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By the time the weather gets warmer, you may already be planning your annual spring cleaning, but pet owners need to consider a few special things. How do you know which products can be used? Or find out which neglected pet supplies should get a little more love? And what about removing those hard-to-clean stains and grime? We spoke to the experts to find out. Read on for the best spring cleaning tips for pet owners from Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM, BVS, MRCVS and Stew Lawrence, CEO of CleanWell , a herbal cleaning company .
Check the labels on the cleaning products
"I think the best advice I can give you is to do your research and read the labels," says Lawrence.
"From a high-level perspective, consumers should first look for products that have fewer or no dangerous words (attention, warning, danger) and less advice on personal protective equipment," says Lawrence. "Also, make sure the products you choose indicate that they can be used with your pets, either on the product label or on the website."
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According to Lawrence, many cleaning products on the market today are made with chemicals like bleach, quaternary ammonium, and alcohol that are irritating to sensitive noses and paws and potentially toxic to pets . It is important to know which products contain dangerous ingredients and to use these products in moderation and never leave them where your dog or cat can find them.
Ingredients to avoid in cleaning products
Household cleaning products can be dangerous to pets. You should try to use products that are labeled as suitable for animal welfare every time you clean. Lawrence says be careful with these ingredients when you start your spring cleaning:
bleaching
Isopropyl alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Phenols
formaldehyde
Phthalates
ammonia
chlorine
Be aware that even ingredients that appear natural and safe can sometimes be harmful to pets.
"Be careful with products that contain essential oils," says Woodnutt. "Some of these oils are toxic to dogs if they come in contact with them, but cats are much more sensitive and can have trouble just breathing them in."
Keep animals out of the room
According to Woodnutt, it's best to keep pets out of a room that has just been cleaned to reduce the risk of them breathing fumes.
If you can't get your dog to play in the yard or hang out in another part of the house while cleaning, do your best to keep him away from freshly cleaned surfaces and open windows for ventilation. You will enjoy the fresh air too!
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We understand that it may not be possible to find all of the cleaning products you need in one 100% safe formula. If you use cleaners that do not contain animal-safe ingredients to clean floors, litter boxes, or any other space your pet comes in contact with, you must thoroughly rinse and dry the area before allowing your pet to re-enter the room.
Clean carpets
Winning the war on pet dander may seem like an impossible task, but cleaning carpets of hair, dirt, and dust on a regular basis is extremely important to the health and safety of you and your pet. Keep before thorough cleaning Fusselrollen and vacuum cleaners ready , remove the hair, and clean these areas at least once a year with a professional carpet cleaner.
Also, if you don't want to spend all of your time vacuuming, don't be afraid to get a little technical help. "I know our secret weapon among veterinarians is robot vacuum !" Woodnutt adds.
Don't forget the beds and toys.
Woodnutt also advises pet owners to run their dog or cat bed in the washing machine on the hottest cycle possible; Check the label to see what each fabric can handle. Animal litter should also be rinsed thoroughly to remove irritating dust or detergents used in the wash cycle.
For beds that can't be washed in the laundry room, good vacuuming and wiping with a damp cloth helps, according to Woodnutt. Another tip you use? The lint roller that can help remove excess hair.
You can also use the machine to wash most dog clothes and stuffed toys. One rinse cycle should be sufficient for rubber toys, food and water bowls. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to make sure your pet's toys and dishes are dishwasher safe for rubber and plastic. After cleaning, Woodnutt adds that rubber toys should be carefully checked for signs of wear, which means they should be thrown away. Look for signs of "death" such as cracks that may appear when the toy is bent or squeezed.
For damage to pets, she recommends using an enzymatic cleaner that removes stains from pets with an animal-friendly formula.
Use dual-use products
The more versatile and animal-friendly the products are, the better. An effective cleaning routine makes it easier to maintain the thickness of the items and reduces the amount of product you need to get into your home.
"Consider a multitasking product to reduce the number of labels to read and save space under your counters." Said Lawrence. " CleanWell disinfectant wipes and sprays clean, disinfect and deodorize in one simple step without harsh chemicals."
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