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Before Cleaning Day!

Cleaning Day should never be a dread, it is the perfect time to refresh your home inside and out. Grab a book filled with cleaning tips, a caddy that stays with you the whole time and something fun, maybe an apron, personalized gloves or a a cool bandana. Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a chore—make it an event! Play upbeat music, set a timer to challenge yourself, and take breaks to reward your hard work. Involve the whole family (including your pet!) by giving everyone a role. Even your furry friend can “help” by staying entertained with a fun new toy while you work. Before diving in, gather your cleaning essentials to save time and energy. We love a good rolling cart, cleaning bucket, or handled tub that can tag along wherever you go. Using natural, pet-safe cleaners is also key—many conventional products contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Instead, opt for non-toxic alternatives like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, which effectively tackle odors and stains without posing a risk.

BEST PRACTICES FOR SPRING CLEANING PET HOMES

1. Open The Windows and Start The Washer – ‘Let In Some Fresh Air’

Spring cleaning starts with a simple but powerful step—opening the windows. Letting in fresh air helps clear out pet odors, dust, and stale indoor air while boosting air quality and making your cleaning routine more effective. A gentle breeze keeps dust and dander from resettling, and also helps dry surfaces naturally, reducing the need for artificial air fresheners. It’s also the perfect time to throw pet gear into the wash—use pet-safe cleaners, like white vinegar for toys, or place plush toys in a Teddy Needs a Bath bag for a safe machine wash. Wash food bowls, bedding, and favorite toys, and if the weather allows, set items in the sun for a natural disinfecting boost. Keeping two of your pet’s favorite blankets or toys makes it easy to rotate during cleaning. With a little extra effort, spring cleaning creates a healthier, fresher home for both you and your pet. This is also a great time to clean out dryer vents and filters.

Tips For Kicking Off Spring Cleaning:

• Open Windows and Doors – Make sure window screens are in place for pet safety.
• Machine Wash or Spray Clean Soft Toys, Pet Bedding and Apparel – Place plush toys in a mesh laundry bag and wash them with pet-safe detergent.
• Scrub Hard Toys – Clean rubber and plastic toys with warm water and pet-safe soap or a vinegar-water solution.
• Sun-Dry for Freshness – Letting bedding and toys dry in the sun to help eliminate odors and bacteria naturally.

2. Start With A Broom – Sweep Things Up The Right Way

3. Next Is The Mop – Pick Up The Little Things

If you have an issue with pet fur sticking to hard surfaces, mist floors lightly with water before sweeping to control the fur, then with a damp microfiber mop, pass evenly over all smooth surfaces. The damp fur and debris will cling easier. Washing rubber brooms will refresh their static charge. You might try sprinkling baking soda before sweeping and water to see if that helps to gather the fur. Choose a washable cotton mop or a mop with washable pads that make maintenance easy. The last step will be a final sweep and mop, but this should help get the dust bunny party started.

Mopping Tips For Pet Homes:

• Spritz Water On Surfaces – To attract pet hair and dander use a fine mist of water.
• Use Pet-Safe Floor Cleaners – Choose natural floor cleaners to keep pets safe.
• Dry Floors With Towels  – Keep pets and people from slipping on wet or damp floors.

4. Furniture and Carpet De-Furring – Removing Fur from All The

To effectively remove pet fur from furniture and rugs without damaging fabrics, use natural bristle brushes, rubber brushes, or lint brooms, moving in one direction to collect fur into clumps. Brushing before vacuuming helps loosen embedded fur and prevents excess hair from clogging your vacuum. A damp rubber glove or sponge can help pull fur together, while a window squeegee works well on rugs and carpets to lift stubborn hair. For best results, use short, quick strokes and shake out cushions or rugs before cleaning. Sprinkling baking soda on fabrics can help loosen fur and reduce static cling, making it easier to remove. Regularly clean your brushes and brooms to keep them effective, and by following these simple steps, you can keep pet hair under control while protecting your furniture and floors.

Mopping Tips For Pet Homes:

• Spritz Water On Surfaces – To attract pet hair and dander use a fine mist of water.
• Use Pet-Safe Floor Cleaners – Choose natural floor cleaners to keep pets safe.
• Dry Floors With Towels  – Keep pets and people from slipping on wet or damp floors.

4. Now Let’s Tackle The Urine – Time To UV Light The Situation

UV (black) lights are an effective way to detect dried pet urine stains on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floors, as urine contains phosphorus and proteins that glow under UV light in a dark room. For best results, use an LED black light with a wavelength of 365-395 nanometers, darken the room, and scan for glowing yellow, green, or blue stains. Once spotted, mark the areas for cleaning—My Pet Peed works well on both fresh and old stains. A follow-up UV check ensures stains are fully removed, preventing odors and repeat accidents.

5. Let’s Tackle The Hard Surfaces

While hard surfaces like windows, table tops, and shelving may not attract pet hair as easily as textiles and carpets, they still tend to collect dander, fur, and those inevitable pet licks. Using natural, pet-safe cleaners is essential for keeping home surfaces and pet gear clean without exposing your furry friends to harsh chemicals. One of my favorite tricks is using coffee filters to clean glass and slick surfaces. Unlike paper towels, they are lint-free, making them perfect for achieving a streak-free shine—especially when there’s already plenty of dust and debris to deal with.

Pet-Safe Cleaning Tips:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Many cleaning products contain ingredients that can be toxic to pets. Opt for natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and pet-safe brands.
• Keep Pets Away During Cleaning – Ensure good ventilation and let surfaces dry before allowing pets back into freshly cleaned areas.
• Store Cleaners Safely – Keep all cleaning supplies securely stored out of reach of curious pets.

7. Tackle The Windows and Doors

Pet fur, debris, and slobber can easily collect on screens, windows, and doors. To make spring cleaning easier in a pet-friendly home, start by vacuuming screens with a brush attachment or pet hair tool, then wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, remove and rinse the screens with soapy water. For windows, use a pet-safe cleaner or a DIY solution of vinegar, water, and dish soap, wiping with microfiber cloths to avoid streaks. Clean doors by vacuuming pet hair around the frame, then wipe with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner. For glass doors, use a pet-safe glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to remove paw prints and smudges. Don’t forget hard-to-reach spots, like crevices around the door, which trap fur—clean these areas with a soft brush or cotton swabs. Add a little baking soda to your cleaning solution to neutralize odors. Regular maintenance, like vacuuming and wiping high-contact areas weekly, makes cleaning tasks easier. Always use pet-safe, non-toxic products for a clean, safe home.

Tips for Cleaning Windows and Screens:

• Wash Regularly – Keep a bucket with pet-friendly glass cleaner and lint free towels.
• Keep Screen Patched – Use a screen repair kit like this ScreenMend® Kit to make quick repairs.
• Screen Cleaning – Letting bedding dry in the sun helps eliminate odors and bacteria naturally.
• esBlinds and Windows – Remove dust and bunnies from blinds with a rag or this unique tool

8. Get Organized

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to get organized and refresh your pet’s space for a cleaner, more functional home. Start by gathering all pet toys, blankets, and bedding—wash and sort them into baskets or bins for easy access. Store treats in cute jars or containers to keep them fresh while adding a stylish touch to your space. Pet food should be kept in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent spills. By taking the time to organize now, you’ll create a system that keeps both pet and people spaces tidy, making daily routines smoother and your home more enjoyable year-round.

Tips For Organizing Pet Homes:

• Unique Storage Options – Hide pet toys and supplies in plain sight with unique baskets, bins and buckets.
• Out With The Old – This is a great time to donate or recycle pet toys, bedding and apparel and sort what you want to keep.

9. Time To Vacuum

The final step indoors is running a pet-friendly home is vacuuming and washing the floors to remove lingering pet hair, dander, and dust. A high-quality vacuum designed for pet homes—such as one with strong suction, a HEPA filter, and anti-tangle brush rolls—helps trap allergens and prevent fur from spreading. For carpets and rugs, go over each area slowly and in multiple directions to lift embedded hair and dirt effectively. Hard floors benefit from a vacuum with a soft roller or a microfiber dust mop before washing to pick up fine debris. When mopping, use a pet-safe cleaner and warm water, avoiding harsh chemicals that could harm paws. Microfiber or steam mops work well for deep cleaning, and a quick-drying approach helps prevent slips and paw prints. Regularly empty the vacuum canister and clean filters to maintain efficiency. With fresh floors, your home feels truly clean and ready for pets and people to enjoy.

Tips For Vacuuming Pet Homes:

• HEPA Filter – To help trap tiny airborne particles.
• Non-bag Vacuum Cleaners – Use a canister or water base filter to control dust and recirculating debris into the air.

9. Don’t Forget To Plan Some Outdoor Pet Spring Cleaning Time

Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoors—refreshing your yard is just as important for a clean, odor-free pet space. Start by scooping up any lingering pet waste and using an odor-removing spray designed for outdoor use to neutralize smells in high-traffic areas. Rinsing down patios, decks, and artificial grass with a hose or pet-safe cleaner helps break down lingering odors and dirt. For natural grass, sprinkling baking soda or spraying a vinegar and water solution can help neutralize urine spots. Aerating the lawn and adding fresh grass seed can promote healthy regrowth in areas worn down by pet activity. Regularly washing pet toys, outdoor beds, and water bowls prevents bacteria buildup. Keeping the yard tidy by trimming overgrown areas and removing leaves or debris reduces hiding spots for pests. Adding a layer of fresh mulch or gravel in designated potty areas can help absorb moisture and minimize odors. A little outdoor maintenance goes a long way in keeping your yard fresh and pet-friendly all season long!

Tips For Outdoor Pet Areas:

• Gather Outdoor Pet Toys and Balls shy .
• Non-bag Vacuum Cleaners – Use a canister or water base filter to control dust and recirculating debris into the air.

10. Keep Things Fresh

Keeping a pet home smelling fresh long after spring cleaning requires a mix of smart cleaning habits and subtle fragrance boosters. Start by using odor-neutralizing sprays or enzyme-based cleaners to eliminate pet smells at the source rather than masking them. Regularly washing pet beds, blankets, and toys helps prevent odors from building up. Air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters trap pet dander and absorb lingering smells, keeping the air fresh. For a natural scent boost, try pet-safe candles, wax melts, or essential oil diffusers (avoiding toxic oils like tea tree or eucalyptus). Baking soda sprinkled on carpets and furniture before vacuuming helps absorb odors, while an open box in litter areas or near pet spaces keeps the air clean. Washing food and water bowls frequently and deep-cleaning pet crates or enclosures also prevent stale smells. Lastly, keeping windows open when possible and using a gentle fabric refresher on pet furniture ensures a home that smells just as clean as it looks!

Ways To Keep Homes Smelling Fresh:

• Find A Scent You Love – Many scents are designed for pet odor and work really well.
• Keep Pet Spaces Maintained – Diligently use stain remover sprays and consider setting up a paw cleaning station.
• Clean Litter Boxes and Potty Areas – Deep clean litter boxes and pet potty areas to prevent lingering smells.

With a little planning, the right tools, and a positive mindset, spring cleaning your pet-friendly home can be both rewarding and refreshing. From tackling fur-covered corners to deep-cleaning favorite pet hangouts, every step you take brings more comfort, cleanliness, and joy to your space. Remember, it’s not just about tidying up—it’s about creating a healthier, happier home for you and your furry companions. So roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite playlist, and let the spring cleaning begin—your fresh new space is just a few sweeps away!