As a proud pet owner, I know the joys of coming home to a furry friend wagging their tail in excitement. But let’s be honest – along with all the love and companionship, our four-legged family members can also bring a whole lot of, well, fur. And let’s not forget the dirt, drool, and the occasional ahem “accident” that comes with the territory.
Keeping a clean and fresh-smelling home with pets can feel like a never-ending battle, but trust me, I’ve got your back. I’ve tried every trick in the book, from essential oil diffusers to sticky rollers, and I’m here to share my hard-earned wisdom. So, put on your comfiest cleaning clothes and let’s dive in!
Harness the Power of Essential Oils
The diffuser is my absolute best friend when it comes to keeping our home smelling like a breath of fresh air, even with two dogs and three hamsters running the show. I’m constantly worried that our house is going to start smelling like a dog park, but running the diffuser at least once a day (or every other day if I’m feeling lazy) helps eliminate those pesky pet odors.
And let me tell you, the right essential oil blend can work wonders. I’m all about that citrusy goodness – lemon, lime, tangerine, or grapefruit – combined with earthy or woodsy scents like frankincense, Thieves, Northern Lights Black Spruce, or pine. It’s like a aromatherapy party for your nose!
But the diffuser can only cover so much ground, so I also like to keep a room spray made with those same essential oil blends handy. I just give a few spritzes around the house, especially on fabrics and carpets, to keep things smelling clean and fresh. And you know what’s even better? Using that spray as a linen spray on our bedding, curtains, and furniture. Goodbye, pet odors!
Tackle the Fur Onslaught
Pets and their fur go hand in hand, and there’s really no way to completely avoid the shedding. But the key is to stay on top of it with regular vacuuming. I try to vacuum at least twice a week, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Sure, it may sound like a chore, but think of it as a cleaning opportunity, not a burden. I like to break it up into manageable chunks – maybe just do the downstairs one day and tackle the upstairs later. Whatever works for your schedule!
And when it comes to those furry surfaces, sticky rollers are a lifesaver. I’m talking about the big ones, the ones that are basically like a giant paint roller covered in sticky magic. I keep a few of these around the house and give our bed, couch, and any other pet-friendly surfaces a quick once-over to remove that pesky hair. It’s like a furry sweater for your home, but without the fashion statement.
Get Tough on Stains and Messes
Let’s face it, with pets around, messes are inevitable. But I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to tackle those stains and spills head-on. Thieves Cleaner is my go-to for just about everything – from floors to furniture, carpets to curtains. It’s a deep-cleaning powerhouse that leaves behind a fresh, clean scent. And for those stubborn stains, Folex is the real MVP. I’ve used it to get everything from mud to mystery gunk out of our carpets, and it’s never let me down.
Speaking of muddy paws, I try to wipe down the dogs’ paws before they come inside, especially after a rainy day. It’s amazing how much dirt and grime they can track in, so a quick paw-cleaning goes a long way in keeping my floors spotless.
Groom, Clean, and Repeat
You know what they say – cleanliness starts at the source. That means keeping our furry friends clean and well-groomed, whether we do it ourselves or take them to a professional. A freshly bathed and brushed pup is going to shed a whole lot less, and a sparkling clean hamster cage is a lot less likely to stink up the whole house.
It may seem like a never-ending cycle of cleaning, but trust me, it’s worth it. With a little bit of diligence and some clever tricks, you can absolutely have a clean, fresh-smelling home and the beloved pets you adore. And hey, if you ever need a little extra help, you know where to find us – Adam’s Cleaning Services is always here to lend a hand (or a mop).
