7 Essential Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners: A Professional’s Guide
We love our pets. They’re part of the family, bringing endless joy, laughter, and companionship into our homes. What we don’t love so much is the constant battle against pet hair, mysterious odours, and the occasional accident. But having a furry friend doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having a clean and fresh home.
As professional cleaners, we’ve worked in countless homes with pets, and we’ve learned the most effective strategies to manage the mess. These aren’t just generic hacks; these are proven cleaning tips for pet owners that tackle the three biggest challenges—hair, odours, and stains—head-on.
Conquering the Fur: Pro Tips for Pet Hair Removal
Pet hair seems to have a magical ability to weave itself into every fabric and surface. Staying on top of it requires the right tools and techniques.
1. The Ultimate Upholstery Tool: A Squeegee
Your vacuum’s upholstery tool is good, but for a truly deep de-furring of couches and fabric chairs, a simple window squeegee is a game-changer. The rubber blade grips and pulls embedded hair out of the fabric weave in a way that suction alone can’t. Just drag it in short, firm strokes and watch the hair pile up.
2. Tumble Dry Before You Wash
For items like blankets, pet beds, and cushion covers that are covered in hair, throw them in the dryer on a low or no-heat setting for 10 minutes before you wash them. The tumbling action and airflow will loosen the hair, which gets caught in the lint trap. This prevents the hair from clumping up and sticking to the fabric (and the inside of your washing machine) when wet.
Neutralising Odours: Getting Rid of Pet Smells for Good
A common issue for pet owners is becoming “nose-blind” to the subtle odours that visitors notice immediately. The key is to neutralise odours, not just cover them up with air fresheners.
3. Use Baking Soda Generously
Baking soda (bicarb soda) is a pet-safe, incredibly effective odour neutraliser. Sprinkle it liberally over carpets, rugs, and fabric upholstery. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (a few hours is even better) to absorb the odours, then vacuum it up thoroughly. This is one of the most cost-effective pet-friendly cleaning methods.
4. Invest in an Enzymatic Cleaner
For lingering smells from urine, vomit, or other organic sources, an enzymatic cleaner is non-negotiable.
- The Pro Secret (Why It Works): Standard cleaners just wipe away the surface mess. Enzymatic cleaners use beneficial bacteria to produce enzymes that physically break down and digest the odour-causing organic molecules. This eliminates the source of the smell completely, which also helps prevent pets from re-marking the same spot.
Tackling Stains: How to Handle Accidents Like a Pro
When an accident happens, acting quickly and correctly is crucial to prevent a permanent stain.
5. Blot, Don’t Scrub!
Your first instinct might be to scrub vigorously at a fresh urine or mud stain, but this is the worst thing you can do. Scrubbing grinds the particles deeper into the carpet fibres, making the stain larger and harder to remove. Always use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot gently from the outside of the stain inwards, absorbing as much as possible.
6. The Right Cleaner for the Job
After blotting, treat the area. For urine, use your enzymatic cleaner. For muddy paws, allow the mud to dry completely first. Scrape off the dried dirt, vacuum the area thoroughly, and then treat any remaining discolouration with a quality carpet spot cleaner. For serious or widespread issues, nothing beats a professional carpet cleaning service to extract stains and odours from deep within the pile.
The Most Important Tip of All: Prioritise Pet Safety
7. Always Choose Pet-Safe Products
Many common household cleaners can be toxic to pets if ingested or if they come into contact with their paws and skin. When choosing cleaning products, always read the label. As advised by authorities like the RSPCA Australia, look for products specifically marked as pet-safe or opt for natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda where appropriate. When we perform a home cleaning service, our teams are always mindful of the furry family members in the house.
A Clean Home and a Happy Pet Can Coexist
Living with pets means a little extra work, but with these professional tips, you can easily stay on top of the mess and maintain a home that is fresh, clean, and welcoming to both two-legged and four-legged family members.
For those times when you need a deep reset—like an end-of-lease bond clean or a seasonal deep clean—trust the professionals to get the job done right.
Contact AustClean today for a free, no-obligation quote on our pet-friendly cleaning services!