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I'm a passionate dog owner and also crazy about clean carpets, a tricky situation. That's why I'm always looking for tips on how to keep carpets clean when you have pets. Floor dirt and even less noticeable dirt accompany my ever-changing bundles of love, but with a little work (and some expert advice), it's possible to juggle life as a dog owner and cleaning the carpets.
Simplemost spoke with Sara San Angelo, founder of The Cleaning Lady and a cleaner for over 20 years, and Jade McNeil, interior designer and owner of Jade McNeil Interiors , about their top tips for keeping carpets clean when you have pets.
1. Buy the right carpet
According to McNeil, the best type of pet mat depends in part on what it's made of. When purchasing new carpets, he recommends looking for carpets with stain-resistant fibers and opting for short-pile rather than long-pile, which makes vacuuming easier. Additionally, he found that wool and nylon carpets are some of the most durable and easiest carpets to clean.
In addition to fabrics, McNeil recommended choosing darker colors and patterned carpets, which help hide stubborn stains, and opting for machine-washable options when possible.
Ruggable's rugs , for example, are washable and consist of two parts: a rug cover with stain-resistant fibers (made of polyester with a water-repellent polyurethane barrier) and a non-slip pad underneath, available in different heights. If the mat gets dirty, simply remove the cover and clean it in the washing machine and dryer.
McNeil himself even told us that Ruggable rugs are perfect for people with pets.
However, robustness is not your only option. Revival Rugs also offers a line of rugs that can be thrown in the washing machine. However, they recommend taking your larger rugs (5 feet by 8 feet and larger) to a professional laundromat equipped with a 60-pound washing machine. A 4-by-6-foot rug like the one pictured costs about $199 and is made from recycled polyester, recycled denim, wool, and cotton.
According to the Revival website, you should wash the rug with similar colors on a gentle setting with a tablespoon of mild detergent and then air dry. There is no cache to clear. It's just lightweight and foldable enough to wash like laundry! Of course, you can also vacuum them between washes.
2. Protect your carpets
McNeil says he generally avoids carpets made from difficult-to-clean materials like rayon unless they're sealed with Fibershield. Most carpet sellers offer this for an additional fee.
"It adds a layer of protection to the carpet for easy cleaning and lasts about six months," McNeil said.
As for other fabrics like silk, McNeil said they take longer to clean and that any fabric that's too luxurious also presents a challenge because of the individual fibers. But if you already have one, there is a protection method you can try. A carpet protectant like Scotchgard contains a chemical that repels dirt and stains, providing a good level of protection and meaning you don't have to buy a new carpet straight away.
3. Detect door damage
To prevent pets (and, let's face it, people) from coming into contact with all kinds of dirt and germs, consider investing in a stain-resistant microfiber doormat that can be placed just inside your front door, in the hallway, or anywhere else , where you need additional carpet . . Protection .
"You have to put carpet in the entrances and on the doors that lead outside," San Angelo said. "So if your dog has dirty paws or it's raining, the mat will help catch some of the water and dirt."
San Angelo is also a strong proponent of installing dog beds throughout the home, encouraging your dog to lie on the bed instead of the carpet.
"I have so many dog beds in my house," said San Angelo, "you'd think only dogs live here!"
You can opt for a rug like Muddy Mat , which is machine washable and won't slip on tiles or hardwood floors. It is also available in different sizes and colors to match your decor.
In addition to rugs, you can use an otherworldly paw wash cup as soon as your four-legged best friend walks through the door.
Shortly after getting my Poodle mix, I discovered his habit of digging in the yard, which led to me getting into the habit of bathing the dogs three times a week. Sometimes his paws got so dirty that I had to carry him straight to the tub in the upstairs bathroom.
MORE: 5 Products That Make Cleaning Your Dog's Paws Easier
Then I found the paw wash cup. Now when Jake shows up at the back door wearing dirty gloves, I grab this cup and add warm water and some shampoo. Then I take his paws one at a time and slide each one up and down a few times.
How do I know if the silicone bristles are doing their job? Her paws come out wet but clean, and when I pour the cup into the sink the water is very, very brown. Ick, but better in the gutter than on my carpet.
4. Have a good vacuum cleaner handy
Regular vacuuming is essential, but the frequency of vacuuming depends on how much your pet sheds. McNeil recommended vacuuming at least once a week.
During shedding season (often once in the spring and once in the fall), you may need to take out the vacuum more frequently. How about a thorough carpet cleaning ? You may want to have your carpet professionally cleaned on a regular basis about once a year.
A powerful vacuum like this Bissell PowerClean Rewind pet vacuum is essential. It works equally well on carpets and hard floors and has an automatic cord winder, which you'll appreciate when you're done and just want to store the device neatly.
"It's my personal vacuum cleaner and I love it!" said the holy angel. "Every time I vacuum, I throw away so much hair and dander that a Pomeranian is covered in it."
San Angelo pointed out that whatever vacuum cleaner you buy, you should make sure it has good suction power and special attachments for vacuuming up pet hair.
5. Get ready to tackle stubborn stains
I wish I didn't have to use this product so often, but apparently my Boston Terrier has a blister the size of a gumdrop. When I wake up in the morning to a wet spot on the carpet, I sigh deeply and reach for the miracle of nature .
I soak the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes and wipe it dry. When it dries it disappears. McNeil also uses Nature's Miracle and has recommended it to her clients.
This solution is bacteria-based and produces enzymes when mixed with an organic source such as urine, feces, or animal vomit. Enzymes act on this food source until it disappears.
"It's one of the best products that removes stains and odors," McNeil said.
A home wet vacuum is also a must for anyone who has pets. I was happy to find out that San Angelo has a Bissell, the same brand as mine. She recommended the Crosswave All-in-One Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum for Hard Floors and Carpets because it vacuums and mops at the same time.
MORE: This portable carpet cleaner is highly appreciated by pet owners.
I've had a good experience with the Bissell Pro carpet cleaner , which leaves my carpet smelling fresh and clean and allows me to pour a full tank of brown water down the sink when I'm done. I never see you!
6. Don't neglect your hardwood floors
Things are much easier when cleaning hard floors that are soiled by pets. Eventually the carpet absorbs. This is not the case with hardwoods.
If a pet gets the floor dirty, you can use various floor cleaners, but not all of them are particularly healthy for your pet. Several common ingredients in floor cleaners can pose a danger. Therefore, it is important to check labels before spraying them on your floor.
Bona parquet cleaner is particularly suitable for pet owners because its plant-based ingredients are safe and biodegradable. First vacuum, then spray the floor and clean the dirt with this cleaner.
The company also offers an all-in-one cleaning mop, the Bona Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors , which includes this cleaner in a refillable cartridge as well as a washable microfiber pad.
7. Make sure you remove the strange spots on the stairs and edges.
Vacuuming stairs is very tiring, so I don't do it as often as I should. Luckily, there is the Uproot Pro Pet Hair Remover . In just a few minutes (and without carrying heavy machinery), I can clear the stairs of hair. Simply run the lint remover over the affected area and then remove hair, lint and dirt. It requires no batteries or plugs and is very light. Love!
It is also suitable for scratching posts, sofas and carpet wall edges that vacuum cleaners may miss.
If you have a dog that's always on the lookout for a mess, these expert-recommended methods for keeping carpets clean might come in handy the next time Fido goes for a walk.
7 Ways to Keep Carpets Clean If You Have Pets originally appeared on Simplemost.com and will help you get more out of your life.
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