When the days start getting brighter and warmer, many people choose to start tacking the big spring clean! Keeping your home clean can sometimes feel like a full-time job, especially if you have some pets in your house.
To make the cleaning process a bit easier, we have rounded up some tips to help you make your house cleaner and safer for your furry friends already in residence:
1. Pets
The first thing you can do to help keep your house clean is to keep your pet clean and well-groomed.
- Brush your pet frequently to reduce shedding and help prevent hairballs in cats. Try to do this outside, or somewhere the hair won’t float back onto a surface you’ll have to clean again.
- Trim fur between your pet’s paw pads, around the backend, and on the belly so that they won’t collect dirt. Before your pet comes back inside, you can also check these areas for any extra dirt, leaves, or any other number of items that may accidentally be brought indoors.
- Clip your pet’s nails and file any rough edges that could tear upholstery or other fabric around the house.
- On wet days, make sure to wipe those paws every time your pet comes in from outside
2. Floors & Walls
Pet owners may be surprised just how drool-spotted and dirty your walls can become with pets in the house.
- Keep in mind that tile, sheet linoleum, and laminate flooring are easy to wipe clean.
- Put an absorbent placemat under your pet’s food and water bowls to make cleaning up easier.
- Place a small washable area rug near entryways, though make sure it’s non-slip.
- If you’re painting, choose washable semi-gloss paint because it’s easy to wipe down.
3. Windows
- Avoid vertical blinds, and ornate tassels. Pets can get tangled up in them and cause everything to come crashing down.
- Think twice about mini-blinds, which can get bent beyond repair when they block a curious pet’s view.
- Make sure all of your window screens are installed securely. Cats especially can lean on loose screens and fall out.
4. Furniture
Pet-owners love snuggling with their furry companions on the couch, but furniture can easily get scratched, muddy, and covered in pet hair.
- Encourage your furry friend to stay off forbidden furniture by setting up a cozy pet bed nearby.
- Cover the couches and chairs your pet likes to snooze on with a throw or removable slipcover you can put in the wash.
PET-SAFE CLEANERS
- Is Cleaning With Bleach Safe for Pets? As a general rule, bleach is not a safe product to be using around pets. A common household cleaner, bleach (chlorine) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, internal burns and even seizures if ingested by your pet. Inhaling chlorine fumes can also lead to respiratory illness.
- Is Cleaning With Ammonia Safe for Pets? Ammonia is not safe to use around pets—it’s highly toxic. It could cause irritation and burning to the throat, nose, stomach and respiratory tract. Ammonia is commonly found in window cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, oven cleaners and floor solutions.
- Can I Use Tea Tree Cleaner With Pets? You should not use tea tree cleaner with pets, as it is toxic to them. This type of essential oil should not be ingested, used on your pet’s skin, or used in a diffuser.
- Is Cleaning With Vinegar Safe for Pets? Whether white or apple cider, vinegar can be a great alternative cleaner to use around pets. Vinegar is not toxic to cats or dogs, though some may not be big fans of the strong odor.
Everyday household items such as vinegar and baking soda can make for a safe alternative for a stain remover and general cleaner. You can also learn how to make your own products with common household items. For instance, a lemon juice and water mixture can make for a nice glass cleaner.
DON’T FORGET to store other toxic materials in a secure location where your pet cannot access them. These can include anything from fabric softener and dishwasher detergent to windshield washer fluid and nail polish remover.
