Have Pets? Try this Home Cleaning Routine!

Have Pets? Try this Home Cleaning Routine!

The joys of sharing your life with a cat or dog are immeasurable, but these endearing fur balls do tend to leave a lot of dust and dirt all over the place. Here is a cleaning routine that will help you keep your home spick and span despite the presence of beloved family pets. 


1- Stop Shedding at the Source

For a fur-free home—while in the opinion of most impossible to achieve when one has a pet—attack shedding at its source. Many cats and dogs enjoy being rubbed down with the vacuum nozzle. Brushing will also remove hair before it falls, but it is less effective. Remember to brush your pet regularly, even as often as once a day if they have a particularly long coat or if they are moulting.


2- Take Care of Their Stuff

Empty your cat’s litter box regularly and remove the hair that has accumulated on your pet’s bed or cushions. Start by thoroughly shaking them out outside. You should equally wash their toys on a regular basis to kill bacteria. You may want to keep them out of certain spots like the bedroom. Likewise, you should stop them from spending too much time in carpeted rooms. The fibres really trap in hairs! To protect your floor from crumbs and splashes, place a waterproof placemat beneath their food bowls and ideally set up their eating area over a tiled floor, which is much easier to clean. 


3- Air Out Your Home

To remove unpleasant smells or simply to improve your home’s indoor air quality, it is important that the rooms be regularly aired out when you have pets. Windows should be opened wide for a recommended minimum of 10 minutes a day. If you prefer to open a door, make sure that your pet won’t use this opportunity to escape or that the door will not slam shut on them because of a gust of wind. 


4- Clean Several Times a Week (as Much as You Might Hate to!)

When you live with a fur baby, it is essential that you vacuum your home not once, but several times a week. Don’t forget to vacuum underneath the furniture, where dust balls tend to accumulate. Empty the canister often for maximum suction and to keep the motor in good condition. Old pantyhose make the best dusters. Slip one on your hand and run it over the surfaces to collect all the dust and hair. A sticky lint roller is also ideal for lifting stubborn pet hair. 


5- Don’t Forget Your Bed

If your pet sleeps in your bed with you, change your sheets and launder your bedspread on a regular basis. Bedding traps pet hair and the bacteria that thrive on animal dander and drool. And while you’re at it, throw the couch’s slipcover into the wash, as it is also a breeding ground for germs


6- Keep Your Pet Clean (Daily!)

Grooming your cat or dog often will help your home stay spotless. Dogs should have a bath at least once a month. Use a pet shampoo that you like the smell of. Don’t hesitate to bring them to a groomer if you need to. If they go outside, wash their paws as they come in before they track dirt through the house. You will prevent a lot of messes that way!


7- Buy Dog Boots

The best way to avoid messing up the floors after a long walk is to buy your dog some shoes. There are all kinds of styles in stores. While many pets are initially reluctant to wear foot protection, they usually get use to it within a few minutes. 


8- Protect Your Furniture

An item of furniture that has been damaged by a cat or a dog—think chewed-up legs or scratched upholstery—can be quite an eyesore in your decor. To prevent this from happening, you can cover your cat’s claws with caps. To stop your animal from gnawing or relieving themselves on the furniture, liberally spray it with a pet repellent


With all these tricks up your sleeve, you will have no problem keeping your home clean and healthy despite your furry roommate. Your pets better watch out with this home cleaning routine!

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.