The Pet Parents® Guide to Keeping Your Home Clean With Pets

If you share your home with a furry friend, the good news is studies say you're probably happier and healthier. The bad news? Your house quite possibly isn't.

But fear not! We've compiled our top tips to keep your pet-friendly home feeling fresh.

"When buying new furniture, consider their materials. Things that are stain-resistent, washable, and durable will stand up better over time in a house with pets."

Groom Pets Regularly

Set up a pet grooming routine. Regular brushing, wiping down, and baths can keep dirt and hair from accumulating and spreading around your home. Cats self-groom themselves, so if they’re not going outside, they may only need occasional grooming help. You can use Pet Parents® Pet WiPees™ to wipe down dogs and cats to get rid of dirt, debris, muddy paws, or even allergens. Pet WiPees™ can also be used to clean your pet’s coat between baths.

Upgrade Your Furniture

When buying new furniture, consider their materials. Things that are stain-resistent, washable, and durable will stand up better over time in a house with pets. For example, some materials can act like a hair magnet, hold undesirable odors, and show stains. While scouting your new furniture, look for those made with leather or tightly woven materials, ideally in a similar shade to your pet’s fur. You can also add a pet-friendly cover or throw that can be washed when needed. The Pawtect® Blanket is waterproof and durable to help protect your furniture from any pet messes.

Buy a Quality Vacuum Cleaner

Look for a vacuum cleaner made specifically for pet parents. You'll need an extra strong suction, a quality filter, and a good brush action to clean up pet hair. Consider the type of flooring you have in your home and look for one with extensions to clean upholstery, too. If you've got yourself a shedder, you'll need to vacuum multiple times per week to keep on top of things. Be sure to regularly clean out the vacuum’s filter.

Mess-Proof Your Entrances

Add a heavy-duty doormat or washable rug to your entrances to help keep dirt from tracking into your house after your pet has been outside. Keep towels and pet wipes easily accessible in the entrance, so you can clean dirty or muddy paws before your pup runs through the house.

Tidy Up Cat Litter

Cats can track their litter through the house. To minimize the mess, place the litter box on a litter mat to collect any spare litter. Pawtect® Pads catch the litter, so all you have to do is simply give it a shake over the garbage and throw it into the wash when messy. Switch to a dust-free or lower-tracking litter option. Clean litter boxes daily, and use a vacuum or broom to sweep up any litter that is tracked around the litter box.

Clean Up Accidents Quickly

Life with pets means the odd accident. Our advice? Act fast and use an enzyme-based cleaner to minimize smells. If pets can smell their scent, they’re more likely to pee in the same spot again.

Launder Pet Toys and Accessories

You should wash the items your pet regularly uses often. Pets drool on toys, shred on bedding and blankets, and get dirt and oils on leashes and collars. Choose a laundry detergent that’s pet-safe. PetTergent® is specifically formulated with enzymes to target pet stains, soils, and odors. PetTergent® is safe for pet skin, containing 90%+ bio-based and biodegradable ingredients instead of harsh chemicals that can irritate pets.

• Toys — Think of the hours your pet spends chewing and drooling on their toys. These need to be washed often, about every two weeks.
• Pet beds — Dirt, hair, and bacteria can build up in pet beds, so you’ll want to keep them clean and prevent unpleasant odors. To clean pet beds, start by vacuuming up excess fur. Wash the bed every two weeks either by hand or in the washing machine. Follow the instruction label carefully for washing and drying instructions, as not all beds are washer- or dryer-safe.
• Leashes and collars — Wash leashes and collars about once a month or any time they are visibly dirty. If you have durable accessories, you can toss them right in the wash with your usual laundry. Otherwise, you can soak collars and leashes in hot, soapy water for about 10 minutes.

"You should wash the items your pet regularly uses often. Choose a laundry detergent that’s pet-safe. PetTergent® is specifically formulated with enzymes to target pet stains, soils, and odors."