Pets make our lives happier but they can be messy. An effective cleaning plan helps with pet hair, accidents, and smells. Experts Alicia Sokolowski and Kathy Cohoon have tips for a clean home with pets. They focus on shedding, bathroom accidents, and odor control for easy cleaning.
Keep your home fresh with daily pet brushing and regular baths. Use pet-safe cleaners for their beds. Sticky sheets and pet hair vacuums are key tools. Also, mats under pet dishes catch spills, making cleaning easier.
Managing Pet Hair
Over half the homes in the UK have a pet. This means pet hair is everywhere in these homes. To handle the shedding from dogs and cats, you need a good plan. Using lint rollers and buying vacuums made for pet hair are great ways to start.
Lint Rollers and Duct Tape
Alicia Sokolowski says lint rollers are great for cleaning up pet hair. They work not just on clothes but also on couches and car seats. For a quick fix, duct tape is super effective. Just wrap it around something like a roller, and it picks up hair easily from soft fabrics.
Vacuuming Strategies
Vacuums for pet hair, such as the Shark Anti-Hair Wrap Vacuum, are must-haves. They come with special tools to pick up lots of hair. If you use these vacuums often and choose ones with a HEPA filter, your home will be cleaner. Adding an air purifier with a HEPA filter helps even more by catching hair in the air.
Rubber Gloves for Furniture
For furniture, try using materials that don’t attract pet hair. Options include satin or leather. But if that’s not possible, Kathy Cohoon has a tip. She says using damp rubber gloves can easily grab pet hair off furniture. You can also spray a mix of water and fabric softener on furniture to keep hair from sticking.
Dealing with Bathroom Accidents
Cleaning up pet bathroom messes fast and well is key. Doing so keeps your home clean and smells nice. It also stops your pet from going in the same place again.
Using Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are a must for pet messes. They have good bacteria that remove odors and stains. They work on urine, poop, and vomit. This makes sure everything is cleaned up well.
Using these cleaners changes how you clean. You won’t have smells that bring your pet back to that spot. For tips on cleaning, check out this resource.
Proper Disposal of Pet Waste
Getting rid of pet waste the right way is important. It keeps us healthy and helps the environment. Throwing it away wrong can spread diseases and hurt nature.
Experts say to flush it or use bags that can break down. This keeps waste from hurting the ground. To learn more, see this recommendation.
Using the right cleaners and waste disposal helps a lot. It makes your home better for you and your pets. And it’s good for the planet too.
Preventing and Removing Pet Odors
To effectively handle pet odors, use the right techniques and products. This ensures your home stays fresh and clean. Addressing pet odors quickly is important. Lingering smells can lead to health issues and reduce your property value.
Using Baking Soda for Odor Control
Baking soda is great for getting rid of pet smells. It’s because of its natural deodorizing abilities. Alicia Sokolowski suggests using baking soda. Sprinkle it on carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding to absorb odors overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda the next day to remove the smells. Adding baking soda to your laundry can help remove stubborn pet odors from washable items.
Eliminating Stains and Smells with Enzyme Products
For tough pet stains and odors, enzyme products are a better choice. These products have enzymes that break down the cause of the smell, neutralizing it. You can use them on many surfaces, such as carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. This offers a complete solution to pet odor problems.
When treating pet urine on carpets or upholstery, first absorb as much liquid as you can. Then, rinse the area with water. After, apply an enzymatic cleaner. Let it sit for hours or even days for the best results. This ensures all organic matter is broken down.
Check out this detailed guide from This Old House for more on removing pet odors. The website provides extra strategies and tips for tackling pet smells effectively.
Choosing pet-safe cleaning products is key to a clean, healthy home. Go for natural and eco-friendly options without harmful chemicals. This ensures a healthier environment for both pets and their owners while fighting pet odors.
Cleaning Up After Pets: Essential Tools
Keeping your home clean with pets can sometimes be tough. But, the right tools make it much easier. Items like pet-safe detergents and protective covers help a lot. They simplify your cleaning routine and keep your house smelling fresh.
Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products
Picking the right cleaners for pet areas is key. Alicia Sokolowski highlights why using pet-safe products matters. They prevent skin irritation and other health problems for your pets. Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh, at $18.29 for three, and Resolve Ultra for $9.46 are top choices. These products are great for dealing with stains and bad smells.
Protective Covers and Mats
Washable furniture covers are a wise choice. They protect your stuff from pet hair and smells. Cleaning these covers often, like you would with a Bissell CleanView Swivel vacuum priced at $106.44, keeps your space neat. Mats under pet dishes and litter box mats also aid in cleanliness. AspenClean and Two Maids recommend these to maintain a clean, cozy home for you and your pets.
