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Many households go crazy with spring cleaning to get a fresh start on the new season. Yet, those tasks vary depending on the person. For pet parents, there are a lot more cleaning chores to stay on top of to ensure your home and your pets remain clean. Whether it’s removing pet hair, getting rid of unsightly stains, or grooming your dog, there’s lots to do to keep your home looking brand new for spring. To help you make sure you’re not forgetting anything on your spring cleaning list, here are some tips to help you tackle all the necessary tasks.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Dog Parents
Spring cleaning differs from regular cleaning because it’s typically more in-depth. It’s the perfect time to catch up on any cleaning tasks that you haven’t done in a while, and if you have a dog, you likely have more to do than a house without pets.
While you’re cleaning, make sure you keep your pet away from the cleaning products. You can give them a puzzle toy to keep them busy.
Tip 1: Get Rid of the Clutter
Since dog parents love to spoil their furry friends as much as possible, it’s common to accumulate more supplies than needed. Plus, even the best supplies can get worn out eventually. So, when it’s time for spring cleaning, it can be beneficial to go through all your pup’s belongings and clean out the ones that are unneeded or unsafe.
Toys
Most dogs have more toys than they need. While there’s no limit to the amount of toys your pup can have access to, odds are that not all of them are in the best condition. Check your dog’s toys for damage, such as rips, holes, and loose pieces. Toys that are falling apart could become a choking hazard, so it’s best to toss them if that’s the case. Besides, getting rid of old toys is a good excuse to buy new toys.
Beds/Blankets
Like toys, beds and blankets can sometimes become victims of chewing. Old, worn-out beds may not provide the support and comfort that they used to, and loose pieces of fabric could accidentally get ingested. So, don’t feel bad if you need to discard or replace some of your dog’s bed. Also, if you have ones that are in good condition that your dog never uses, consider donating them to your local shelter or rescue.
Other Duplicate Items
Over time, you might find yourself acquiring multiple of the same dog supplies. For example, you might buy a new type of dog shampoo without using up the old shampoo. Or maybe you have items you thought you’d need but never use, such as dog jackets. And if you have a pile of leashes shoved in a cabinet, untangle them and donate any that you don’t use.
Overall, it can’t hurt to go through your pet supplies, dispose of anything unusable, and donate anything you don’t need. Also, if you have any medications that are expired, discard them. That includes flea and tick preventatives.
Tip 2: Remove Allergens
Cleaning your home can help reduce allergic reactions for everyone in your house, both humans and pets. If you have a dog that sheds frequently, this part of spring cleaning is extra crucial.
Vacuum
Vacuum or sweep every inch of your home to collect as much pet hair as possible. This includes floors and furniture. When cleaning up allergens, start by dusting high areas and working your way down to ensure you collect as much debris as possible. Be sure to use vacuum attachments to reach corners and crevices of your home that might go unnoticed. With less fur floating around, you and your family members will be less likely to sneeze this season.
The best way to ensure all the pet hair and dander is scooped up is to get a vacuum specifically designed for homes with pets, such as the Dyson Ball Animal 3. It has a powerful suction while detangling the hair to make sure it doesn’t clog the vacuum.
Clean Furniture
Many dog lovers allow their canine companions to hang out on the furniture as they please. If that’s the case in your home, you should deep clean your couch and any other items your dog may have napped on. If you use furniture covers, such as the FunnyFuzzy Fabric Furniture Protector, you can easily clean those by throwing them in the washing machine.
The Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner is a great way to clean various surfaces in your home, including couches and other fabric furniture. It can release a cleaning spray while also vacuuming up dirt and moisture, making it easy to clean pet messes anywhere in the home. Plus, some of the profit from every Bissell purchase helps save homeless animals.
Wash Bedding
This is an essential chore that many pet parents forget to do regularly. Washing your dog’s beds and blankets can help remove hair, dirt, and other allergens that could be hiding in the fabric. If you don’t wash your dog’s bedding enough, they may be more likely to sneeze and feel uncomfortable as a result.
Also, if your dog has access to your bed, be sure to wash your own bedding, too. Otherwise, you may wake up sniffly more often than not. If you’re still facing allergens after doing all the above tasks, you may benefit from an air purifier.
Tip 3: Clean and Deodorize Everything
With dogs around, there are bound to be muddy paw prints, accidents, and messy treats from time to time. So, spring cleaning is the perfect time to ensure all the stains and odors are gone from your home.
Focus on the Carpet
If you have carpet or rugs in your home, that’s likely where the odor will cling to. Deep cleaning your carpet can help ensure that your guests don’t smell foul odors or see unsightly stains when they enter your home. Skout’s Honor Stain & Odor Remover and Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer Plus are just a few effective odor-removing/carpet cleaning products to choose from.
If you don’t have a quality odor-removing product, try mixing baking soda, vinegar, and water and then applying it to urine stains. The recommended mixture is one cup of water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and two teaspoons of baking soda. Mix the ingredients up and apply to the carpet with a spray bottle. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up (do not let your pets lick it).
Use the Dishwasher and Washing Machine
Toys, beds, collars, and any other supplies your dog uses often could carry unpleasant odors and stains. Luckily, many of these products can be cleaned in the dishwasher or washing machine, depending on the material. For example, plush toys are usually machine-washable, while rubber toys like the West Paw Qwizl and the Classic KONG can go in the dishwasher. Food and water bowls should also be cleaned regularly, but check if they’re dishwasher-safe before washing them that way.
Tip 4: Clean Your Pup
Even though spring cleaning usually consists of keeping the home clean, pets need to stay clean, too. Make sure your dog’s grooming needs are met to keep them happy and healthy.
Brushing and Bathing
All dogs need to be brushed, but some need more frequent brushing. If your dog has a long, curly coat, you may need to brush them almost daily to prevent their hair from getting matted. If you have a dog with a dense coat that sheds heavily, you still need to brush them every few days to remove loose fur.
While you should be in the habit of brushing your dog, it’s easy to forget. So, use spring cleaning as an excuse to brush your dog from head to toe without skipping any parts. A slicker brush like the Safari Slicker Brush can help prevent mats in your dog’s coat, while bristle/pin brushes like the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush are good for frequent brushing and removing loose fur.
Also, don’t forget about baths. If your pup hasn’t been bathed in a while, give them a bath during spring cleaning to keep their coat soft and healthy. Check out our picks for the 15 Best Dog Shampoos & Conditioners to find a safe, effective product for your furry friend. Human shampoos are generally not safe for dogs, so stick to pet-friendly shampoos only.
Keep up with Dental Health
Dental health is an area of canine well-being that many pet parents forget about. If you haven’t been keeping up with your dog’s dental health, it’s best to have a vet examine your dog’s teeth. Your vet will likely suggest a professional cleaning, which can be pricey, but it’s well worth it to prevent painful teeth and disease in the future. After a professional cleaning, there are lots of ways to maintain your pet’s dental health, such as giving your dog some of the best dental chews.
When in Doubt, Visit the Groomer
Some grooming tasks are difficult to keep up with at home, especially if you have a long-haired dog that needs their hair trimmed. Scheduling a grooming appointment can be a great way to get your dog cleaner and healthier than ever. Whether it’s a bath, haircut, nail trim, or other service, having a professional do it can help it go faster and have a better result.
Tip 5: Make Sure Your Yard is Safe
As spring rolls around, the weather may be getting nice enough to do some yard work (depending on where you live). Make sure the yard is safe for your canine companions to hang out in.
Clean up the Poop
If you’re someone who doesn’t pick up your dog’s poop right away, spring is the perfect time of year to get rid of any feces that’s still sitting out there. Dog poop can spread dangerous germs even after sitting out all winter, so get outside with a pair of gloves to clean it all. Earth Rated Poop Bags are great for picking up dog poop because they’re made using recycled materials.
Check the Fence
Fences can get damaged over time, so if you have a fenced-in yard, do a walk-around and look in every corner. If the fence has any holes or broken pieces, dogs could escape or get hurt. It’s best to patch up those spots before it’s warm enough for your dog to run around outside again.
Pick up Choking Hazards
Debris can get swept up in yards, even if you have a fence. So, look around the yard for any garbage or other items that could be dangerous to your pet. Unfamiliar items can be toxic or lead to choking hazards if your dog accidentally ingests them. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Treat Your Lawn in a Pet-Safe Way
Unfortunately, keeping your lawn healthy often consists of spraying items that can be harmful to pets and people. So, when choosing what products to use on your yard, look for pet-safe items. Sunday is a great company for lawn care because you can get a custom lawn plan with products that are safe for the whole family, including your pets.
Setting Up a Spring Cleaning Plan
With so many spring cleaning tasks to do, especially related to dogs, it can seem overwhelming. So, come up with a cleaning plan before diving in. Create a checklist of everything that needs to get done and only tackle certain tasks each day or week. You can divide them up by similar tasks or by room. Or if you have multiple people living in the house, give a few tasks to each person. However you decide to plan your spring cleaning, make sure it’s a way that’s convenient and stress-free for you.
A great way to make spring cleaning more exciting is to put on some music, a podcast, or an audiobook so you have something enjoyable to listen to while you work. If it’s a nice day, consider opening some windows to let fresh air and sunlight in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is spring cleaning important?
Spring cleaning is important because it allows you to refresh and rejuvenate your living space after a long winter, removing accumulated dust, allergens, and clutter. It can also promote a healthier and more organized environment, improving both physical and mental well-being.
What cleaning products are safe for dogs?
Cleaning products that are safe for dogs typically include non-toxic, biodegradable, and pet-friendly options. Look for cleaners labeled as pet-safe or those made from natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Avoid products with harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, which can be harmful to pets if ingested or inhaled. Yet, even with pet-safe products, don’t let your dog ingest them.
How often should I clean dog beds?
You should clean your dog’s bed at least once a month as part of regular maintenance. However, if your dog has allergies, sheds heavily, or often spends time outdoors, more frequent cleaning, such as every two weeks, may be necessary to ensure a clean and comfortable sleeping environment for your pet.
What’s the best way to get rid of pet odors?
To get rid of pet odors, start by regularly cleaning and deodorizing your pet’s bedding, toys, and living areas. Use pet-safe odor neutralizers or air purifiers designed for homes with pets. Ensure good ventilation in your home, and consider using natural remedies like baking soda to absorb odors.
How can I remove pet hair from furniture and carpets?
To remove pet hair from furniture and carpets, use a lint roller, a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment, or rubber gloves. Regularly groom your pet to reduce shedding. You can also use specialized pet hair removal tools like de-shedding brushes to make the process more effective.
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning is a great way to get everything under control before the warmer seasons roll around, but for pet parents, those tasks may look a little different. Consider all the spring cleaning tips above and decide which ones are essential for your home and your furry friend. While some of these tasks should be done more than once a year, spring is the perfect time to make sure you’re getting everything completed on your checklist.
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