Budget-Friendly House Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners
Many pet owners regard their animals as members of the family, which can make it difficult to see the little messes they leave behind. Even the most well-behaved dog can leave footprints, drool, hair, dander, and odors behind in your home, and no matter how often you clean the floors and furniture, it can sometimes be hard to keep up with it all. While there are many products on the market that will help keep things clean and odor-free for pet owners, these can be costly when you’re buying them over and over again.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your home clean and smelling fresh that won’t break the bank. From creating an odor-free litter box for the cat to keeping the furniture free of pet hair, you’ll find tons of tips below for keeping your house in great shape without spending a ton of money. Keep reading to find out how.
Create a Mess-Free Litter Box
Cats can’t help the fact that litter can make a mess outside their box when they use the bathroom, but you can keep everything contained by placing the litter box inside a plastic storage tub with the lid on. Cut a hole in the front so your cat can enter and exit. Make sure you place a trash bag in the bottom of the litter pan before you put the litter inside for easy cleanup, and when it’s time to clean the plastic storage bin, opt for a pet-friendly disinfectant. Rover.com recommends VetriCure, which assures pet parents that “licking worries” are a thing of the past thanks to its non-toxic formula, and it costs under $10.
Cover Your Furniture
If your pets like to lounge on the couch while you’re at work, place an old sheet or blanket across it before you leave. This will keep the upholstery nice and hair-free, and when you’re ready to clean, you can simply remove the sheet, shake it off outside, and wash it. You can also wrap duct-tape sticky-side-out around a paint roller and use it to pull hair up from the furniture.
Consider an Air Purifier
The right air purifier can help remove dander, bacteria, and pollen from your home, leaving only clean, fresh air to breathe. Some filters are better than others depending on what type of pet you have (getting one with a pre-filter is also a good idea, as it catches additional allergens and protects your regular filter), so do some research before making a decision. It’s also a good idea to make sure your HVAC system has a clean filter at all times; in the summertime and the heart of winter — when it’s used the most — change the filter around once a month.
Wipe Those Paws
Unless your dog wears boots when he goes outside, he’s likely going to come back in from a walk with grass, mud, slush, snow, ice, or water on his paws. The best way to keep your floor clean is to place a small bowl of clean water by the door so you can dip his feet into it, then wipe them dry. You can also buy special wipes that will remove dirt and harmful chemicals, which is especially helpful during the winter months.
Wash Bedding Regularly
Wherever your pet likes to sleep, it’s important to make sure his bedding is clean and dry so that it will be bacteria- and dander-free. Wash blankets often, and take a lint-roller to beds to keep the loose pet hair to a minimum. If your pet sleeps in your bed, change the sheets once a week and wash them in hot water to help cut down on allergens.
Cleaning your home and making sure it’s odor- and stain-free doesn’t have to be costly. With some simple remedies, you can ensure that your house and your pet are comfortable with one another. The key is consistency; maintaining the care of your floors and furniture will help you stay on top of any issues.
Swee Ng, Realtor and Phoenix East Valley resident specializing in win-win real estate transaction through great communication and fighting for his clients’ best interest. After all, this is more than real estates, this is about your life and your dreams.
If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Phoenix AZ area, we hope you will consider us. Contact us today for complimentary consultation.
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