When we think about new years tips and resolutions it's easy to think about topics like weight loss, healthy resolutions, saving money and travel goals. Rarely do we think about things like cleaning up after our pets...but maybe it's time to change that? After all, I spend more time cleaning up after our five pets than kids these days - and before we know it, spring cleaning will be right around the corner. This year I'm going to try implementing these New Year’s Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners to cut down on the amount of pet hair in my home - which will make cleaning easier all-around!
New Year’s Tips for Pet Owners
Cut Down On Animal Hair
When it comes to cleaning up after pets, one of the first things that come to mind is animal hair. It's one of those pesky problems that invades everything from floors and furniture to clothing. The solution? Get to grooming your fluffy fur babies! Not only is grooming a great way to bond with your pet, but it helps reduce shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
While grooming certainly helps shedding, it won't stop it completely...especially since I have two long-haired Shetland Sheepdogs AND three cats.
To help cut down on animal hair, your floors should be cleaned up at least once a day by using a Swiffer Sweeper to trap and lock dirt, dust, and hair. Vacuuming with the light weight Swiffer Vac is a must with pets in the house, it has all of the dust and fur trapping capabilities of the Swiffer Sweeper than we know and love, PLUS it has a vacuum to pick up even more!
Use Dedicated Pet Beds
While it might be tempting to let sleeping dogs lie (wherever), for the sake of cleaning - and comfort - it's a good idea to give your pets dedicated pet beds. This helps trap hair and dirt that comes with them regularly lying in the same place. Give dog begs a shake outside once a week and wash them monthly to keep them clean and fresh. Many pet owners allow their dogs to sleep in their beds with them...call me a bad pet mom, but I don't. I like to keep my bed as fur-free as possible, and I have a hard enough time keeping the cats off the bed!
Keep it Clean During Meal Times
Meal times can be messy, especially for rambunctious eaters. Doggy place mats slide easily under your pets food and water dishes making clean up a breeze. No mess, no fuss. The new year is also a good time to check in with your vet about your pets dietary needs. Ensure that they're receiving the appropriate food in proper portions for optimal health.
Make a Date With Your Vet
Changes in diet, exercise routine, and health conditions can all cause a change in your pets coat that may lead to more shedding. Annual check ups keep your pet and their coat healthy - which means less cleaning for you!
With all of the cleaning necessary to keep my home from turning into one large fur ball, it's important that I have easy to use sweeping, mopping and dusting tools for virtually every household surface. I don't want to spend time digging out buckets, bins, and cleaning sprays every day. Instead, I keep an arsenal of Swiffer products on hand so I can grab and go.
The Swiffer Sweeper is a 2-in-1 hard surface sweeping and mopping tool. Switching from sweeping to mopping is as simple as changing out the cloths. The dry cloth has deep ridges and grooves that conform to the surface of your floor to trap and lock dirt, dust, and hair, while the wet cloth dissolves dirt and grime and traps it away. No dustbins or mop buckets required!
When a good deep cleaning is required I turn to the Swiffer Wet Jet all-in-one system. It's really good for cleaning up those muddy little paw prints on our wood laminate flooring...or when I find that hairball that one of the cats coughed up during the middle of the night that's already turned into cat puke cement!
Unfortunately pet hair, dust and dander doesn't know to stay on the floor. Regular dusting in and around knicknacks and shelves every couple of months is important. For that, I tote around the Swiffer Duster because it locks in up to three times more dust than a feather duster. The Swiffer Duster is basically my best friend, we have one in most rooms in the house and I even keep one in the car!
Do you have any special cleaning tools for keeping your home clean, despite your four legged friends? If you haven't tried out any of these Swiffer products yet, I highly recommend that you do ASAP! They make it so much easier to keep our home clean!
You can find out more about Swiffer products on Swiffer.com. Happy cleaning!
Connie says
This post couldn't have come at a better time. I was just complaining to my husband about this last night. Dog hair and dust bunnies everywhere 🙂
Becky says
I love Swiffer! I use almost all their products too keep our place clean. It makes our lives easier.
Crystal says
My pug is as sweet as can be. But she sheds like crazy. Definitely have to stay on top of the fur, otherwise we live in a furry grossness I don't even have a name for.
Kristi says
We just have one cat but I feel like I have to vacuum daily to keep up. The kids are finally old enough to help at least.
Winona says
Your kitty and puppy dog are so adorable! These are great tips by the way. I love using Swiffer Wet Jet products in my home. They are so easy and versatile to use.