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Having a pet is one of the best things in the world. They are a companion and best friend and will always be there for you in the tough times as well as the good. Yet one thing that can be difficult when you have a pet, is keeping your home clean and tidy, particularly if you have a busy life or a family too. These can get in the way of being as tidy as you would like, so once you add in pet fur and muddy footprints it makes it a whole lot more challenging! Below we have put together some top tips for home upkeep with a pet that should hopefully make it that bit easier.
Upgrade your vacuum cleaner
One of the main things you are going to need in your home when you have a pet is a vacuum cleaner, particularly one that is designed to pick up pet hair. This is because pet hair moults throughout the year (especially in the spring and summertime) and somehow manages to get into all of your spaces. You will find it under your sofa and in nooks and crannies you didn’t even know existed! They will also tread in things like mud and dirt from outside that will dry and need hovering up. It’s a good idea to look into a specialist vacuum such as Ecovacs pet vacuum cleaner which is an automatic vacuum that can get all the hair, dirt and debris and doesn't require you to lift a finger.
Think about the type of flooring you have
If you have plush, light-colored carpet, you need to think about if this is going to be kept clean with a pet or if it’s the most realistic option. If you are considering getting a new floor before you get a pet, it might be a better choice to go for something such as laminate as this is a lot easier to clean. Rather than having to scrub any marks and risk staining, you simply can wipe with a cloth. It’s a much more practical option. You could look into getting carpet covers or rugs if you want to try and preserve the floor you already have.
Keep on top of wiping things down
Home upkeep tends to be more difficult if you let it build up. To try and avoid this, wipe down your floor and other surfaces often, rather than letting it build up until it’s a huge job to clean. This might feel like a pain at the time, but it’s more practical for you in the long run. Keep wet wipes in a few different, accessible places to make it as easy as possible to maintain.
Keep cleaning supplies by the front door
When you have just taken your dog out for a walk, they are likely going to be covered in mud, rainwater and other dirt that can soon transfer to your carpets, sofas and clothes. To avoid this happening, keep a box of cleaning supplies by the front door. This could include a towel to dry them, gloves, wipes and anything else you think can help them to not transfer their mess into your home!
Wash your dog’s toys and bedding regularly
Your dog or pet toys and beds can harbour lots of dirt and bacteria which can then be trodden around your home. To avoid this from happening, ensure you wash them regularly. It’s recommended you wash the bed once a week to keep it clean and fresh - it can be either hand washed or some can be placed in the washing machine. You can put pet toys into the dishwasher to clean them, or these can be cleaned by hand. Clean your dog toys at least once a month, but more often if you can. This helps keep everything more hygienic.
These are just a few top tips for keeping your home clean and tidy with a pet. After all, just because you have an animal doesn’t mean your home needs to feel unwelcoming and dirty. It can feel a bit of a hassle at first, but once you have sorted out a routine to keep your home clean with a pet it will feel a lot easier. Have you got a dog that you find keeps you busy with housekeeping? If so, what are some top tips you have for ensuring it’s as tidy as possible and doesn’t require too much effort? Let us know in the comments below!
