Pets are just SO cute. And messy.
It is hard to keep your home feeling truly clean when you have little Mr. Dirty Paws running in and out and little Miss Shed-a-lot sleeping on your bed on the sly.
Here are our top tips for keeping your space spic and span, as well as pet-friendly.
1. Animal hair
This is the most common issue when it comes to pets. Animal hair can gather on floors, furniture and well, pretty much everywhere. Try to put an old towel or sheet down where your dog likes lying rather than have them directly on your rug. Then you can wash this separately in the washing machine. Vacuum regularly using a machine that ensures maximum removal of animal hair. Pick a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The DualFiltration one from Bosch is good because it uses a hygienic bag to keep contact with dust and other nasties to a minimum.
2. Cute fluff
It may be soft and downy when you are running your hands through their soft fur but when it comes to your clothes and bedding it is not so sweet. Your best bet is to use a tape roller. Lint brushes or dry sponges are also handy for upholstery or just use a hand-held vacuum for those difficult to reach spots on the couch.
3. Paws for thought
Keep a shallow container with water by the front door. When you return from a walk, dip your doggie's paws into the water and dry them. This will avoid trailing a whole lot of nasties into your house and onto your nice clean floors.
4. Unmentionables
It is not the cutest thing ever, but pets pee. A lot. And even the most well-mannered of our four-legged friends sometimes have a moment and it is usually on the corner of the good curtains. If this happens - mix a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with one cup of tepid water. Alternate a soapy towel with the solution with a clean damp towel over the spot until the stain is gone.
5. Brush up!
Brushing your pet (if appropriate) regularly can help remove much of the shedding and dirt that can often come with these lovely creatures. Brushing cats regularly can also decrease health problems often relating to hair such as hairballs. This will also keep your house significantly cleaner. Just make sure you do this outside! This will also help with the removal of any loose dander which most animals have naturally. Regularly vacuuming your house and furniture with a good powerful machine will alleviate most of the pander that can cause allergies.
