Pet dander can be a big problem for any homeowner. However, for those who have severe allergies to it, dander can be especially uncomfortable. Fortunately, when you know how to handle your pet dander and improve pet hygiene practices, you can turn your home into a new comfortable haven for relaxation.
Wash Your Pet’s Bedding Often
Pet beds are a magnet for collecting fur, among other debris. They can also harbor harmful things like flea eggs, ticks, larvae, and other skin parasites. To protect yourself and your family members, you should be cleaning your pet’s bedding at least once a week. In between cleanings, you can use a vacuum to help keep the pet dander at bay.
Have Your HVAC System Cleaned Regularly
One area of your home that you may not give a whole lot of thought to is your home’s HVAC. You can’t see it behind the drywall in your home so you may not give it a second thought when it comes to controlling pet dander. However, the airflow that your HVAC system creates can suck up pet dander into the ductwork throughout your home. This dander will essentially continue to recirculate throughout your entire home. So, no matter how much cleaning you do to your floors and surfaces, your HVAC system is essentially working against you to redirty your home. Call a contractor to service or replace your HVAC system when needed.
Wash Pet Toys
While you may be very diligent about sweeping your floors often and washing your pet’s bedding once a week, the best hygiene practices don’t end there. Pet toys are a hotbed for harboring dander and harmful pests. It’s best to wash these toys every couple of weeks. You can use a washing machine for most toys. If the warning advises you to hand wash only, then simply use a disinfectant with hot soapy water.
Brush Your Dog Often
In the hot summer months, you’ll likely find that your dog sheds like crazy. You can prevent the buildup of dog hair in your home with regular brushing sessions. You should opt for purchasing the right comb or brush for the hair type that your dog has. Take them outdoors and give them a brushing at least a couple of times a week.
At first, it may seem impossible to fully control the amount of pet dander around your home. However, if you follow the safe hygiene practices above, you’ll be well on your way to containing the problem. Just remember that committing to regular practices is the key to control over the long-term.
About the Author:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
