When getting your carpets cleaned, it's important to think about your pets' comfort and safety. This article will help you understand what to do with your pets before, during, and after a carpet cleaning service. By following these tips, you can ensure your four-footed family members stay safe and comfortable throughout the process.
Before the Cleaning
Safe Products:
Before scheduling a professional carpet cleaning, ask about the cleaning products being used. Ensure they are safe for pets. Some cleaning products may have chemicals that can be harmful to animals. For example, ammonium hydroxide, commonly used in carpet cleaning prespray, is not safe for pets.
Pick Up Toys:
Pick up pet toys, food bowls, and other items from the carpeted areas. This helps clear the area for the cleaners and prevents cleaning products from getting on your pets' belongings.
Tell the Cleaning Techs About Your Pets:
Let the technicians cleaning your carpets know you have pets. They may have suggestions to ensure your pets stay safe during the cleaning process.
During the Cleaning
Dogs & Cats:
Before the cleaners arrive, put your pets in a safe, quiet part of the house. This can be a room where cleaning isn't happening, or you can use baby gates to keep them in a specific area. Some cleaning companies use truck-mounted vacuums, which require hoses to run into your home, often through the front door. This leaves the door slightly open, creating an escape route for pets. Consider choosing a company that uses portable units or make sure to put your pets in a quiet, secure room.
Other Pets:
Fish, hamsters, and lizards can usually stay in place during the cleaning. However, if you have birds, consider moving them to a quiet room, as the sounds of a vacuum running for a few hours can be distressing.
After the Cleaning
Wait for the Carpets to Dry:
After the cleaning, wait for the carpets to completely dry before allowing your pets on them. Wet carpets might not feel good for pets and could cause them to slip and fall on hard surfaces with wet paws. It will also prevent pets from licking the cleaning products off their paws.
Watch Their Actions:
Keep an eye on your pets when they're back in the cleaned areas. Each pet is different and you know your pets best so watch for changes in behavior after a cleaning. Some pets might not like changes, especially now that the scents in the home have changed.
Remember, each pet is different, so consider what your pet likes and needs. Following these steps can make professional carpet cleaning easy for you and safe for your pets. For more tips and information, check out our other blog posts and videos. Your pet’s safety and comfort are always a priority during a carpet and cleaning service.