While caring for your pet and providing them with undivided love and attention comes naturally, keeping a clean house might not be as simple. Strands of fur, paw prints, and dirt smudges are all common sights in homes where cats and dogs reside. Regular house cleaning is a must, but it’s also helpful to understand exactly how your pets impact your home’s cleanliness. This can help you make more effective decisions when tidying up. Below is what you should know about cleaning your house if you have pets. 

Manage Hair & Stains

Among the most common concerns pet owners have is the accumulation of pet hair. Make regular dusting a key part of your house cleaning routine to eliminate allergies and dust mites. Urine stains can be common on hard floors. If an accident occurs on a hard surface, wipe the liquid with a urine removal product promptly, and then rinse with water. You can use the same removal product on a carpet stain, but be mindful that older stains are unlikely to respond as well.

Clean the Rugs

It’s important to keep a close eye on your carpet if you have pets. Debris can accumulate at any time, especially during muddy and rainy seasons. One way to minimize the accumulation of dust and debris is to use only indoor-outdoor rugs throughout the home. They’re less prone to the type of significant damage that you might experience on a more extravagant rug, and they’re easy to clean with a damp cloth. You can also quickly shake them off outside without much effort. To prevent additional dirt, wipe your pet’s paws before they enter the house. 

Sanitize Surfaces 

It’s easy to forget about germs when you cuddle up with your pet, but it’s important to be mindful of the bacteria they carry. While you are house cleaning, make a habit of disinfecting areas where your pet spends the most time, including near litter boxes and food and drink bowls. These are notoriously germ-filled spots that can even pose a threat to your pet’s health if left contaminated. You can sanitize these areas safely with a bleach solution and water. This is particularly important to do if your pet was recently sick.

Wash the Upholstery & Linens  

You may clean your home regularly as a matter of habit, but if you have a pet, then you should make an extra effort to wash fabric surfaces. Cats and dogs frequently jump on upholstery and furnishings. Inspect these areas regularly for signs of potential damage, checking for tears and stains in the couches and curtains. You should also frequently wash your bed linens if your pet sleeps with you to prevent the spread of bacteria. 
 

If you need your home spruced up, turn to the house cleaning team at A Affordable Cleaning By Diane’s Service. Serving clients throughout Anchorage, AK, since 1994, the company provides pet-safe services that will leave your home sparkling. Turn to them for everything from regular housekeeping to move-in or move-out cleaning. Visit the website for more information, or call (907) 301-3329 to request a free quote.