At least 49% of all adults in the UK own a pet, showing our love for animals. However, when it comes to cleaning your home it can sometimes be difficult. With pet hair, mud and accidents prone to happen, it can be hard to keep your house spick and span.
Our blog at Lancaster Cleaners looks into some handy cleaning tips for pet owners, making your life easier.
How Many Pets are in the UK?
According to recent research carried out by the PDSA, almost half of all adults own a pet. Of these 25% have a cat, 24% have a dog, and another 2% own a rabbit. With all of these pets, there’s sure to be a lot of cleaning that comes with them.
The PDSA also looked into how much money is spent by pet owners on their four-legged friends. Monthly costs ranged from £70 for a pair of rabbits to between £70 and £105 for a dog. However, we all often underestimate the costs of our pets! Vet trips and accidents on upholstery can cost us a lot to resolve. In fact, 88% of cat owners said that they spend more than they’d budgeted.
Keeping Fur at Bay
One of the most annoying parts of owning a pet is the fur that’s shed. Whether you have a cat or a dog, you’ll find fur everywhere. Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks when it comes to keeping your house clean. Using a lint roller on fabric, especially clothing, will help to keep your possessions fur free.
Most vacuums also come with special pet adaptations now which are designed to remove hair. If you don’t have one, then using a pair of rubber gloves will do the same thing. All you need to do is slightly dampen them and wipe your hands over fur to bring it together.
Although, the best way to keep fur to a minimum is to brush your pets regularly. This can sometimes be a challenge but try making it fun and enjoyable. If that fails, then using treats is always a good option.
Managing Smells and Odours
There is nothing worse than walking through the front door to be greeted with an overpowering smell of dog or cat. A wet pet or smelly litter tray needs to be dealt with. Washing your pets keeps them clean and also helps to take care of their coats. There are plenty of shampoos and conditioners out there to suit any kind of allergy that your pet may have.
Other options are to place air fresheners or diffusers around your home. Make sure they are out of reach (as far as possible) and they should mask smells. For a more natural option, essential oils like lavender will also do the trick.
Baking soda is also another favourite with pet owners. If you have a pet bed with a removable cover, then you can wash this using detergent and a small amount of baking soda. Once dry, any smell should be a thing of the past.
Cat Litter Trays
Any cat owner will know that litter trays can be a smelly place to be. Cleaning these regularly is crucial and as cats prefer a clean environment, it’s a win-win. There are a few things you can do to make this easier to do. When you fill them up, place a layer of plastic underneath it to make emptying simple.
It also helps to carry out a deep clean once a week to make sure that smells don’t linger. Wash them out and use a small about of cleaner to keep them fresh. Replacing a litter tray every year or so provides your cats with a clean space to go to the toilet.
If you need any help cleaning your home as a pet owner, then do not hesitate to get in contact with our team.
