Ah, the eternal struggle of keeping our homes clean and fresh when we share them with our furry, four-legged companions. As a self-proclaimed ‘clean freak’ with a house full of pets, I’ve learned a thing or two about tackling this challenge. And let me tell you, it’s no easy feat!
But fear not, my fellow pet owners – I’m about to share my secrets for maintaining a sparkling abode while embracing the chaos that comes with loving our animal friends.
Harness the Power of Essential Oils
When it comes to keeping my home smelling divine, I rely heavily on the power of essential oils. In fact, I like to think of my trusty diffuser as my best friend in the battle against pet odors. I try to run it at least once a day, sometimes even every other day if I’m feeling a little lazy. The key is finding scents that not only mask any lingering pet smells but also promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
My go-to blends always include a citrusy note, like lemon, lime, or grapefruit, paired with an earthy or woodsy aroma, such as frankincense, Thieves, or Northern Lights Black Spruce. These combinations not only freshen the air but also have a soothing effect, helping to counteract any pet-induced stress. And let’s be honest, as much as we love our furry companions, their presence can sometimes be, well, a bit overwhelming.
But essential oils aren’t just for diffusing – I also use them as a room spray and a linen spray to keep my fabrics, carpets, and curtains smelling their best. Spritz a little of my homemade blend on the couch, beds, and drapes, and voila! Instant freshness without any harsh chemicals.
Adam Cleaning has a great selection of natural, pet-safe cleaning products that can help you achieve the same results.
Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
Ah, the never-ending battle against pet hair. It’s a struggle I know all too well, but I’ve learned that the key is to vacuum frequently – at least twice a week, if not more. I know it might sound like a daunting task, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Think of it this way: if you keep up with the vacuuming, it only takes about 15-30 minutes to get the job done. And you can even break it up into manageable chunks, like doing the downstairs one day and the upstairs the next. That way, it never feels like a massive chore.
And when it comes to those stubborn pet stains on the carpets or furniture, I rely on Thieves Cleaner and Folex to get the job done. Thieves Cleaner is my go-to for a deep, thorough clean that leaves behind a fresh scent, while Folex is the champion of stain removal. I use them both on everything from carpets to curtains, and they always deliver fantastic results.
The Power of Sticky Rollers
One of my favorite tricks for keeping pet hair at bay is the sticky roller. You know the ones – they’re like a giant paint roller, but instead of a fuzzy surface, they’re covered in a sticky material that grabs onto every last bit of fur.
I keep a couple of these bad boys around the house, and I like to run them over my bed linens, couch cushions, and even my clothes before heading out the door. It’s an easy, efficient way to remove all that pesky pet hair without having to break out the vacuum every time.
And speaking of bed linens, I’ve also found that using a machine-washable throw blanket over my duvet cover is a game-changer. It not only adds a touch of style to my bedroom, but it also catches any muddy paw prints or other pet-related messes before they can ruin my pristine white duvet.
Keeping Pets Clean = Keeping Homes Clean
Let’s be real – the key to maintaining a clean and fresh home with pets is to keep the pets themselves clean and well-groomed. Whether you do it yourself or take them to a professional groomer, regularly bathing and brushing your furry friends can make a world of difference.
A freshly bathed and brushed dog is going to shed a lot less, which means less fur floating around your home. And when it comes to small animals like hamsters, cleaning their cages on a regular basis is essential for keeping odors at bay.
I know it can be a hassle, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. Plus, think of all the quality bonding time you’ll get to enjoy with your pets during their grooming sessions. It’s a win-win!
The Yin and Yang of Pet Ownership
At the end of the day, living with pets is a constant dance between chaos and calm, mess and cleanliness. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. These furry, four-legged companions of ours bring so much joy and love into our lives, and a little extra cleaning is a small price to pay for their companionship.
Sure, there are days when I feel like I’m running a never-ending cleaning operation, but I try to keep things in perspective. With a few strategic tricks and a healthy dose of essential oils, I’ve been able to maintain a clean and fresh home that still feels like a welcoming sanctuary for my pets and myself.
And who knows, maybe one day I’ll even convince my pups to help out with the vacuuming. A girl can dream, right?
So, fellow pet owners, embrace the chaos, lean into the cleaning, and remember – a little effort goes a long way in creating a clean paws, fresh homes kind of lifestyle. Your furry friends (and your nose) will thank you for it.
