Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents

It’s that time of year again—time for spring cleaning! As pet parents, we can’t forget about spring cleaning to help with all the fur, dander, and mess our pets bring into our homes. Not only do our pets contribute to some of the gunk and grime you’re cleaning off your stuff, but they also have their own staff that needs to be cleaned, organized, and updated. We’ve compiled a list of spring cleaning tips for pet parents to ensure you’ve covered all the basis!

Dog and Cat Beds:
Take a good look at your pet’s bed. Some pet beds can be put in the washing machine, and some have to be spot-cleaned. Give it a once-over with the vacuum cleaner before putting it in the washing machine. Unscented, clean detergents are best to avoid respiratory and skin irritation. If your pet has sensitive skin, use an extra rinse cycle. Let the cover dry thoroughly before your dog or cat uses it again.

It may be time to replace your pet’s bed if you can’t get it clean and there are any tears or frays beyond repair.

Crates:
Take apart your pet’s crate and give it a really good scrub down. Wipe the bars down with soapy water and vacuum the bottom of the crate. Then, give it a good soak with very hot, soapy water, rinse or wipe it off, and dry. That’s all you need to give your pet’s crate a thorough clean.

Dog and Cat Toys:
Take a close look at toys and get rid of any extremely chewed or torn-up toys. If pieces are falling off or too gross to clean, it’s time for a replacement.

Check the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on soft toys. Place them in a pillowcase or laundry bag, wash them on a gentle cycle with a pet-safe detergent, and let them air dry completely before you give them back to your dog or cat.

Soaking hard toys in one part distilled white vinegar to one part water can also clean some toys well. Thoroughly rinse before giving back to your pet.

Dog and Cat Bowls:
Cleaning your pet’s food and water dishes should be part of your weekly routine. Not cleaning your dog’s bowls causes multiple types of bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. Coli, to harbour. Water bowls should also be cleaned often to prevent the growth of molds, yeast, algae, and fungi.

Spring cleaning is an excellent time to see how they’re holding up. If they have a lot of scratches, consider replacing them. Bacteria hides in scratches and is tough to get rid of. For regular deep cleaning, either wash by hand with hot, soapy water and a soft rag/sponge or in a dishwasher.

Deep Cleaning the Litter Box:
Plastic litter boxes should be replaced yearly (more often if you have multiple cats or they take a lot of abuse from scratching and scooping).

To clean a littler box:

1. Remove all the old litter and fill the basin with very hot water and a little dish soap. If it needs a more thorough cleaning, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar per gallon of hot water and let it soak.
2. Give it a thorough rinse.
3. When dry, add fresh litter, and you’re ready to go.
4. Remember to clean your litter scoop the same way and wipe down the area around the litter box.

Furniture:
You should regularly vacuum your furniture to remove pet hair, dander and dirt. When it comes to spring cleaning, an extra thorough vacuuming is a great place to start. You may have to use multiple methods to get all that hair. Use a damp rubber glove to pick up stubborn hair from soft surfaces.

Pretreat any urine stains on carpets or furniture with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and warm water. You may even want to sprinkle baking soda (a natural deodorizer) over the stain.

* Baking soda is a pet parent’s best friend when used in small amounts. Ingesting a large amount, however, can be dangerous to pets. Don’t let the baking soda sit for a prolonged period. Always vacuum it immediately, and don’t leave the package where your pets can reach it.

Check Expiration Dates:
Spring cleaning is an ideal time to look at all your pet supplies and check expiration dates on things like:

• Medications
• Flea & tick preventatives
• Supplements
• Treats
• Wet food
• Dry kibble

Deep Clean Your Pets:
Your pets may need a deep cleaning themselves. Brush dogs before bathing to remove heavy dirt and mats. Brush again after the bath to remove loose hair. For more dog grooming tips, check out our blog Dog Grooming Tips for Spring.

As for cats, they are good self-groomers, but some experts recommend a bath once or twice a year. If yours is accustomed to baths from kittenhood, go for it. If not, attempts to bathe an older cat could be highly stressful for the cat.

Spruce Up Your Yard:
Clean up any poop that hasn’t decomposed over the winter. Also, look for bones, dead animals, or garbage – anything that could be a choking or health hazard to your pet. Check any gates or fences and repair them as needed.

Clean and Inspect Collars and Leashes:
Collars constantly touch your pet’s skin, collecting dirt, oils, and odours. Leashes can also get dirty quickly, especially if you and your pet love to explore.

Start by soaking collars and leashes in a mixture of warm water and pet-safe detergent for about 30 minutes. Then, rub the item against itself to help remove any remaining germs. Let them air dry completely before using them again. If your pet has a collar made of leather, avoid soaking it and wipe it down with a damp cloth instead. Also, inspect your pet’s collar and leash for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, replace the item immediately to keep your pet safe.

Keeping your home clean and tidy can be difficult when you have pets. But with these tips, you can make spring cleaning much easier as a pet parent while keeping your pets safe and happy!

Happy spring cleaning!

Sources:
Spring Cleaning as a Pet Owner | Zoetis Petcare
5 Spring-Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents (foundanimals.org)
The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide for Pet Parents – Ollie Blog (myollie.com)