How to Keep a Clean Space for You and Your Pets

We’ve loved animals for millennia. It’s no wonder: animals are awesome. They give you a sense of security while showing you unconditional love. They are loyal to no end, and eager to lend you a supportive ear (even without words). It’s like having a best friend without building the relationship to that level!

Naturally, people domesticated animals and brought them into the house as pets. Sixty-seven percent of households in the United States (according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey) own a pet, and that percentage has increased during COVID-19 lockdowns, as people try to keep from going stir-crazy.

A downside to pet ownership is that keeping a space clean while having pets is difficult. Pets are innately messy beings, and that’s not their fault. Accepting that won’t remove the stains from your carpet, though.

The situation isn’t as unworkable as you may think; believe it or not, it is possible to maintain a clean space and keep your pets the loving, radiant creatures they are. Here are some tips and tricks for you.

→ Groom your pets...and do it often!

As cute and friendly as pets are, they’re also pretty nasty if they’re left to their own devices. They leave remnants of themselves around your space. If you have four-legged pets, they’ll track outside contaminants (or kitty litter), or maybe even carry fleas, through it. Again, you can’t blame them for something that’s not intentional, but you can’t leave fur or outside dirt to build up. That could lead to allergic reactions or other illnesses in your pet, yourself, your family, and any guest in your space.

It all starts with your pets — they may groom themselves, but that won’t be enough to remove the contaminants from their bodies. Jump on the issue before it’s a problem (not literally, of course). Bathe them and clip their fur so they won’t leave outside contaminants or dander on your furniture so easily. Clip their claws to a reasonable length so they don’t get contaminants stuck under their claws. If you have a pawed animal, wipe their paws with an animal-safe solution. You can buy a pre-made cleaner, but a water solution (with white/apple cider vinegar, baking soda/peroxide, a bit of dish soap, and maybe coconut oil) can work just as well. The solution gets rid of the dirt on their paws, and keeps them feeling supple.

→Wipe down your furniture.

Whether your pets are furry, feathered, or scaly, at some point they will shed/molt. It will annoy you, but what can you do? You don’t want your space to be furry or full of contaminants. Wipe down the furniture your pets come in contact with the most. Wipe down the wall and the baseboards.

Also, give their things (like their bed, tank, or toys) attention. Use an animal-safe cleaner, especially with things they touch, or just a vinegar solution. For hard-to-reach areas, use a latex glove to attract fur.

→ Always be prepared to clean up messes.

Pets are wonderful beings, but you never know when their next mess will be. You should have a bottle of animal-safe cleaner (or a solution of water, white vinegar, and maybe some baking soda and a drop of dish soap — or even shaving cream) on hand, so any stain won’t have time to set. Keep a bottle of animal-safe cleaner or vinegar solution by doors to get rid of wall/floor messes for when they leave and come back into your space. Stay ready so you won’t have to get ready!   

→ Cover their designated spots.

You won’t be able to keep track of your pets 100% of the time, but you know where they like to be. If they like to be on your couch, cover their spot with a throw blanket (or another size-appropriate sheet). Cover their play and food areas with a rug or a mat. Line a cage with newspaper. The messes will be easier to handle; if there is a food spill or another mess, you can throw rugs and blankets in the wash, wipe off mats, or throw away the newspaper.

→Make sure your vacuum cleaner is good.

As pet owners know, fur/molt ends up in the most unexpected places. It can be everywhere if you don’t get rid of it. A vacuum cleaner that has good suction and works on all surfaces is best for getting lots of fur/molt out of your things. Loud vacuums may scare your pets, so make sure it’s as quiet as possible.

It doesn’t always feel like pet ownership and maintaining a clean space are things that can happen at the same time, but with the right tools and a good amount of time, they can. We at Andy's Quality Cleaning realize you may not have enough time or the correct tools for pet ownership. Well, guess what? We do! We'll keep your spaces clean, so your pets can be the protective, lovable, good boys and girls they naturally are. Contact us today, and let’s make this happen!