you allow your pets on the furniture, look for items with removable cushion covers. Alternatively, you could purchase a slipcover or blanket for your furniture and wash it at least weekly.
Sometimes pet odors are unavoidable but can be removed with some common household items. Sprinkle some baking soda on upholstery and carpets and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before vacuuming it up.
Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners to Get Rid of Fur
Most pets shed, but you can minimize the amount of fur that builds up in the home. The first and most important step to reducing the amount of pet hair is to keep your pets well-groomed. Brushing your pet regularly outdoors will help reduce how much they shed. Some pets will even let you vacuum them with an attachment hose made especially for this purpose.
Use duct tape to remove fur that ends up on your furniture and clothing. Wrap a strip of duct tape around your hand and wipe the furniture to peel fur off soft surfaces.
Protect Your Doors
One of the most common areas to be damaged by pets is the bottom section of wood doors. Even pets with clipped claws can scratch up the bottom of your doors, leaving unsightly nicks and scratches.
By fastening a panel of thin plastic like plexiglass to the bottom of the door, you will protect the wood from claw marks. If you already have scratches, you can easily fix them with some gel stain. Gel stain works well to minimize the appearance of scratches.
These are just 3 simple tips to help your house stay cleaner and more inviting. There’s no doubt that homes with pets require more frequent cleaning. Get into a cleaning routine that includes the above strategies for a more tidy space.
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