If you have pets at home, you know the day you brought them home, everything changed! They are a new family member, sharing everything you – making memories to last a lifetime. However, before welcoming any new pet, most people go through the conundrum and wonder how the upkeep of the house would change with pets around. Here are some quick tips that would help if you have pets at home, like cats or dogs:
- Animal hair – it’s everywhere, floor, furniture and clothing. Groom your pet regularly to rid them of the fallout hair, this ensures that they don’t leave a trail of hair everywhere they go around the house. Also consider placing an old towel or sheet in places where they like to rest that you can regularly throw into the wash.
- If you have a carpet at home, vacuum it several times a week to ensure you are taking any hair stuck in it out. If you have wood or other hard floors, use an electrostatic mop – this ensures that the hair on the floor is not blown around.
- Keep lint rollers handy near closets and doors – hang them where it is easily accessible. For furniture with upholstery, use a hand vacuum with a motorized beater-bar attachment.
- Keep a towel, and a bowl filled half way with water by the door, when you are taking your pet outdoor. You can return, quickly dip your pet’s feet in the water and dry them off before letting them get comfortable inside.
- Remove stains quickly, before they become permanent. Blot fresh stains with a piece of clean light-coloured cloth. After most of the moisture has been absorbed, apply a solution made of 1/4 teaspoon clean dishwashing liquid and one cup of lukewarm water; blot with another dry towel.
- For furniture that repels hair, resists tearing, and can be cleaned easily, look for top-grain, semi-aniline leathers; scratches are disguised on such pieces because the hide is dyed through and then treated for additional protection and color consistency. If you prefer fabric, look for microfiber or microsuede. Avoid materials that feel loosely woven or thin, and look for terms like “high grade” and “tightly woven” on labels. Consider hues similar to your pet’s hair as well as patterns which can camouflage spots.
- Trim your pet’s nails regularly, so doors, walls and furniture are not scratched. If your pet is scratching to catch your attention or signal to you, consider teaching another way to do the same without scratching being involved (for example, ring a bell hung somewhere, etc). If you have a cat specifically, get them scratching posts or mats to play with.
- For easy cleanup, place a mat under your pet’s food bowl. After your pet’s meal time, it’s easy to wipe it clean.
