Keeping Your Home Clean and Fresh: Tips Every Pet Owner Needs

Sharing your life with a furry friend is one of life’s greatest joys. Their wagging tails, curious sniffs, and endless affection can brighten any day. But let’s be honest, pets also come with their fair share of messes. From muddy paw prints to fur tumbleweeds rolling across your floors, keeping your home clean as a pet owner can feel like a never-ending task. Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! With these practical tips, you’ll keep your space sparkling clean without sacrificing cuddle time with your four-legged companion.

Pet Urine: Addressing Those Tricky Spots

Accidents happen, especially if you’re house-training a puppy or caring for an elderly pet. The key to tackling urine stains and odours is speed — the quicker you act, the better your results.

Here’s how to handle fresh pet urine accidents:

Blot, don’t rub: Grab a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towels and gently blot up as much urine as possible. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the carpet fibres.
Break out the enzymatic cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners are lifesavers for pet owners. They break down urine molecules, eliminating odours and preventing your pet from revisiting the same spot. Follow the product’s instructions and always test on a hidden area first.
Vacuum once dry: After the area has dried completely, vacuum to remove any leftover residue and restore your carpet’s texture.

Pro Tip: Avoid using DIY remedies like vinegar and baking soda on pet urine. They often mask the smell temporarily rather than eliminating it, which could lead to repeat accidents. For stubborn stains, professional carpet cleaning might be your best bet.

Pet Poop: Quick and Hygienic Cleanup

Dealing with pet faeces isn’t the most glamorous part of being a pet owner, but with the right approach, you can handle it efficiently and keep your home odour-free.

Step-by-step guide to cleaning up pet poop:

Scoop the solids: Use a disposable bag, gloves, or a spatula to pick up solid waste. Avoid smearing it into carpets or upholstery.
Treat the area: For carpets or furniture, use a damp cloth and an enzymatic cleaner to tackle any residue. For hard floors, clean with a pet-safe disinfectant to remove bacteria. Be sure to let the area air dry.
Don’t forget the cracks: On hard floors, check for waste particles that may have slipped into crevices. Once dry, vacuum thoroughly to remove any hidden debris.

Important Reminder: Always sanitise your cleaning tools after use to prevent spreading bacteria.

Vomit: Handle with Care

Vomit is another unpleasant but unavoidable reality of pet ownership. Whether it’s due to an upset tummy or overeating, cleaning up quickly can save your carpets and upholstery from lasting damage.

How to clean pet vomit effectively:

Scrape off solids: Use a spatula or a blunt knife to gently remove solid material without pushing it further into the fibres.
Blot up liquid: Use paper towels or a cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Remember, blotting is key — no rubbing!
Clean the stain: Mix cool water with a mild dish soap or use a specialised pet stain cleaner. Lightly spray the area and blot until the stain disappears.
Deodorise naturally: Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before vacuuming. This helps neutralise lingering odours.

Pro Tip: Keep a stash of enzyme-based cleaners on hand for quick and effective vomit clean-ups.

A woman happily lounging on the couch with a dog

Muddy Paws: Wait Before You Clean

After a fun walk or romp in the garden, muddy paws can wreak havoc on your home. But here’s the secret: patience! Cleaning wet mud immediately can make things worse.

How to handle muddy paw prints:

Let the mud dry: Resist the urge to scrub wet mud. Once it’s dry, it’s much easier to clean.
Vacuum thoroughly: Use a powerful vacuum to remove dried mud from carpets or floors.
Deep clean if needed: For stubborn stains, use a carpet cleaning solution or hire a professional cleaner.

Bonus Tip: Place a washable mat near your doors and train your pet to wait while you wipe their paws with a damp towel after outdoor adventures.

A man working, looking at his dog on the floor

Fur: Winning the Hair Battle

If you’re a pet owner, fur is your constant companion. While shedding is normal, it doesn’t have to take over your home.

Tips for managing pet hair:

Invest in the right vacuum: Look for a vacuum designed for pet owners, ideally with a HEPA filter to trap fine hair and allergens. Tools are important
Use lint rollers: Lint rollers are a quick and easy way to remove hair from furniture and clothing. Keep one in every room for convenience.
Try rubber gloves: Dampen a rubber glove and run it over upholstered surfaces. The static electricity helps gather pet hair into clumps for easy removal.
Prevention is key: Cover furniture with washable throws or blankets and groom your pet regularly to minimise shedding.

When to Call in the Professionals

Sometimes, even your best efforts aren’t enough. For deeply embedded stains, persistent odours, or allergy concerns, it’s worth calling in the experts.

Signs it’s time for professional cleaning:

Stains that won’t budge despite repeated cleaning attempts.
Lingering odours that make your home less inviting.
Allergies aggravated by pet dander in carpets and upholstery.
Valuable furniture or rugs that need specialised care.

Professional carpet and upholstery cleaners have the tools, expertise, and products to leave your home looking and smelling fresh. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially for pet owners.