Keeping your home clean can seem like a real challenge when you’re a pet parent. Similar to kids, pets have a natural talent for making freshly cleaned floors look like a complete disaster, and between dirty paws, zoomies and toys thrown all over the place, it can be challenging to keep your home clean and orderly. Yet, it isn’t impossible. With spring right around the corner, you’re probably ready to commence the deep spring clean that freshens up your home. But when you own a pet, there are special requirements you must be mindful of, including the type of products you use to avoid any possible health and safety hazards.

So, with that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the factors that determine whether you can win the fight against clutter and dirt.

Clean pets 

The most logical first step is to go directly to the source of the problem. Keeping your pets clean is essential, as the dirt you remove through washing and grooming doesn’t have a chance of staining sheets and carpets in your home. Using pet shampoo too often, though, can have its downsides, leading to skin and fur issues. Generally, washing quickly with water is more than enough. However, period baths with dog shampoo are a must in order to avoid oil buildup, unpleasant smells and dander, a potential allergen in susceptible populations. Depending on the type of dog you have, you can extend bathing as far as three months, but dogs with oilier or longer coats might need more frequent baths. Frequent trimming and de-shedding are also essential, depending on the dog breed.

Although cats typically don’t need baths, they might require them periodically if they have long fur that is prone to matting, have an incontinence issue, or have a health problem that makes it difficult for them to groom themselves, such as arthritis.

Deep cleaning

Although weekly or even daily upkeep is essential, a deep clean during which you methodically clean all areas of your home is a must. If you need help conquering this task, you can get professional assistance. Look for deep cleaning services that include a thorough cleaning of all home surfaces, as well as steaming and sanitizing. You might actually be surprised how much dust and dirt can become lodged in places you might not even think about. You can choose for a professional disinfection of all your household appliances and equipment in order to remove all bacteria. This can only be achieved with professional products, so you will need a cleaning company to help you.

Doing a deep clean is vital for the health and well-being of your pets as well. Their curiosity can lead them to explore all areas of your house, and the likelihood of them ingesting something potentially harmful is bigger when you don’t make time to deep clean.

Vacuuming 

Vacuuming regularly removes dirt, bacteria and all other particles that could cause unpleasant smells in your home. Pet owners should have vacuums equipped with special filters that can remove pesky hairs. One to two times a week should be enough, but you might also want to give your rugs an occasional shampooing. Around the start of a new season is the best time, as it guarantees that you won’t forget about it.

Your vacuum cleaner should also be able to glide over smoother surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about scratching wooden floors. It must also be equipped with the right features to allow you to tackle debris on furniture and upholstery. A steam vacuum can also be a solution for your cleaning needs, so you don’t have to use chemicals when cleaning. And, of course, to ensure you’re cleaning well, clean the filters frequently.

Pet-friendly products 

Although most pets tend to have sturdy immune systems, they can be pretty sensitive to certain substances and chemicals. Before you purchase new cleaning products, make sure to read the labels carefully. The substances you should avoid are chlorine, formaldehyde, ammonia and phthalates. If you want to make sure, you can ask your vet or look for an official list of household cleaning products that might be hazardous to pet health.

The floors are the most common area of concern, as your dog or cat is more likely to sniff or lick the surface, meaning that they can also ingest something toxic. They can also carry the chemicals on their paws and swallow them during self-grooming. Look for safe cleaning agents made from plant-based ingredients. You can also find carpet cleaners that are specifically designed for pets and which can help eliminate odors. Disinfectants that are safe for pets do not contain phenols, but you can also make your own DIY cleaning solution by mixing water and vinegar.

As for laundry detergent, you should go for something that is entirely fragrance-free, as it will be less likely to cause skin issues such as irritation. Even if cleaning products are not toxic, make sure your pets don’t have access to them, as they can cause health damage if ingested in substantial quantities.

Pet’s belongings 

All of your pet’s stuff should be cleaned the moment you start noticing bad smells coming from them. This includes the toys, bed, leads and harnesses. When you’re looking to buy a suitable dog bed, make sure to get a sensible design that can be machine-washed in order to make your chores easier. Although there are many aesthetically pleasing designs out there featuring extra fluffy lining for a plush feel, they would be difficult to clean and won’t look as lovely when grimy.

Ideally, you pet’s bed should be made from a water-resistant material that allows you to wipe it easily with a damp cloth without the risk of getting it soggy. After the quick clean, you can leave it in the sun to air dry. The ultraviolet will also kill any bacteria that might still be lurking in the fabric.

If you have a pet, keeping your home clean can be a little bit more challenging, but it’s not impossible if you have a good routine. Since you get to share your home with a lovable ball of fluff that loves you unconditionally, it is well worth the extra effort.