To keep their home pristine and hygienic, most pet parents make it a point to clean their living spaces daily. According to a survey of 10,000 pet owners across six countries, 71 percent of respondents spend 30 minutes to two hours cleaning their homes everyday. If you have a fur baby living with you, it can be a challenge to keep your home clean and neat when you’re constantly dealing with pet fur, food droppings, and pet-made messes throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to use effective cleaning techniques to eliminate mess, but these methods also need to be pet-friendly to keep your dog or cat safe. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain your home without harming your fur babies. Here are some pet-friendly cleaning tips for a fresh and hygienic home.
Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Most people reach for heavy-duty chemical cleaners to get rid of poop or urine stains, as well as bothersome odors caused by pet messes. However, commercial cleaners can have a negative impact on your pet’s health since they contain toxic ingredients such as chlorine or ammonia, which can cause pulmonary health issues in your fur baby. Some cleaners even contain formaldehyde, which is proven to cause cancer in animals.
Instead of using conventional cleaners, use natural cleaners such as vinegar, which can get rid of strong pet odors. Simply pour a cup of white vinegar and one-fourth cup of distilled water in a spray bottle, then spray the mixture on carpets, rugs, and floors. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on your pet’s bed, the couch, and cushions to get rid of smells. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming.
If you need to use soap to clean your dog or cat’s toys or their food and water bowls, make it a point to use plain castile soap since this is a pet-safe cleaner. If you want to use commercial cleaning agents though, look for products that are guaranteed to be pet-friendly. Brands like Bona, Clorox, and Nature’s Miracle have a line of pet-safe cleaning products that will eliminate stains and odors from the messes that your pets make.
Invest in a Good Vacuum Cleaner
Every pet owner should have a good vacuum cleaner since it’s the best tool to keep surfaces clear of pet hair. Look for a lightweight model with powerful suction, and features that will make picking up pet hair and disposal easier, such as the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless vacuum cleaner. This tool has a laser right in front of the vacuum so you can spot pet hairs or debris. Meanwhile, the Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister keeps dander and pet hair tightly sealed after vacuuming. You may also want to consider a model with different attachments to clean upholstery and tiny nooks and crannies, or invest in a handheld vacuum to clean up contained messes in an instant.
Avoid Using Cleaning Products with Essential Oils
Essential oils can give your home a lovely, fresh scent. However, some of these oils can be highly toxic to your pet. Peppermint, citrus, pine, tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, ylang ylang, and wintergreen are proven to be toxic to cats and dogs, so be sure to study the labels or ingredient list of your cleaning products to see if they contain any of these essential oils. It’s also recommended to avoid using these in your diffuser since spills can occur, and your fur baby could lick up the spilled liquid if you’re not careful.
If you want to make your home smell better without sacrificing your pet’s health, try ventilating your rooms first, then use an air purifier. Next, in a small saucepan, boil two cups of water with some orange peels and a few drops of vanilla extract to give your indoor air a nice fragrance. You can also have a few potted rosemary plants in your house since this is safe for pets, even if they ingest small amounts of it.
Having a clean and tidy home can seem almost impossible if you’re a pet owner, but there are ways to keep your home spotless, even if you’ve got a few fur babies living with you. Consider these pet-friendly tips to keep your home looking and smelling good. Always remember to check the labels of your cleaning products to keep your cats or dogs safe from harmful toxins and ingred
