Often times we associate having pets at home with excessive amounts of pet hair molded to our clothing, and unmistakable smells drifting throughout our homes. However, we can break these stereotypes by following five small reminders:
1. Removing Fur from Furniture:
Static electricity is the sole reason fur clings to upholstery. Occasionally spray furniture with an antistatic spray such as Static Guard. Grab a clean pair of rubber gloves, lightly dampen them with water, and run your hands over the cushions. For larger clumps of hair or fur feel free to use a moist towel in addition to the dampened gloves. If your furniture is made of silk it would be best to use dry gloves, to ensure no damage when cleaning.
2. Remove Fur from Floors:
Anti-static spray may also be applied when cleaning the floors, mainly for carpet. For fluffy tufts on bare floors, use a dry sweeper, like Swiffer. When cleaning carpet, set your vacuum’s rotating brush to the highest level that still skims the carpet, and go over the trail your pet has left. Use a damp paper towel to scoop up clumps in corners or around furniture legs as this will prove to be a little more nagging. If the weather outside is sub-par and your pet insists on tracking mud inside your tidy home, it is essential to fight the urge to scrub the spots immediately. Mud will be much easier to vacuum away when dry. Blot whatever remains with dish liquid mixed with warm water. This solution will prove to remain extremely helpful in times like these.
3. Food organization:
I find it to be met helpful to purchase a large plastic container with a lid to store dry kibble. The paper bags they are packaged in often rip or spill and this can be quite the nuisance. If you’re concerned about ants getting into their food try this: Flip the bowl upside down and dab a little petroleum jelly near the base. This will act as an insect repellant, as they won’t be able to climb over it to approach the food.
4. Combating the Stench:
Baking soda is a miracle worker! Deodorize soft places (such as the dog’s bed) with a sprinkle of baking soda. Let it sit for 15 minutes and vacuum it up. Scoop kitty clumps out of the box and shake some baking soda over the remaining litter. If your dog or cat uses a Fido pad, cover it with a thin layer of baking soda, let it sit for five minutes, then clean it thoroughly with a handheld vacuum. To lessen sofa odor you can slip dryer sheets into envelopes and tuck them under the cushions. Also, try using Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator. I have used both these tips personally, and time and again they prove to be very useful.
5. Terminating Stains:
To get rid of “accidents” on carpet or upholstery, and the smells that pets keep revisiting, we recommend Bissell’s Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula. Apply according to the label’s directions.
