Keeping your home clean can be work, especially if you have pets. The fur babies make great companions, but they unfortunately can add a lot of hair and lingering smells to a home. So if you’re a pet owner who’s at a loss for how to keep your home clean while enjoying the company of your cats and dogs, here are some cleaning tips to consider.

1. Ask Other Pet Owners

Being a pet owner isn’t uncommon in the United States. 70% of U.S. households or about 90.5 million families own a pet, according to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). You probably have people in your family, friend group, or neighbors who also own pets. They too are likely dealing with the same dilemma of keeping their home clean and maybe doing a better job of it than you. Have you been to someone’s home who has a pet, and their home always seems to smell and look good? Ask them about some of the methods they’re using.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

The fur babies are often crawling around and lying down on the floor. They can easily get into things as they sniff around and try to look for treats. To care for their health, avoid using harsh chemicals that can affect them. Your animals can be more sensitive to harsh chemicals that may come in contact with their skin, mouth, or nasal cavity. You can use non-toxic chemicals such as products from the Meyers Brand.

3. Hire Professional Carpet Cleaners

Are you a pet owner with a carpet? Regardless of how much you vacuum, it may not be enough to stop lingering pet dander and dirt they may be tracking from outside. So, you likely have your work cut out for you when it comes to keeping your floors clean. According to Salerno Carpet Cleaning, if haven’t cleaned in a while but own a pet, you may notice a lingering smell on your carpet, but professional cleaning can help ease the problem. You can have professional carpet cleaners come to your home once a week to get rid of those lingering smells and odors. That way you can rest assured that your carpets remain fresh, clean, and allergen-free.

4. Change Your HVAC Filter

According to Energy Saver, the two most common types of air conditioners are room air conditioners and central air conditioners. Your HVAC unit is not only responsible for keeping the air in a home warm or cold during various seasons. It’s also responsible for circulating and filtering your air. So, if your HVAC filters get clogged with pet hair, they can create lingering smells when you turn a unit on. Your HVAC filter should be changed at least once a month, and keep up with scheduling your technician for regular inspections.

5. Use Quick Cleanup Methods

Between pet hair and pet poop, there are a few quick cleanup methods to make your home life easier. Do you have a Kitty? Scooping up and cleaning up such cat litter may be a chore, so make the process go faster by lining the litter box with a garbage bag. Then, when it’s time to empty the box, all you have to do is pick up the garbage bag in the box and dump it. Tired of pet hair all over your couches and chairs? Take some duct tape and quickly take the hair up.

Your home is your castle, so you want to keep it clean. You can do so while enjoying your beloved pets. With this useful advice, your pet-friendly home will remain clean and smell fresh.