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When you have pets, you have messes. It’s a fact of life that we quickly learn to get over once we realize we simply can’t be without the furry couch snuggles. But, no one wants to live in a dirty home. There’s a balance that you have to walk between clean and safe. Keep reading for a few quick tips on how to make it possible.
1. Switch to pet-safe cleaning products
You want a clean home but bleach and ammonia can harm your furry friend. You still have options. There’s a huge misconception that non-toxic cleaners are either ineffective or too expensive for the average person. Neither of those are true. There are plenty of safe cleaning products that you can use. The Dog People blog by Rover lists more than a dozen pet-safe cleaners for everything from hard surfaces to carpet and upholstery.
2. Manage the hair
It doesn’t matter if you have a boxer or a collie, dogs shed. There are many ways you can keep your pet’s fur from making your home look like it’s been in a dust storm. Start with regular grooming. This will include brushing their entire coat at least twice each week. Make sure the brush you use is right for your dog’s fur. There are numerous different types of dog brush; some work better for short-haired breeds while others are designed specifically for those with heavy undercoats. If your dog can tolerate it, you can invest in a robot vacuum to automatically sweep up at certain times each day.
3. Create a “pet central”
If you have a dog door, you will likely spend lots of time cleaning up muddy paw prints. Consider limiting his indoor/outdoor access with a mudroom. A thick rug at the entry should soak up the majority of the mess while a DIY paw washing station, which is as simple as a low-lying container, a few wash clothes and dry towels will get the stuck-on dirt before it hits the main house.
There you have it! Three quick and easy steps for keeping your home clean when you have a pet. If only kids were as easy.
