There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing your home with pets, but there’s no disputing the fact that they can make it smelly!
Getting rid of your pets because they make your home smell is never going to be an option, but fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize the doggy pong Fido leaves on your furniture:
Vacuum often
Without a good vacuum cleaner, keeping on top of pet dander and debris from your pets’ paws is simply impossible, but while vacuuming often is great, you mustn’t neglect all the nooks and crannies that pet hair often gets into. Even if your pet doesn’t shed a lot of hair, the microscopic particles of skin that fall off of them throughout the day (otherwise known as pet dander) will quickly build up on your floors, rugs, carpets and furniture, and will inevitably find their way into all other nooks and crannies, too.
Wash their bedding and toys often
While it’s not reasonable to expect you to wash your dog’s bed every day, you should be doing it at least once a week to limit the risk of spreading odor-causing germs and bacteria. You should also wash their toys and blankets regularly, and anything that can go into the washing machine, can be thrown in with a mild detergent.
Bathe them and get them groomed
You’ll need to ask your veterinarian how often they recommend you bathing your dog, but the more often you can do it, the better it will be for the aroma of your home! Grooming your pet every day is also a great way of reducing pet dander, and preventing them from becoming smelly. And, if you don’t already know about blocked anal glands, it’s time to have a conversation with your vet about it, as gross as it may be! When full, your dog’s anal gland may become smelly and if you can be taught how to express it once a month, so much the better.
Use baking soda
Baking soda is incredibly effective at minimizing pet odors, and after house cleaning or vacuuming, try sprinkling baking soda evenly on pet beds, furniture and carpets, leaving it to work its magic for a few minutes, and then vacuuming it all again. You should find that all of those funky, doggy pongs are gone!
Mop floors with water, vinegar and detergent
It’s easy to make an eco-friendly, pet-friendly home cleaning solution for your floors that will clean them up a treat and leave them smelling fresh again. Simply combine water, vinegar and either detergent or dishwashing liquid and mop away to your heart’s content!
Our pets mean the world to us, but that doesn’t mean that we should have to settle for a smelly home just because they share it with us. Follow the simple tips above for a more harmonious household, and fragrant home.