How to keep a house with cats and dogs clean
When we have pets in the house, cleaning becomes even more important, so we don't have hairballs rolling round the floor, stains on the sofa or bad smells. And even if they are our best friends (which they are!) it's normal that cats and dogs make our house a bit dirty – if they go out on the street and if we live in the countryside or the city – it makes complete sense. The important thing is to be patient and aware of the need to clean every day.
That's why we're going to see how to keep a house with cats and dogs clean.
1. Essential – our pets' hygiene
The first thing to bear in mind to keep the house clean is making sure that our cats and dogs are clean. So how often should you wash a dog? Around every four weeks, but we should obviously wash them more and pay more attention to hygiene if they have been out in the countryside, jumped into a river, gone through a puddle or if they simply got dirty. Cats clean themselves but if they're very dirty or they can't clean themselves because they have some kind of problem, then there's no harm in us washing them.
Always use shampoo that is designed specifically for pets and that has been recommended by your vet or an expert.
2. Encourage them to use their space rather than yours
If you want your house to stay clean for as long as possible, it's also key that you train them from when they are puppies to not jump up on your bed or sofa, to not put their paws on the kitchen countertop if they are big dogs, and that kind of thing.
Our UTSÅDD line has all kinds of accessories and furnishings so they can have their own space without staining yours. There is even a mini sofa for cats or small dogs! That way you won't have to clean the sofa, bed and carpet all the time.
- Product information page
3. If they use the sofa or the bed, protect it
If it's already "too late" and your cat or dog jumps up to sleep on the sofa or the bed, the best thing you can do is put a blanket or sheet down where they like to go. They also like to feel like it's their blanket and to recognise it as their own, so they'll always go back to that little spot we have set aside for them. That way, their paws (or whatever else) won't stain your bed or sofa when they jump up.
You should shake the blanket every day and wash it every week, so make sure you always have a couple so you can alternate them.
4. Clean their toys, bed and lead regularly
To keep a house with cats and dogs clean, we have to keep all their things clean:
- The bed or mat where they sleep is normally washed at a maximum of 40°C on a normal wash. But make sure to always check the laundry care label.
- Don't use fabric softener, bleach or any other product besides a little detergent.
- Wash their plastic toys from time to time in hot water with a little mild soap and leave them to soak for a few hours. Then rinse them and dry them thoroughly.
- And when it comes to soft toys, it's the same as their bed – pop them in the washing machine!
- Wash all their things at least once a month – bear in mind that hair, drool and all kinds of bacteria build up.
5. Hoover every day to keep the house clean
And of course, to keep a house with pets clean, it's essential to hoover or sweep the floor every day. Pay special attention to carpets – hoover them thoroughly to get rid of hairs that build up between the strands or fibres and that can end up smelling bad.
Also, remember to air out the house every day for at least 15 minutes or half an hour to get rid of bad smells and to freshen up the air.
6. An impeccable and fragrant house!
If you have followed all of the tips we've just seen, your house shouldn't smell bad. By ensuring good cleanliness and hygiene every day, your house will be perfect.
It's always recommended to put some scented candles around the house, to burn some incense every now and again, and to use air fresheners, so your house will always smell unreal!
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