The Pet Parent's Secret Weapon to a Cleaner, Fresher Home
Your pet shares your home with you, and it's inevitable for them to make a mess every now and then. Learn how to clean it up effectively with these tips.
Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Hardoon
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STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Choose pet-friendly materials like leather furniture and vinyl flooring. In addition, use washable covers to protect surfaces from stains and fur
- Dampen rubber gloves and glide them over furniture to attract pet hair by generating static electricity. Use squeegees on carpets
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and pet beds overnight to absorb smells, then vacuum it up the next day
- Use natural enzyme-based cleaners for urine and stool accidents as they break down odor-causing proteins completely
- Frequently brushing your pet captures loose fur before it spreads, while regular bathing and nail trimming help minimize odors and scratches
As a pet parent, your furry companions fill your home with joy and unconditional love. But enjoying their companionship means you also have to deal with their share of mess. Whether it's their fur covering your favorite couch, muddy paw prints across the kitchen floor, or that distinct "pet smell" lingering in the air, keeping your home clean is a constant struggle.
To help you with your battle against pet odors and stains, here are 13 simple pet-friendly cleaning hacks to keep your home spotless, fresh, and welcoming.1,2,3
1. Start with the Basics — Pet-Proof Your Home
One of the best cleaning hacks doesn’t involve cleaning at all — it’s about preventing messes from happening in the first place. When choosing new furniture or décor, consider pet-friendly materials that resist stains, odors, and fur accumulation. Choose easy-to-clean surfaces like leather or microfiber couches and hardwood or vinyl flooring. Simple items like stainless steel pet bowls can also significantly reduce bacteria and odors, making them easy to clean regularly.
2. Protect Your Furniture and Floors
On a related note, use washable covers or throws on furniture and pet beds or wherever your pet regularly rests. These protective fabrics can easily be thrown into the laundry weekly, saving your furniture and pet beds from permanent stains and odors. Similarly, microfiber mops are excellent for daily floor cleaning, trapping fur and dirt better than traditional mops.
3. Rubber Gloves — The Best Secret Weapon Against Fur
If pet hair clings stubbornly to your existing furniture or carpets, rubber gloves are a game-changer. While donning a pair of rubber gloves, slightly dampen the gloves and glide your hands over your couch, car seats, or curtains. The static electricity caused by rubbing the gloves over the surface attracts fur, lifting it easily and quickly. For carpets, try using a window squeegee. Dragging it across your carpet helps to pull embedded fur to the surface, simplifying your vacuuming efforts.
4. Arm Yourself with Baking Soda
Baking soda is an affordable weapon in your fight against pet odors. Sprinkle it liberally over carpets, pet beds, or even stuffed toys and let it sit overnight. The baking soda absorbs and neutralizes bad smells, leaving your home refreshed after you vacuum it up the next day. For stubborn smells on clothes, add baking soda directly to your laundry cycle because it boosts cleanliness and tackles tough odors effortlessly.
5. Keep Odors at Bay with Pet-Friendly Scents
Investing in scent diffusers can help maintain a fresh-smelling home effortlessly. However, no ordinary scents will do, as these chemicals will harm your pet. To stay on the safe side, choose diffusers labeled “safe for pets.” Read the label to ensure that the scents are made from natural essential oils and not chemicals. Some popular scents you may want to try are lavender and chamomile.
These diffusers continuously release subtle fragrances, masking any lingering pet odors and creating a pleasant, inviting atmosphere in your home. Just make sure to keep the diffuser out of reach from your pet.
6. Make Your Own Pet-Friendly Surface Cleaners
Store-bought cleaners can be harsh or even toxic to your pets, making homemade solutions an excellent alternative. For example, a mixture of vinegar and water is strong enough to safely tackle surface stains and odors. Meanwhile, mixing hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a mild soap is good for stubborn pet stains on upholstery and carpets. These DIY cleaners are gentle on your home, safe for your pets, and easy on your budget.
7. Enzyme Cleaners — The Answer to Tougher Stains
When facing tougher messes, especially urine or feces, try using enzyme-based cleaners. These products naturally break down proteins that cause stains and odors, effectively eliminating them rather than simply masking the smell. Keep an enzyme cleaner on hand for quick cleaning, which prevents repeat messes by fully removing odor traces your pets might return to. Lastly, look for natural enzyme-based cleaners, as there are also synthetic versions.
8. Regular Grooming Makes a Huge Difference
Frequent grooming isn’t only good for your pets — it significantly reduces your cleaning workload, too. A set schedule for brushing captures loose fur before it can settle around your home. Bathing your pets periodically, depending on their breed and lifestyle, reduces pet odors dramatically. Additionally, trimming your pet's nails prevents floor scratches and keeps paws cleaner.
9. Easy Ways to Keep Pet Beds and Toys Clean
Your pet spends a considerable time in their beds and with their toys, making these items a hub for dirt and germs. The great thing is that most pet beds are washing machine-friendly. Be sure to use the hot water setting to eliminate bacteria, odors, and accumulated fur.
Steam cleaning is another effective option, which can remove most germs without harsh chemicals. Lastly, don’t be afraid to use your dishwasher for cleaning your pet’s toys. They are ideal for cleaning hard pet toys due to the use of high heat to kill bacteria and eliminate odors. However, soft toys should be washed regularly in hot water with a gentle, pet-friendly detergent.
10. A Quality Vacuum Is Essential
If there’s one appliance that must always be in your home, it’s a high-quality vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These products are specially designed to trap pet hair, dander, and tiny allergens, significantly improving your home’s cleanliness and air quality. Make it a habit to vacuum frequently, paying close attention to your pet's favorite spots and places where pet hair usually gathers, such as under a table.
11. Air Purifiers Mean Fresh Air Indoors
An air purifier significantly improves indoor air quality by picking up pet hair, dander, dust, and odors from the air. For maximum effectiveness, place one in the room where your pets spend most of their time. Not only does this make your home feel cleaner, but it also reduces potential allergens, creating a healthier environment for everyone.
12. Place Activated Charcoal Around Your Home
For spaces prone to strong pet odors, like litter box areas or pet beds, activated charcoal bags can effectively absorb odors. Place these small bags strategically around your home to maintain freshness between cleanings.
13. Daily Habits to Make Your Cleaning Easier
Cleaning is a never-ending process to make sure your home stays fresh and welcoming all the time. Here are simple daily routines to maintain cleanliness and reduce your potential workload in the future:
- Wipe paws at the door — Keep towels or pet-friendly wipes by entrances to clean your pets' paws after outdoor activities.
- Daily dish cleaning — Wash pet food and water bowls daily in hot soapy water or a dishwasher to keep bacteria away.
- Quick grooming sessions — Brief daily grooming reduces fur shedding and builds bonds with your pets.
