Purr-fectly Clean: 13 Hacks for Pet Owners to Keep Things Fresh

As wonderful as having pets are in our lives is, let’s face it, caring for our them requires effort and money.

In the US alone, pet owners spent a staggering $147 billion on their beloved furry family members just last year. Part of that spending goes towards maintaining a clean environment for their furry companions. 

Dealing with shedding fur, lingering pet odors, and inevitable messes can make keeping your home clean and fresh a daunting challenge.

But maintaining a clean living environment isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s crucial for the health and happiness of your entire family, especially if you have little ones running around.

As a real estate investor and landlord for several decades I’ve cleaned so many pet stains and removed so many pet odors over the years. We’ve also owned pets. I’ve learned many tips and hacks to remove pet smells and stains.

So today, I’ll share simple yet effective cleaning tips and tricks that I’ve used in my own pet-friendly home. I’ll also let you in on insider secrets for saving money on natural solutions while keeping your home spick-and-span.

Get ready to learn how to make cleaning up after your pets a total breeze while saving time and cash in the process!

1. Robotic Pet Vaccum 

If you’re constantly battling tumbleweeds of pet hair around your home, investing in a quality robotic pet vacuum cleaner could be a game-changer.

These specialized vacuums are designed with pet owners in mind, featuring powerful suction and innovative brush systems that can effectively capture even the most stubborn pet hair.

We own this robotic vacuum. It runs twice a day.

2. Natural Cleaning Solutions 

As a conscious pet owner, you’re likely concerned about the potential harmful effects of harsh chemical cleaners on your furry companions and the environment. Fortunately, embracing eco-friendly, natural cleaning solutions can be a total lifesaver. 

One of the most versatile and cost-effective natural cleaners is a simple mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and a few drops of lemon essential oil.

Insider Tip: Make a big batch of this natural cleaner and store it in a reusable spray bottle for easy access. For tougher stains and odors, look for enzymatic cleaners made with plant-based ingredients and fragranced with essential oils.

Related: 18+ DIY Household Products You Can Make at Home

3. Routine Grooming 

Regular grooming is crucial for minimizing shedding and dander in your home. By establishing a consistent routine tailored to your pet’s breed and fur type, you can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair circulating in your living space.

Insider Tip: Invest in high-quality grooming tools and set up a dedicated grooming area with proper lighting and surface protection to make cleanup easier and contain any loose hair or dander.

4. Regular Cleaning of Furniture 

Pet hair and odors can quickly accumulate on furniture, turning it into a fur-covered, smelly mess. That’s why prioritizing regular cleaning and maintenance of your upholstered pieces is essential. 

Choose furniture made from tightly woven fabrics like microfiber or leather, use machine-washable covers, and keep a handheld vacuum and lint roller handy. 

Insider Tip: Vacuum and spot-clean your furniture regularly, and consider steam cleaning or hiring professional upholstery cleaners once or twice a year for a deeper clean.

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your House? Room By Room Tips

5. Regular Cleaning of Carpet 

Carpets are notorious for trapping pet hair, dander, and odors, but with the right cleaning strategies, you can keep your floors looking and smelling fresh. Make it a habit to vacuum your carpets at least twice a week, targeting high-traffic areas.

Insider Tip: Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with strong suction power and specialized pet hair attachments. Consider making your own DIY Carpet Deodorizer and Freshener for a more gentle and cost-effective option. 

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6. Regular Cleaning of Bedding 

If you’ve ever shared your bed with a furry friend, you know how quickly pet bedding can become a breeding ground for odors and bacteria.

That’s why making it a habit to wash your pets’ bedding regularly is essential for maintaining a fresh, welcoming sleep environment.

Insider Tip: Wash pet bedding at least once a week using hot water, a mild detergent, and baking soda. For heavily soiled bedding, consider adding an enzyme-based cleaner or pet-safe laundry booster. 

Related: How To Clean A Mattress: Ultimate Guide To Mattress Stain Remover

7. Choosing the Right HVAC Air Filter 

Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in controlling pet odors and dander.

Invest in high-quality HEPA filters designed to capture microscopic particles, including pet dander, hair, and allergens, ensuring cleaner air circulation throughout your home.

Insider Tip: When choosing an air filter, select one specifically designed for pet households. These filters often feature additional layers or coatings that help trap pet-related particles more effectively.

Related: 5 Tips To Buy Your HVAC Filter Online

8. Routine Kitty Litter Cleaning 

For cat owners, maintaining a clean and odor-free litter box is essential to preventing unpleasant smells from permeating your home. Make it a point to scoop the litter box daily and completely replace the litter every week or two, depending on the number of cats and usage.

Insider Tip: To control odors, try sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda on the fresh litter. The baking soda will help absorb ammonia smells between litter changes. You can also use natural litters made from ingredients like corn or wheat that are designed for odor control.

9. Standalone Air Filters 

In addition to your HVAC system’s air filters, using standalone air purifiers can make a significant difference in maintaining fresh indoor air quality, especially in a pet-friendly household.

These portable units effectively remove pet dander, hair, and odors from the air.

Insider Tip: When choosing a standalone air filter, look for models with HEPA filters and adjustable settings. Place them in high-traffic areas where your pets tend to spend the most time. 

10. Understand Pet Odors 

Pets naturally produce odors due to their skin oils, saliva, and waste products. Certain breeds or individuals may be more prone to stronger odors due to factors like diet, grooming habits, and underlying health conditions.

If you notice a sudden or persistent unusual or strong odor coming from your pet, it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as skin infections, dental problems, or anal gland issues.

In these cases, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health concerns.

11. Getting Rid of Urine Smells 

Pet urine is one of the worst odor offenders, and it’s tough to eliminate. In cases where the urine smell seems to linger, despite your best cleaning efforts, you may need to consider more extreme measures. 

This could involve replacing affected carpeting or upholstery, or even treating the area with a professional-grade odor removal product containing enzymes and specialized agents to neutralize the odor at the molecular level.

12. Use An Ionizer To Get Rid Of Pet Odors

As a landlord, one of my tools for preparing a rental property after tenants and their pets move out is running an ionizer. When I first bought the ionizer, I thought it was a gimmick.

An ionizer works by sending out negatively charged ions into the air. These ions attach to positive ions found in air pollutants and odors, such as pet smells and cigarette smoke.

This process causes the particles to become heavy and fall to the floor, or become trapped by a filter, effectively removing them from the air.

Using an ionizer, removes pet smells within a few days, making the home fresh and more inviting for new tenants.

This approach is not only efficient but also spares me the need for more intensive cleaning methods, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

13. Avoid Pet Smells In The First Place

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Stop stinky pet odors before they start with these insider tips:

Bathe and groom regularly  

This keeps excess dander, oils, and dirt under control before they lead to lingering smells. Brush pets outdoors before baths to remove loose hair.

Wipe paws when coming inside 

Placing mats by entries and wiping dirty paws prevents tracked-in mud, grass, and other outdoor gunk from grinding into floors and carpets. Keep a towel and cleaning spray nearby.  

Use odor-eliminating air purifiers 

Don’t just mask odors, remove them at the source. HEPA air purifiers with activated carbon filters capture and trap smelly particles.

Clean messes immediately 

The faster you tackle accidents, the less chance odors have to set into surfaces. Keep enzyme cleaners and odor removers on hand.

Replace old, stinky pet beds and toys  

Over time, those absorb and hold odors no matter how much you clean them. Refresh with new beds and toys annually. 

Keep your HVAC system well-maintained  

Change filters regularly and get ductwork professionally cleaned to prevent circulating stale, smelly air.

Use odor-eliminating sprays and powders  

Natural products like baking soda and enzymatic sprays lift odors from carpets and upholstery between deep cleans.

Groom pets outdoors when possible  

All that fur comes off outside rather than inside your home. Use stripping tools and brushes made for heavy shedders.

Seal hard floors 

Sealing tile, hardwood, and other hard surfaces prevents odors from seeping into the porous materials. 

Embracing Pet Parenthood

Remember, being a pet owner is a labor of love, and a little bit of extra effort in keeping your home clean and fresh is a small price to pay for the endless joy and loyalty our furry friends bring into our lives. 

By establishing consistent cleaning routines and embracing cost-efficient, eco-friendly solutions, you can save time and money while ensuring a welcoming, pet-friendly environment for your entire family to enjoy.

So embrace your role as a pet parent, with these insider tips under your belt, you’ll be able to breathe easy (literally) and savor every special moment with your beloved pets.

Cheers to a clean, fresh, and fur-free home!

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