Owning a pet is a joy for any homeowner, but pets can be a lot of work. We treat pets like we do children – we pamper them, and tend to their needs. However, pets can be destructive, especially while they’re young as they make a mess in your home.

You want to keep your home pristine, but you don’t want to hinder your pet’s natural instincts.  Take a look at these 7 home cleaning tips that every pet owner should know for a thorough home cleaning:

1. Make your own cleaning solutions.

Pets generally spend most of their time licking, sniffing, and laying down on the floors, so how do you make sure your pet does not ingest any toxic chemicals from your daily cleaning regimen? Make your own pet-safe cleaning products instead!

Pet-safe cleaners, like pet shampoo, vinegar and lemon juice, can be used in place of commercial cleaning products, which can be harmful to your pet’s health when exposed. Cats are especially sensitive to chemicals in cleaning products, as they tend to groom themselves by licking their fur.

Instead, create your own pet-friendly cleaners: A cup of vinegar in water makes a great floor cleaner that gets rid of dirt at no danger to your pet. Lemon juice and salt creates a countertop scrubber that leaves a fresh scent that counters your pet’s natural odours. You can use pet shampoo in place of detergent to clean beddings and furniture for a safe and easy solution.

2. Get deep cleaning services to get rid of pet odours.

Pet odours from accidents, dander, and pet markings can make your home smell like a farm, particularly when these stains are not cleaned up immediately. Start fresh with a proper deep cleaning service that can remove those pet odours, as well as any other stains you may have at home.

Deep cleaning also gets rid of mites, fleas, and ticks that may be hiding in your pet’s beddings and your carpet. Since deep cleaning gets into furniture and fabrics, you’ll get a full-on cleaning service that removes harmful pests, pathogens, and germs from your home, resulting in a fresher, cleaner home for you and your pets!

We like the services at Luce Home, as they can cater to pet-friendly homes around Singapore. You can find out more about their services when you visit their website, and talk to them about using pet-safe cleaning products when cleaning your home.

3. Keep a separate container for pet supplies.

You don’t want to accidentally find your Fido’s bacon treats as part of your breakfast, so keep your pet’s supplies separate from your own. Your dog’s grooming supplies, like shampoo and pet brushes, should be in a separate container, and your cat’s catnip treats should be kept away from your own snacks.

Keeping a separate area for pet supplies allows you easy access to the things you need, and organizes all your pet items in one area. You’ll easily find those ear drops right when you need them, and grab that cat litter for those litter box cleaning days!

4. Tumble-dry beddings and pet clothes before washing.

Although it may sound strange, tossing your beddings and pet clothes in the dryer before you wash them gets rid of lint and fur. Washing fur-covered beddings would just trap the lint within the fabric, making it difficult to remove later on as it intertwines with the fabric fibres.

Tumble or spin drying your pet’s beddings catches the fur, so your wash cycle is cleaner and lint-free! Alternatively, you can use a lint brush to remove lint and fur before washing, but lint rolls can be wasteful since they are single-use tools. Plus, the heat from the dryer fluffs up beddings for a softer plush.

5. Deodorize pet stains with baking soda.

Potty training young pets can be a nightmare on your furniture, as pet accidents are common for any starting pet owner. Thankfully, you have a powerful deodorizer in your pantry that is pet-safe, inexpensive, and efficient: Baking soda!

 

Sprinkle baking soda on any area where your pet has made a marking. You’ll get the best results if you blot out the pet stains first, and immediately apply baking soda. Let the baking soda sit for around 20 minutes to soak up the smells, and vacuum up the excess. Smells be gone!

6. Invest in pet-safe disinfection.

Disinfectants are essential in homes, especially during the pandemic, but they can be harsh on your pet’s footpads. Invest in pet-safe disinfectants, like UV sanitizers and steam cleaners. UV sanitizers use no chemicals, and can often disinfect an entire room in one go. However, you and your pet will need to steer clear of the room while using the UV sanitizer.

 

Steam cleaners use heat and water to disinfect, making it safe for your pets once the surface has cooled. Steam cleaners can also kill mites and other pests that may cause your pet problems, and can deodorize smells safely as well.

7. Wash pet paws before letting them into the house.

Does Spot have a knack for digging up your garden? Don’t bring that mess indoors! Before your pet goes back indoors, wash or wipe their paws clean. You’ve spent a lot of time making sure your home is clean, so don’t let muddy pawprints turn your efforts in vain.

 

Pet wet wipes are available in most pet shops, and can be used to safely clean your pet’s paws after going outside. You can also purchase a pet paw washer, which is a small, inexpensive gadget that scrubs paws clean with no hassle. You won’t have to worry about paws tracking dirt into your fresh, clean home!