Does your living room smell like dog? Does the bathroom smell like the litter box? Having pets is an endless joy, but the odors that tag along are not so celebrated. Your home doesn't have to smell like you live with animals. With a little routine cleaning and discipline your home can smell fresh again!
Routine Cleaning
How often do you clean soft pet bedding? I clean my pet bedding once a week. How often you clean yours will depend on the pet. Wash the bedding with hypo-allergenic detergent and when you put it in the dryer add a dryer sheet. If it cannot be dried in a dryer, hang it outside and spray it with a pet-friendly fabric refresher.
Next is the kennel, if you have one. This is often an overlooked area during cleaning. Remove the bottom pan from the kennel and wash it with soap and water. Air dry it before putting it back in the kennel. The kennel bars can be rubbed down with soap and water as well. Be sure everything has been rinsed and dried before you pet is allowed near the kennel again.
The litter box also needs to be emptied on a regular basis or more often if your pet has been ill. Litter should be scooped daily. Clean the box with soap and water at least once a week. It may be tempting to purchase a scented cat litter to cover the smell but be careful. If your pet does not like the litter they may not go in their box and will be forced to go elsewhere in the house. Switching litters could also cause urinary tract infections.
Lastly, you have the pet toys and bowls. Most people don't clean their pet toys; a toy is more likely to be thrown in the trash than cleaned. Toys can harbor bacteria and odor that is both foul smelling and dangerous to your pet. Launder any toy that is fabric and wash other toys. You can even throw many pet toys and pet bowls in the dishwasher!
Discipline
When I say 'discipline' I mean self-control on behalf of you and your pet. You need to be disciplined in your cleaning schedule and in how you handle your pet. Your pet needs to know how to behave in certain situations. Not allowing the pet on furniture, or in certain rooms, may help with odors. Teaching your pet to wipe their feet when they enter the house, or wait for you to come inspect them, can also help. My long haired Irish Setter mix waits at the door when he comes in because he knows I won't allow him on the furniture if he is wet or dirty. I keep a bath towel near the door to wipe him off before he comes in.
With a little planning and some additions to your cleaning schedule, you can have an odor-free home!
