How to keep your home clean and healthy with pets

We pet owners know that no matter how adorable our furry little companions are, they can leave quite a mess behind them. Most furry pets shed spreading dander and pet hair everywhere. Pets that spend time out on the yard will drag sand and soil inside, not to mention accidents inside, spilled pet food or scattered cat litter.

Pets can be quite messy, which is why you need the right equipment and a cleaning routine to keep a pet home clean and smelling fresh.

If you want that sparkling pet home, this is what you need to do:

Vacuum routinely

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Your vacuum cleaner is the number one solution for a clean house. Cats, dogs and other furry pets may shed a lot, and a vacuum cleaner is the most efficient way of keeping the pet hair from invading your home.

First, you need a vacuum cleaner that is convenient and practical. Vacuuming needs to be comfortable and effortless if you're going to be using it every day. One of the best solutions is to buy a handy and lightweight stick vacuum that converts into a handheld vacuum. This type of vacuum cleaner is always juiced up and ready for a quick clean-up.

Secondly, you need to stick to a routine and not let the mess build up. The best way of preventing total chaos is to vacuum routinely every day. If you use just a few minutes for a quick clean-up, you will soon notice your home is always neat, and there is no need to spend your weekends cleaning.

And with that new lightweight stick vacuum, it 'won't even feel like a chore.

Mop the floors and wipe other surfaces

Vacuuming daily should keep your floors pretty clean, but you may need to take out the mop now and then. By mopping the floor, you can make sure you get even the smallest particles like pet dander. Mopping will also remove any stains and leave your home smelling fresh.

Another thing you should do is to use a microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe all above-floor surfaces. The microfiber material attracts and captures pet hair, dust, and dander, leaving the surfaces sparkling. 

Minimize the clutter

Putting away your things and minimizing the clutter is a great way to reduce the amount of dust and allergens in your home. It gives pet hair and dander fewer hiding places and makes it easier for you to clean.

Also, folding away your laundry means that your clothes are not covered in pet hair when you rush off to work in the morning.

Use pet blankets and pet beds

Using pet blankets is a clever way of easily removing pet hair. You can cover your couch, recliner or bed with a pet blanket, and teach you pet to use that spot for resting. You don't have to worry about cleaning your furniture because a pet blanket is easily washed with the laundry. Even better if you have a drier – it will easily remove all pet hair and dust!

Groom your pet

Grooming your pet is one of the most important ways of keeping a pet home clean. Brush your pet regularly to remove the shed hair and keep their coat trimmed. If your pet tends to shed a lot, or it's the shedding season, you may need to brush him or her every day. A grooming glove is an ideal solution if you're struggling to find time for grooming. Just cuddle up with your pet in the evening to watch some tv and use the time for not only removing loose hair but bonding with your pet as well.

Wash your pet's beds, toys, and collars

Pet owners often forget to wash their pet's toys, bowls, and other stuff. Toys, beds, and blankets can often be thrown into the washer, and collars should be washed with mild soap and rinsed or with warm water. Also, remember to wash your pet's food and water bowls as they often are a breeding ground for nasty bacteria.

We hope these tips will help you achieve that perfectly clean pet home. Although our furry friends often add to the mess at our homes, there is no need to have a nasty smelling house covered in pet hair. Just find the right equipment and figure out a cleaning routine you can stick to, and soon you'll have that clean and fresh home you've always wanted.

Author Bio:

Matt is the founder of PetHairPatrol. He lives in New York with his two golden retrievers: Ben and Jerry. Once he opened a carton of yogurt, and immediately there was a dog hair inside. 'That's when he decided to find the best ways to get rid of pet hair and start a website to share his knowledge. He has researched and reviewed hundreds of products that help you keep your home clean – even when you have furry roomies. He loves running and Italian pizza. He hates pigeons. And obviously, pet hair!