How Often Should You Clean Your House with Pets?

Pets bring so much joy and love to our lives, but they also bring extra dirt, hair, and messes into our homes. As a pet parent, it’s important to stay on top of cleaning to keep your house fresh and hygienic for both you and your furry friends. But how often should you really be deep cleaning when you have pets? Here are some guidelines:

Vacuum at Least Twice Per Week

Pet hair accumulates quickly on floors, furniture, and in nooks and crannies. To keep the fur tumbleweeds at bay, aim to vacuum a minimum of twice per week, and more often in high-traffic areas. Invest in a quality vacuum designed for homes with pets that has strong suction and a brush roll to pull up embedded hair.

For an even easier solution, consider a robot vacuum you can program to run daily, perfect for everyday upkeep and handy during move out cleaning. This will help you stay on top of pet hair without having to lift a finger.

Dust and Mop Weekly

In addition to vacuuming carpets and rugs, don’t neglect your hard floors, shelves, and flat surfaces. Pet dander and dust can quickly build up. Use a microfiber duster or electrostatic duster at least once per week to trap particles. Follow up with a damp mop on hard floors using a pet-safe cleaner.

Wash Pet Beds and Blankets Every Other Week

Your pets’ cozy beds and favorite blankets are magnets for dirt, drool, hair, and odors. Toss them in the washing machine every other week to keep them fresh. Choose beds with removable, machine-washable covers to make laundering easier. Place waterproof liners underneath beds to protect your floors.

Clean Litter Boxes Daily

If you have cats, scooping the litter box daily is a must to prevent odors and keep your kitty happy. Empty and thoroughly clean the entire box monthly, replacing it with fresh litter. Don’t forget to vacuum and mop around the litter box area frequently as litter tends to scatter.

Bathe and Groom Regularly

Keeping your pets clean is key to a clean home. Brush dogs and long-haired cats daily to remove loose fur before it ends up all over your house. Bathe them as often as needed, usually every month or two. After walks, wipe muddy paws before your pup tracks dirt inside.

Tackle Stains and Accidents Immediately

Pets have accidents sometimes – it’s inevitable. The quicker you clean up messes, the less likely they are to leave lingering stains and smells. Use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for pet stains. These break down and neutralize odors so your pet isn’t attracted to soil the same spot again.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Streamline your pet clean-up routine by strategically stashing supplies in easy-to-access places. Keep a small vacuum, lint roller, and spot cleaner in the living room. Stash cleaning wipes and paper towels near the back door for quick paw wipedowns.

With pets, staying on top of cleaning is a frequent task. But by establishing a regular cleaning schedule and having the right tools and products on hand, you can keep pet messes under control and still have plenty of time for snuggles and playtime with your best furry friends. A little extra effort is all worth it for the unconditional love they add to our lives!