Quick Housecleaning Tips for Pet Owners

When you are accustomed to having pets it's easy to overlook the layer of pet hair that comes with the territory. Growing up, our many cats loved the couches and left layers of long gray hair everywhere. Nobody expects pet parents to have houses any neater than anyone else, but there are some basic steps you can take to taming some of the messes caused by favorite pets.

Dry Dog Wash

We all know the best ways to minimize pet odor in the home is to bathe a dog regularly. Sometimes you need a quicker solution. If you're having company and want to freshen him up, give him a dry bath by baking soda into the fur recommends the Utah State University Cooperative Extension. He will enjoy the extra tension and love rubs.

High Traffic Entry Ways

The best and quickest way to keep entry ways clean from the dirt that both pets and people track into the home is to use a large door mat. Shake the mat outside every couple of days or more for a quick clean up. I have found that extra sturdy commercial-grade mats with grid-like grooves can withstand entry way traffic.

Accidents Happens

No matter how beautiful and lovely your cat is, sometimes that cat will decide your favorite chair looks like a good place to go to the bathroom. First, be sure the indoor/outdoor cat can come and go frequently. Next, recruit all family members to litter box duty. No kitty cat wants a dirty bathroom.

There are specific products you can buy to remove cat urine odor from carpet. For a quick solution at home, blot the spot when still wet if you catch it in time. Mix water with dish detergent and leave it. Blot it off and then use club soda on the spot, cover overnight with towel. Sprinkle with baking soda and let it sit. Vacuum away the baking soda and repeat if necessary.

A Hairy Situation

You can zip through any high traffic room in your home and roll a lint brush roller over the furniture to remove pet hair. Tear off hairy pieces frequently for the best results. Using a hand-held vacuum on the furniture is one way to get the kids involved in picking up pet hair clumps.