From the soft purrs and wagging tails to the scattered toys and surprise messes, our four-legged companions add joy—and a bit of a cleaning challenge—to our daily lives. Here are our tips for maintaining a clean and cozy home without compromising love and care of our furry family members.
Floors, Furniture, and Fur
Let’s face it: our pets love to lounge just as much as we do, often leaving behind a generous amount of fur on the furniture and carpets. Combatting pet hair might seem like a herculean task, but with the right approach, it’s more than manageable.
Investing in a high-quality vacuum designed for pet hair can make a world of difference. For furniture, a simple yet effective tool is a dampened rubber glove; simply running your hand over the fabric can miraculously collect pet hair. Additionally, strategic placement of washable throws or pet beds can localize shedding, making cleanup a breeze.
Organizing Pet Gear
From leashes and harnesses to toys and food dishes, pet gear can easily clutter your space if not organized properly. That’s why creating a dedicated “pet station” can be a game-changer. Use hooks or a small storage unit to hang leashes and harnesses. Invest in a toy box specifically for your pet’s toys. (If you have a highly intelligent dog, you might even try training them to return their toys after playtime—which not only keeps the floor tidy but alleviates boredom in super-smart breeds.) As for food and water dishes, placing them on an easy-to-clean mat can prevent spills and crumbs from spreading across your floor. And remember to wash these dishes regularly to ensure they remain hygienic and odor-free.
The Great Outdoors… Indoors
Pets who love to explore (i.e., dig in, roll around in, and run through) the great outdoors often bring back “souvenirs” in the form of dirt and debris. To combat this, consider placing a mat both outside and inside your door to catch as much dirt as possible. When it’s rainy outside, keep an old towel handy to wipe down your pet’s paws and prevent unwanted paw prints in your home. If your dog is prone to rolling in dead grass or leaves, keep a brush handy to give them a quick wipe-down before they come inside.
Bonus Hack: Odor Control
For lingering pet odors, consider natural odor eliminators like baking soda or vinegar. Sprinkling baking soda on carpets before vacuuming can absorb odors, and a diluted vinegar solution can be used to clean hard surfaces without leaving a lingering scent. For a fresh and inviting aroma, try using a pet-safe air purifier or diffusing essential oils that are safe for pets (like lavender). And of course, the cleaner your pet is (hello, bath time!), the less likely they are to make the rest of the house smell… less-than-inviting.
A Labor of Love
Maintaining a clean home with pets is indeed a labor of love, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these practical tips and a bit of habit tweaking, you can enjoy a clean, tidy home that’s ready to welcome both two-legged and four-legged family members.
Here at Kingdom Keepers, we understand the unique challenges pet owners face, and we’re here to help make them a little less challenging. Contact us today to receive a free estimate for our residential cleaning services. After all, a clean home is a happy home—for you and your furry friends.
