Urine stains on the carpet, droppings, shavings, or feathers getting into the most unusual places are all problems that many pet owners struggle with regularly. Don’t let this put you off owning a pet though. Below are some tips and tricks to keep your house stay fresh and clean with pets.
1. Neutralize Odors
Isn’t it embarrassing when you can walk into your own home and smell the pet odor in your home? Don’t even think of worrying about it any longer! Use an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralize any pet odors on your carpet.
2. Scrub a Dub
To keep your home bacteria-free, wash your pet’s stuffed animals, and toys in the washing machine. However, just make sure there are no hanging parts when you give them back to your pet!
3. Brush Outdoors
This idea is such a no-brainer that you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it before! When it’s time to brush your dog’s hair, do so outside! The hair will just blow away instead of attaching to your socks, carpet, and upholstery.
4. Pet Bed
When buying a bed for your pet, look for one with a removable cover. This makes it easy to wash it regularly, and that is exactly what is needed to prevent odors.
5. Bathe Regularly
This is definitely a no-brainer when it comes to keeping the house clean. The cleaner your pets are, the less smelly your house is! Depending on the breed of your dog, the frequency of baths varies, so it is important to do some research.
6. No More Paw Prints!
Now, this is definitely more associated with dogs. If it is muddy, rainy, or snowy outside, keep a towel and a bowl of water near your door to clean off your dog’s paws upon its entrance into your home. This may just save your new white carpet!
7. Litter Box
If you have multiple cats, be sure to buy the cat litter specially formulated for owners with multiple cats. This kind of litter neutralizes odors better and keeps your home smelling fresh.
8. A squeegee
If pet hair is a problem for you, try using a squeegee! Running the squeegee along your carpet or upholstery will easily lift the hair so you can remove it.
9. Use Bowl Stands
Instead of accidentally kicking the water dish around the room, use some specially made bowl stands. This will keep your pet’s dishes confined to one area, and they look really cute!
10. Out of Sight
If you live in a smaller space, you may begin to feel overwhelmed at the number of toys scattered about. Stress no more. Leave two toys out for your pet, and store the rest elsewhere. When you notice them becoming bored, swap the toys out for two new ones. This totally cuts down on clutter, and it increases the life of your pet toys!
11. Lint Rollers
Lint rollers are a great way to pick up pet hair that is left on a blanket, lampshade, or your clothing.
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have a lint roller, just wrap some packing tape around your hand and use it as a makeshift lint roller.
12. Tame The Litter
If your cat has a habit of tracking litter everywhere, it may be time to test this out. Place the litter box on top of a garage mat. This helps keep the spilled litter in the places it belongs.
13. A Damp Rubber Glove
Another great way to get pet hair off of couches is to use a damp rubber glove. Just get it a little wet and rub it all over that nasty hair. It should clump right up and let you pick it off nice and easy.
14. Vick’s Vapo Rub
Spend With Pennies has this great idea for anyone whose dog “marks their territory” throughout their home. Apply some Vick’s Vapo Rub to the areas in which they usually do their business. The smell will cover the scent, and stop your pet from doing it again!
15. Keep Off!
Instead of spending your energy trying to get rid of pet hair on your couch, prevent them from even going there in the first place! There is a great recipe using essential oils and cayenne pepper that can act as a natural repellent to keep your pet off the couch.