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As much as we adore our furry friends, pets can bring their cleaning challenges. The Bender family recently grew their family with their dog Wrenley, and while the kids love her, her hair lets you know everywhere she has been. Maintaining a clean home with pets requires a bit more effort, from shedding fur to muddy paw prints. But don’t worry! With the right strategies and a touch of diligence, you can keep your home looking and smelling fresh while ensuring a safe environment for your pets. Here are some essential pet-safe cleaning tips to help you manage the mess and maintain a spotless home.

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Regular Grooming

One of the best ways to minimize pet-related mess is by keeping your pets well-groomed. Brushing your pets regularly can reduce shedding and the amount of fur that ends up on your furniture. Keep close eyes towards the change of seasons when pets’ coats will shed even faster. One of the best pet products is the FURminator which tackles the undercoating of dogs and cats to keep your house hair-free. If taking your dogs to the groomer sounds out of your budget or time, using a de-shedding shampoo every 4-6 weeks, depending on the breed, can help your dog shed any extra hair and keep their coat cool and shiny.

Clean Paws, Clean Floors

Paws can track in dirt, mud, and even chemicals from outside. Keep a towel and a bowl of water near the door to wipe your pet’s paws before they come inside. You can also use pet-safe wipes for a quick clean. For cats, they make great waterless shampoo and dander wipes that are easy to pet your cats with, making them fresh and clean. If your cat hates water and you wouldn’t dare bathe it, using a waterless shampoo with a wet rag can help keep their coat clean. Don’t forget about their ears as well, as ear wax can build up easily, especially if they are sensitive to season changes.

Protect Your Furniture

Pets love to lounge on furniture, leading to fur, dander, and occasional accidents. Use washable slipcovers or pet blankets on your furniture to protect it from fur and dirt. Choose materials that are easy to clean and resistant to stains. If your animals are not allowed on the furniture, make sure you start this training as early as possible and communicate it with your family. There is nothing worse than agreeing on no dogs on the couch and then seeing hair all over. If your animal prefers a certain spot on the couch, you will probably notice an influx of hair in that specific area. One of my favorite tools is the Chom Chom Roller, which helps on any material and is reusable. Much better than going through an absurd amount of lint rollers every month.

Regular Washing of Bedding and Toys

Pet bedding and toys can harbor odors, bacteria, and allergens. Wash pet bedding, blankets, and toys regularly. Use hot water and pet-safe detergent to kill bacteria and remove odors. Check labels to ensure items are machine-washable. If you are a fan of wearing black, you know the pain of cuddling your dog and then wearing their hair for the rest of the day. Leggings are no match for a shedding animal. I like to use pet-specific dryer sheets to make sure all the lint and hair are coming off in the wash and keep an extra lint roller in the car to do any touch-ups before heading inside somewhere.

Deodorize Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can trap pet hair, dander, and odors. Vacuum carpets and rugs frequently and consider using a carpet cleaner to remove deep-seated dirt and odors. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to help neutralize odors. This simple trick helps keep your rugs smelling fresh, without any added chemical fragrance. Make sure you are washing your machine washable rugs periodically, to keep your rugs feeling soft and bright. You can even strip your rugs of any worn-in dirt by soaking them in the bathtub or a bucket. To strip your laundry use the following ingredients in a 1:1:2 ratio.

• 1/4 cup borax
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cap detergent

Letting them soak for up to 4-6 hours can release any buildup of the rug that you can’t get out with a regular wash. I love doing this every time I move, to help release any dust or hair from any storage units or housing.

Use Pet Safe Cleaning Products

Some cleaning products can be harmful to pets. Use pet-safe, non-toxic cleaning products to ensure the safety of your furry friends. Look for products labeled as safe for pets, or make your cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. AMK prides itself on using all pet-safe cleaning products and methods, ensuring that your furry friends are safe and healthy whether it’s a regular scheduled weekly clean, or a deep clean. A good rule of thumb is that nothing should touch your animals that you wouldn’t let touch your baby. Some popular cleaners have an overdose of chemicals that make them non-pet-safe and can ruminate on surfaces for days after application.

Keep the Air Fresh

Pets can sometimes bring in strong odors that linger in your home. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove pet dander and odors from the air. Natural air fresheners, like baking soda or essential oil diffusers with pet-safe oils, can also help keep your home smelling pleasant. Some of these air purifiers are getting so high-tech that you can control them through your phone!

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Maintaining a clean home with pets may seem challenging, but with these pet-safe cleaning tips, you can manage pet-related messes effectively. Regular grooming, investing in the right cleaning tools, and using pet-friendly products can make a significant difference. Remember, a clean home is not only pleasant but also healthier for pets. If you ever need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to reach out to AMK Cleaning Services for professional cleaning services tailored to pet owners. We’re here to help keep your home spotless and your pets happy!