While we all look forward to the arrival of spring, we might be less keen on the idea of spring cleaning. If you have pets, spring cleaning is even more important to help remove all the hair, pet dander, and dirt that pets spread throughout the home in the winter.
In this blog, we will share eight pet-friendly spring and allergy-cleaning tips to clear the air for the summer ahead.
Spring Cleaning Tip #1: Clean Their Favourite Sleeping Areas
Most dogs and cats have a favourite spot to nap or spend the night. These areas are magnets for pet dander and fur that can build up during the winter months. A thorough cleaning of pet beds and other areas where they like to rest is the first step for successful allergen cleaning.
Life is easier with blankets and removable bed slipcovers that can be tossed in the laundry. Be sure to use unscented laundry detergent to avoid irritation to their skin. If the bed includes a basket or box, a vacuum will remove excess hair. Torn or frayed beds and cushions with exposed foam should be replaced as foam can be tempting to chronic chewers!
Bonus Tip
Lay a blanket in pet beds for easy weekly washing to reduce pet dander, hair, and odours.
Spring Cleaning Tip #2: Wash Pet Toys
Pet toys should be washed at least twice a month to remove germs. If this isn’t part of your cleaning routine, it’s important to include toys in your spring cleaning. A good washing removes germs that can make your family sick.
Place washable plush toys in a small pillowcase and wash them on the gentle cycle. It’s best to let them air dry somewhere your pet can’t see or reach them. Hard toys can often be placed in the dishwasher, so read the manufacturer’s instructions. Damaged toys are a choking hazard, so be sure to replace them.
Bonus Tip
Choose pet toys that are machine-washable or dishwasher-safe, and wash them every two weeks.
Spring Cleaning Tip #3: Tackle That Litter Box
Extra-dirty kitty litter boxes can make you sick, not to mention enhance pet odours. A thorough cleaning of the litter box will help to reduce germs and odours. Follow these steps:
- Dump out all the litter.
- Fill the litter box with hot water, a “squirt” of dish soap, and half a cup of vinegar.
- Place your “pooper scooper” in the water.
- Let everything soak for at least 20 minutes.
- Dump the water into the toilet.
- Scrub any remaining residue from the box and scooper while wearing rubber gloves.
- Thoroughly rinse the box and scooper with warm water.
- Let them dry completely.
- Sprinkle the bottom of the box with baking soda to help absorb odours.
- Add fresh litter.
Bonus Tip
Scoop the litter box daily to reduce odours and the risk of poop being tracked throughout your home.
Spring Cleaning Tip #4: Vacuum Upholstered Furniture
We don’t need to tell you that soft furniture like couches and armchairs are notorious for collecting pet hair. They require thorough allergen cleaning to remove pet dander, hair, and traces of kitty litter. Follow these furniture spring cleaning steps:
- Remove unattached cushions.
- Vacuum all the crumbs and debris, getting into the corners and along the crevices at the sides and back.
- Vacuum the cushions.
- If you have washable slipcovers, throw them in the laundry following the recommended washing instructions.
Bonus Tip
To remove excess pet hair, run your hand over soft surfaces while wearing a damp rubber glove.
Spring Cleaning Tip #5: Clean Pet Leashes and Collars
Pet leashes and collars carry germs and odours that cling to your pet and linger in your home. A thorough cleaning removes odours from oils and dirt collected over time.
The safest spring cleaning tip is to soak the collar in pet-safe detergent and warm water for half an hour. Wipe away any noticeable dirt and scrub areas that still seem discoloured. Hang them to air dry. Leather collars should never be soaked; instead, wipe them with a damp cloth.
Bonus Tip
Wash your pet’s collar and leash at least once a month to reduce odours.
Spring Cleaning Tip #6: Inspect Pet Accessories
Things like food and water bowls, mats, toys, leashes, and other pet accessories should be inspected in the spring for damage. As mentioned, damaged items pose a choking risk, but can also make you and your pet sick. Accessories with scratches, cracks, and dents harbour germs and bacteria, so they should be replaced.
Bonus Tip
Water and food bowls should be washed every day to remove germs, bacteria, mould, yeast, and fungi that can cause illness.
Spring Cleaning Tip #7: Clean Dog Crates
Dog crates and pet carriers are also infamous for germs, bacteria, and pet dander. Vacuum them to remove dry debris, pet dander, and hair, and then finish up by wiping down the surfaces/bars with warm water and a touch of dishwashing soap.
If the crate bottom is particularly dirty with urine or poop residue, spritz the surface with warm, soapy water and let it soak. You can then wipe away the mess and rinse it thoroughly. Let it air dry before your pet uses it.
Bonus Tip
Many crates come apart to make them easier to clean. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it is safely torn down and put together properly.
Spring Cleaning Tip #8: Hire Spring Cleaning Services
The easiest way to contend with pet-friendly spring cleaning is to hire professional spring cleaning services. The professionals use pet-safe cleaning products and have the tools and methods to provide a thorough cleaning.
Better yet, Maid4Condos offers a deep cleaning or GermBlasters service ideal for pet owners. Our deep cleaning service targets months of winter buildup, while GermBlasters sanitizes. GermBlasters offers odourless, tasteless 99.999% sanitization that kills common food bacteria including E. coli, salmonella, and listeria in less than 60 seconds.
It also eliminates mould and mildew, allergens, dust mites, and pet dander. This treatment is safe to use on pet bedding, sleeping areas and kennels, and effectively sanitizes to remove pet odours on soft surfaces.
Bonus Tip
Scheduling recurring cleanings helps to reduce pet dander, pet hair, and pet-related germs in your home.
Contact the Cleaning Experts at Maid4Condos
These pet-friendly spring cleaning tips will make your DIY spring cleaning much easier. However, for a more thorough clean, click here to learn more about our spring cleaning services at Maid4Condos, or click here for a free online quote. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.
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