We hate to break it to you, your beloved Fido isn’t the cleanest animal to walk the earth. We normally recommend deep cleaning seasonally. However, we pet owners know that things can get hairy pretty quickly. Not only should you take preventative steps to keep your house clean, but you should also take note of any toxic chemicals you’re using. To keep everyone safe (and clean), we wrote this article on how to deep clean a house with pets.
When you’re finished cleaning, you might realize it’s time to declutter. Store your unused items with iStorage. Our 5×5 storage units are the perfect place to keep everything from cleaning supplies to all those extra dog toys. With our size guide, it’s easy to find the right fit for you.
How to Deep Clean with Pets: Fight the Fur
A pet’s fur is the biggest drawback to having one, especially if you have a big dog. If you have several dogs or several cats, the fur problem increases exponentially. It’s a daily struggle you must keep up with, or you’ll never win! That’s why it pays to have several tools around the house to deal with pet fur daily. For tips on how to deep clean a house with pets, read on!
Use a Roomba Get Fur and Hair Right Away
A Roomba or other self-vacuuming vacuum can be a real lifesaver if you have pets. Why? Because it’s always working, sucking up all that hair and fur while you’re out, at work, or otherwise busy. All you need to do is charge it, do some simple programming, and you’re done! The Roomba will vacuum for you and keep your home free of all that hair. (It also gets rid of other nasty stuff, like dirt, claws, dander, etc.)
Use a Furminator Regularly on your Pet
Have you ever heard of a FURminator? It’s a tool designed specifically to keep pet hair and fur from becoming a problem at home! It removes the undercoat from your pet as well as any loose hair and fur. (They don’t cut or damage the topcoat in any way.) Keep in mind that not all dogs have an undercoat, though. The breeds that do include; Breeds with an undercoat include:
- German shepherd
- Pomeranian
- Chow
- Husky
- Malamute
- Samoyed
Clean Around the House with a Lint Roller
Lint rollers are fantastic when you have a pet that sheds. (They’re not so great for fish.) Like they do on your clothes, lint rollers can remove fur from, well, almost anything. Sofas, chairs, beds, tables, floors, you name it! It’s easy, lint rollers are inexpensive, and you can lint roll any time without the fuss of taking out a big appliance.
Dryer Sheets Are Your Best Friend
As far as man’s best friend goes, dryer sheets are a close second. Dryer sheets like Bounce and others not only make your clothes smell great, they help repel pet hair from your clothes! All you do is toss them in the dryer, and your clothes will repel cat and dog hair before it has the chance to make you look a fright. (They do it by reducing static cling that makes hair and fur stick to your clothes.)
How to Deep Clean with Pets: Master the Mud
Many pets track in mud, dirt, and grime. (Not fish, though. Just saying.) In a short time, all that mud and crud can make a huge mess. To ensure that doesn’t happen, below are some tips to stop mud from being tracked into the house.]
Give your Pet a Regular Pedicures
Cutting your pet’s nails will prevent a lot of dirt and mud from getting stuck there, so less comes into the house. Experts suggest cutting their nails at least every two weeks.
Wipe Their Paws When they Come in the House
This one is easy but takes a few seconds (and some wipes in a handy location). When your pet comes inside the house, especially during inclement weather, wipe down their paws gently with a wet wipe.
How to Deep Clean with Pets: Cover Up the Sofa
A sofa cover is one of the best ways to prevent hair, mud, fur, and other stuff from ruining it. Sofa covers come in many different sizes and colors and can be easily washed at home.
How to Deep Clean with Pets: Avoid Accidents
Bathroom accidents can be a big problem for some dogs and cats, especially as they grow older. (Puppies and kittens are no picnic in the poop department either!) Other accidents can be a problem, like dogs eating chocolate or a cat eating poisonous plants. Below are a few ways to keep accidents from both types of accidents from happening.
Deep Clean with Pets: Enzyme Stain Removers
These unique cleaning products break down proteins from grass, blood, food, and poo. It then allows them to be more easily removed when cleaning.
List Dangerous Chemicals for Animals
It’s always good to have a list in hand of chemicals, cleaners, and other stuff that’s unsafe for pets. Here’s one we put together for you!
- Flea control chemicals
- Lawn fertilizer
- Garden herbicides and insecticides
- De-icing salts
- Antifreeze
- Household cleaners
- Formaldehyde
- Mothballs
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Apple seeds.
- Apricot pits.
- Avocados.
- Cherry pits.
- Chocolate. Toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Plus any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol.
- Coffee
- Garlic
Invest in Durable Flooring
One of the last items on the list of how to deep clean a house with pets is flooring. More specifically, the type of flooring in your home. Frankly, if you have pets, wall-to-wall carpeting is the worst. Hair, dander, fur, and more get stuck down there in all those carpet fibers. (So gross!) Experts recommend wood floors because pet owners can clean them more easily. Plus, after an ‘accident,’ odors won’t linger if you clean up the mess quickly.
Deep cleaning can make your home a better place to live for you and your furry friends. With preparation and caution, your home can be an exceptionally pristine environment. If you have any pet-related cleaning tips, let us know in the comments below!
This post was originally published on 3/10/2020. It was updated on 3/11/2021.