14 Cleaning Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know

Keep your home free of pet hair and odors with these expert-approved tips.

Despite how cute they are, pet owners know that their four-legged friends can be hard to clean up after. From pet hair and bathroom accidents to dirty paws and sharp nails, these furry animals know how to make a mess. But being able to manage and even prevent these messes can make routine cleanup a lot easier. Whether you want to tackle shedding, keep litter from getting everywhere, remove lingering odors, or solve other pet owner woes, these tips will keep your home as clean as it was before you had pets.

• Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean

• Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids

Related: How to Make Homemade Dog Shampoo Using Just 3 Ingredients

Use a Lint Roller to Remove Pet Hair

A lint roller is a great way to remove pet hair from your clothes, but you can also use it on couches, chairs, curtains, and other furnishings in your home. "Lint rollers typically have a wide surface area and are effective at picking up pet hair," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

Use Baking Soda to Remove Pet Odors

Pets can sometimes leave behind an odor, especially in their favorite areas of the home. "Baking soda has odor-neutralizing properties and is often used to absorb and eliminate unpleasant smells," says Sokolowski. "You can sprinkle on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes and then vacuum."

Protect Your Shower Drain From Pet Hair

Getting pet hair in your shower during bath time is inevitable, but there are ways to minimize shedding for easier cleanup. "Brushing your pet before the bath helps remove loose fur," says Sokolowski. "Use a grooming brush appropriate for your pet's coat type to reduce shedding during the bath." It's also smart to place a hair catcher over the drain, which keeps pet hair from causing clogs.

Use Furniture Covers

If you can't keep pets off your furniture, use covers to protect the fabric from damage and unwanted odors. "Most furniture covers are designed to be easily removed and washed," says Sokolowski. "Regular washing helps maintain a clean and odor-free environment."

In addition to protecting against pet hair, furniture covers can also guard against stains caused by spills, accidents, or dirt that was tracked inside. "When buying the covers, choose some made from pet-friendly materials," says Sokolowski. "They need to be durable and resistant to wear and tear. Avoid materials that may be easily punctured or torn by your pet's claws."

Related: 9 Pet-Friendly Couches That Let You Say "Hop Up" Instead of "Get Down"

Wipe Your Pet's Feet When They Come Inside

While it may not be realistic to wipe your pet's feet every time they come inside, it's necessary in certain instances. "If your pet was outside during a storm and the ground was muddy, we suggest wiping their paws with a damp cloth before they roam the house freely," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

Use a Litter Mat

If you have a cat, you know these curious creatures have a propensity for kicking litter out of their litter box. Keep it contained by using a litter mat, which is made with a mesh material designed to trap litter. "Place it outside the litter box to catch litter particles as your cat exits," says Sokolowski. "Mats with textured surfaces are particularly effective."

Choose the Right Litter Box

Another way to keep litter from getting everywhere in your home is by selecting the right litter box. "Choosing a litter box with higher sides prevents cats from kicking or scattering litter outside the box (and we know they love doing this)," says Sokolowski.

Wash Pet Bedding Regularly

Be it a dog bed or cat tower, your pet's bedding should be cleaned regularly to prevent odors and pet hair buildup. "Use pet-safe detergents, and consider using covers that can be easily removed and washed," says Sokolowski. If the covers aren't removable, sprinkle pet bedding with baking soda and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Vacuum Often

Keep pet hair from taking over your home by vacuuming and sweeping regularly. "Use vacuum cleaners with pet hair attachments or specialized pet hair models designed to handle shedding," says Sokolowski.

Related: 10 Pet Hair Removers That Get Will Get Rid of Fur From Any Surface

Groom Your Pet Frequently

Daily brushing and regular bathing will help keep your home hair- and dust-free. Additionally, protect your floors and doors from damage by trimming your pet's nails when they get too long. "Keeping up on trimming your pet's nails will prevent scratching damage," says Cohoon. It's important to know how to cut your pet's nails in order to avoid hurting them—consider going to a groomer or veterinarian if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

Use a Rubber Glove to Remove Pet Hair

If pet hair is set into your furniture, use a rubber glove to get rid of it. "Dampen a rubber glove, something that you would already have handy for washing dishes and run it over the furniture to attract and collect hair," says Cohoon.

Place a Mat Under Their Food Dish

Keep pet food from getting all over the place while your dog eats by placing a mat under their dish. "Mats can catch any spills and make cleanup easier," says Sokolowski. "Look for mats that are easy to clean and have non-skid surfaces."

Clean Up Pet Messes Quickly

Cleaning up pet messes promptly and effectively is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment, says Sokolowski. Start by scraping up as much of the mess as possible. Then, clean the areas by scrubbing them with water and a pet-safe detergent. If odors remain, sprinkle the area with baking soda, let it sit, then vacuum.

Get a Scratching Post

Keep your cat from scratching your furniture by purchasing a scratching post. "Cats can scratch to mark their territory and sharpen their claws," says Sokolowski.  Offering designated scratching surfaces can redirect this behavior away from furniture and other areas of your home.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.