Our furry friends are more than just pets, they’re our family. And just like family, they can make the house a mess too. I’m not talking about accidents I’m talking about their fur and pet dander. We love them but we need to make sure we can clean up after them, that includes the floor, the furniture, and even the air. Let’s go over some ways to keep your home nice and clean for your whole family.
Cleaning Pet Hair and Dander from Floors and Furniture
Cleaning Your Furniture
The best way to get started is to clean from the top and work your way down. From dusting the corners of the ceilings, the fans, drapes, or blinds to sweeping and mopping the floor. If you have pets that shed a lot I recommend vacuuming and sweeping the floor to make sure you get all the hair before you start mopping. When it comes to cleaning your drapes and other fabric furniture, vacuuming and a lint roller will make your life so much easier.
Pet Beds
When it comes to cleaning your furry friends’ beds the washer and dryer are not it. The washer can rip open the seams and the bedding can get all over the place damaging the bed and possibly your washer. Start by vacuuming the bed as best as you can then handwash it in the bathtub with animal-safe laundry detergent and vinegar. Once you’re done squeeze as much water out as you can then let air dry.
Managing Pet Odors and Stains
We love our animals but sometimes they make messes that stain. Don’t stress out about it, here are some helpful tips to deal with any messy stain.
– Poop: Once you get rid of the mess, apply an equal amount of distilled white vinegar and cold water to the area. Now scrub the spot with a soft-bristle brush, and repeat if needed. Sprinkle baking soda on the area and let dry
– Urine: Sprinkle baking soda on the area and leave it for five minutes to soak up as much as possible. Combine baking soda, water, and vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the area, and let set for ten minutes. Blot the stain with a cloth and let dry.
– Blood: If the stain is still wet soak the area in cold water. Gently blot the stain then combine equal parts baking soda, cold water, and white vinegar and let sit for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary then blot with a cloth and let dry.
Keeping the Air Clean: Essential Tips for Pet Owners
Not only does pet hair and dander rest on furniture, but they also stay in the air. Now you might be wondering, “How do I clean my air?”, well I got some tools for you. Air filters, vent filters, and air purifiers are the best way to help clean your air.
Air Filters
There are many variables to consider when picking an air filter for your home. You have to make sure you pick the right filter size for your HVAC system, it can’t be too small or too big or it won’t work properly. You have to measure exactly, a 20x20x1 air filter can’t fit into a 20x21x1 air filter. Another thing to consider is media type, fiberglass and pleated. I would recommend pleated air filters if you have pets at home. Lastly, MERV rating is a big factor when picking the right air filter. The higher the MERV rating the smaller the particles are caught, MERV rating 13-16 is best with pets. It’s best to change these filters every 30-90 days to make sure they still work properly.
Vent Filters
Air vents that are between 2 ¼” x 12” and 4” x 12” are perfect for air vent filters. These filters are easily installed and can be trimmed to fit in any air vent. They have an electrostatic charge that can trap dirt, dust, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen when they try to enter your home through the vents. These filters need to be changed every 60-90 days.
Air Purifiers
Just like the name states, air purifiers purify the air. Some purifiers can clean up to 1500 square feet! The best places to put an air purifier are in high-traffic areas, like the living room, and even in the bedroom to help you sleep better. An air purifier draws in your bad indoor air quality and filters out all the pet hair and dander and pushes out clean fresh air.
Creating a Cleaning Schedule
Keeping a clean house with dogs and other pets doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you’re alone. Create a cleaning schedule and get the whole family involved to make it go quicker. You also don’t have to clean the whole house in one day either, you can split it up into two days or even spread it out the whole week. Whichever is best for your schedule. Like I stated earlier, cleaning from the top first is the best. Start by dusting the fans and the corners of your ceiling. Then do your drapes and tabletops. Try to make sure you dust every platform. The next step is to clean the floors, sweeping and vacuuming, and then move on to mopping. You can do quick sweeps and mopping anytime a mess happens on the floor to make it easier on you. Assigning other family members to cleaning duties can quicken the cleaning day leaving you more time to do whatever you please.
Love Your Pets and Your Clean Home
Keeping a clean home with pets can be challenging, but it’s entirely achievable with the right strategies. By following these tips for cleaning floors, furniture, and air, you can enjoy a fresh and inviting home while sharing it with your beloved furry friends. Remember, a regular cleaning routine and the right tools will make all the difference.
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