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Can we take a minute to talk about something almost every pet parent deals with?
Although pet hair and odors are a small price to pay to have our furry ones at home with us, the fuzz and funky smells can sometimes seem overwhelming!
My house full of two dogs and three cats has hair everywhere. There is hair on the couches, on the carpet, on the kitchen counters, and all over my clothes. And if I’m honest here, Kerrick and Hermes does leave an odor from time to time.
I know enough pet parents to know I’m not the only one dealing with this.
Over the years, I’ve found some of the easiest ways to keep my home as fur and odor-free as possible. I prefer fur and order minimized so I can focus on my work without distractions and so I can feel good about having company over without being frantic to clean up everything.
Here’s a few of the things I do to tackle pet odor and hair in my home:
Tip # 1: Throw your pet’s linens in the washer.
Kerrick loves his blanket. Ugh, but does it get smelly!
We’ve invested in washer-safe fabrics and sturdy bedding that can easily be washed. Everything from the dog bedding to their favorite toys or blankets.
Pro tip: Use pet-friendly, odor-busting detergent. Don’t forget to wash your own bed linens, too, especially if fido loves lounging on them.
Tip #2: Invest in an Air Purifier
Fresh air makes everything better. When the weather is nice, I like to open the windows and put in a fan in them to circulate fresh air around the house or even vent open the doors. Make sure your screens are secure, though—especially if you have a door-dasher!
If you can’t air your space out or it’s too hot or too chilly to open the windows, an air purifier may help. Many of them clean the air by filtering out particles that cause bad smells.
Tip #3: Regularly vacuum carpet and steam mop everything else
Regularly cleaning your floors and carpets will do wonders for odor and hair. I really like vacuuming the carpet and then steam mopping and sweeping up everything else (like the kitchen and the hardwood) at least once a week. Making these quick chores a part of your regular household duties makes a big difference.
Be sure to check labels of any chemicals you use to make sure they’re safe for your furry friend. Some “clean smelling” products have pine oil or other oils or acids that can be dangerous to pets. Choose products designed with your pet in mind, like the pet care collection found at www.tackletinkle.com. These products can also be used in the laundry room for your wash!
Tip #4: Groom your pet.
Bathing, brushing and trimming your pet’s hair regularly cuts down on offensive odors and makes your pet look great, too. My housemates regularly have to groom their pets at least once a week (and more if it is hot outside and they begin to shed their coats) because it helps to keep the hair floating around the house to a minimum.
Regular brushing helps keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy and makes them feel more comfortable. Brush your pet outdoors, if it’s safe, or be sure to vacuum after an indoor brushing session. And remember, if you come across any mats in your pet's fur to seek out the assistance of a professional.
Tip #5: Keep a few lint rollers around
Lint rollers are masters at picking up your pet’s hair. Any time I’m going out with friends, on a date, or just to leave the house in general, there’s always a lint roller that’s ready to help me look my best (and not full of hair!)
But don’t limit them to your clothes. They are great on any fabric and furniture. I use mine on the sofa or on blankets or jackets to pull off all the hair that starts to accumulate on them.
If the lint roller doesn’t work, you can try using duct tape for any fabric surface or a damp dryer sheet for a dryer-face fabric. Generally anything that is somewhat sticky, staticy, or is good at attracting hair will work great – even using your vacuum on the furniture can be a life saver.
Having a pet means you will deal with hair and odors from time to time. It’s part of pet parenthood. What do you do around the home to deal with hair or odors? Let me know!