Introduction
Having pets can be a rewarding experience. However, keeping a clean home with furry friends running around can also be challenging. As a pet owner myself, I have learned some useful tips and tricks for maintaining a tidy house despite my pets’ messes. In this article, I will share my top tips for keeping a clean home with pets.
Limit Access to Certain Areas
One of the best things you can do is limit where your pets can go in the house. I’ve found it helpful to keep them out of the bedrooms completely. I also don’t allow them on the furniture, since that cuts down on fur, dirt, and odors.
Here are some ways to limit access:
- Use baby gates to block off rooms and doorways
- Crate train your dogs so they have their own dedicated space
- Place cat towers and climbing areas far from furniture and carpets
- Keep pets off counters and tables with a loud noise deterrent
Restricting access takes some diligence, but it really reduces pet mess and damage.
Clean Regularly and Thoroughly
Frequent, thorough cleaning is a must when living with pets. I try to follow a schedule to stay on top of messes:
- Vacuum at least every other day, especially in high-traffic areas
- Mop floors 1-2 times per week
- Clean litter boxes daily
- Wipe down surfaces like walls and baseboards weekly
- Launder pet beds and washable furniture covers often
It also helps to use cleaning tools designed for pets – like vacuum attachments that remove pet hair and cleaners that eliminate odors and stains.
Bathe and Groom Frequently
Keeping your pets clean is key to having a fresh, hair-free home. Here are some tips:
- Brush dogs and cats outside regularly to remove loose hair
- Bathe pets at least monthly to reduce dander and oils
- Trim nails often to reduce scratching of floors and furniture
- Clean ears, teeth, and wrinkles to prevent odors and infection
I make pet grooming part of my weekly routine. It really cuts down on stray hair and dirt inside.
Use Pet-Friendly Home Materials
When possible, opt for pet-friendly furnishings that can withstand messes:
- Hardwood or vinyl floors – easy to clean and durable
- Leather or pleather furniture – wipes clean of hair and dirt
- Washable rugs – can be laundered to remove odors, stains, and fur
- Non-fabric window treatments like wood blinds or washable curtains
I’ve also had success using covers and throws to protect carpets and upholstery.
Control Shedding
Shedding is a major challenge with furry pets. Here are some ways I manage it:
- Brush frequently with a rubber pet grooming glove
- Give foods and treats with Omega fatty acids to reduce shedding
- Try a deshedding tool to remove loose undercoat
- Bathe and groom regularly to decrease dander and hair
- Use an air purifier to catch airborne pet hair
- Clean furnace filters, vents, and fans often to remove hair buildup
Controlling shedding takes effort, but it really cuts down on hair floating around the house.
Pick Up After Accidents Quickly
Despite your best efforts, accidents will happen! When they do:
- Clean up urine, vomit, and feces immediately
- Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors and stains
- Block access to any problem areas until messes stop
- Take pets to the vet to address potential medical issues
Dealing with accidents ASAP limits damage and prevents repeat occurrences.
Be Consistent With Training
Pet-proofing and cleaning only go so far if your pets aren’t trained. Be consistent with:
- House training – praise and reward pottying outside
- Crate training – make it a secure, positive space
- Basic commands like “off” and “leave it”
- Redirecting to appropriate scratching surfaces
- Discouraging counter surfing, garbage raiding, and nipping
Reinforcing good behavior makes for happier, cleaner pets!
Conclusion
While keeping a clean home with pets presents some unique challenges, it is very doable with preparation and diligence. Limiting access, cleaning frequently, using pet-friendly materials, controlling shedding, quickly addressing accidents, and training consistently goes a long way. The extra effort is worth it for the joy, comfort, and companionship pets bring to our lives. With some planning and routine maintenance, pet owners can enjoy a clean home alongside their furry family members.
