Pets make us happy. They're always around when we need a friend, and they fill our days with laughter and love. But being a pet owner can be tough for busy people. One challenge is keeping your home clean, especially your carpets and furniture. This article will cover some common issues faced by pet owners when it comes to cleaning up the mess they make.
Use Safe Cleaning Products Around Your Pets
It's important to only use cleaning products that are not harmful to your pets. Anything that contains alcohol, bleach, or chemical compounds with the word “phenol” can be toxic for your pet. Many recognizable over-the-counter spot cleaning products are not healthy to use around your pet. Look for environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning solutions to keep your furry friends safe.
Fur Management
- Lint Brush: A lint remover is a fantastic tool to remove pet hair from furniture. They’re a small brush you can purchase at the dollar store. Move the brush across your furniture to see how much it picks up.
- Vacuum Often: Get a good vacuum with a pet hair tool and use it often to keep your home fur-free. Look for a vacuum with a powerhead and rubber bristles for effective pet hair removal.
- Use Rubber Gloves: Dampen a rubber dishwashing glove and swipe it across furniture to collect pet hair.
Pet/Urine Stains
- Act Fast: If your pet has an accident, quick action is important. Pet stains can soak deep into your carpet and underlay. The faster you clean it up, the better.
- Wicking: Place a clean, damp cloth on a fresh stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. The stain will wick from the carpet into the damp cloth.
- Use the Right Cleaners: Use enzyme-based cleaners made for pet stains to remove the stain and the smell effectively.
Scratching
- Aluminum Foil: Put aluminum foil on furniture; pets usually don't like the sound or feel of it.
- Rope: Wrap furniture legs with rope to create a scratching post for your pets.
- Double-Sided Tape: Apply double-sided tape to furniture; pets won’t like the sticky feeling and will avoid scratching there.
Reducing Allergens
- Cover Up: Use washable pet covers on your furniture and cushions to reduce allergens.
- Keep It Clean: If you can't use covers, regularly clean and vacuum your furniture to remove allergens.
- Air Purifiers: Use HEPA air purifiers to filter out pet dander from the air, improving indoor air quality.
Pet Odours
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, and pet beds. Let it sit, then vacuum it up to help get rid of smells.
- Find Hidden Stains: Use a UV light to find hidden pet urine stains on carpets or furniture. Then, use the proper cleaners to get rid of the stain and the smell.
- Get Professional Help: If pet smells are strong, consider hiring a professional to clean your carpets and furniture.
Tips for Your Carpets
- Vacuum Often: Remove dirt, pet hair, and allergens regularly.
- Durable Carpets: Choose carpets made from strong materials like wool that can withstand pet activity.
- Stain Protection: Look for treatments that help you clean up accidents and resist stains.
- Doormats: Place doormats by the doors to stop mud and dirt from coming inside.
Tips for Your Furniture
- Furniture Covers: Use covers to protect your sofas and chairs from fur, dirt, and accidents. They're easy to wash and help keep your furniture fresh.
- Pet-Friendly Spaces: Give your pets their own comfy spots where they can relax. Having pet-friendly furniture or cozy bedding can help keep them away from your nice couches and chairs.
You can have a clean home and enjoy your pets with the right plan. Taking good care of your pets and regular cleaning is the key. Visit our YouTube page or take a look at another one of our blogs for more carpet and furniture tips and tricks.