The cleaning secrets every pet owner should know – including the mistake that could be making your home smell even WORSE
YOU might be gearing up for some serious spring cleaning, but there are a few rules you should know if you’re a pet owner.
That’s because some common cleaning practices could make pet homes less hygienic and leave a stench behind.
With over half of pet parents concerned about persistent pet odours in their homes, many go to extraordinary lengths to keep their spaces fresh and clean.
But don’t worry, the pros from TrustedHousesitters have partnered with professional cleaner and waste management expert, Evie Graham, to expose the most common cleaning myths.
Here, they’ve shared their top tips for keeping your home fresh this spring.
Is your ‘pet-safe’ cleaner actually safe?
Think your go-to pet-friendly cleaner is doing the trick? It might not be as harmless as you think.
“Those ‘pet-safe’ cleaning products can be tricky,” explains Evie.
“Through working in hundreds of pet homes, I’ve found that residue stays active in porcelain tile grout for days.
“A London client’s cat developed unusual paw irritation three days after we cleaned because the residue reactivated with morning dew.
“Now, I use completely different methods for pet areas versus walking zones.”
Your walls are holding onto pet smells
You’ve scrubbed the floors, washed the bedding, and lit a candle… so why does that pet smell still linger?
The answer could be right in front of you – or rather, on your walls.
“A client couldn’t solve their persistent dog smell until we discovered oils were absorbing into their wallpaper at dog-height, especially around corners.
“We now treat vertical surfaces at pet height with specific enzyme solutions,” reveals Evie.
Stop over-washing your pet’s bed
Most pet parents think washing their pet’s bed frequently is the best way to keep odours at bay.
But did you know that too much washing can actually make the smell worse?
“The real secret about pet bedding might surprise you. Over-washing actually makes odour problems worse by killing beneficial bacteria that naturally control pet smells.
“I’ve developed a rotation between steam refreshing and full washing to maintain the right bacterial balance,” says Evie.
Tackle pet mess at the source – and make smart swaps for a fresher home
Are you a ‘shoes off’ household? Consider your pets‘ paws, too! Setting up a dedicated cleaning station by your door with microfibre mats and pet-friendly wipes can stop muddy prints in their tracks – saving you hours of cleaning later.
Beyond paws, small swaps can make a big difference in keeping your home fresh.
Washable covers on your pet’s favourite snooze spots help trap fur and odours, while activated charcoal filters near litter trays or pet beds naturally absorb smells.
For an easy, pet-friendly refresh, sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming for a deeper clean.
Ditch the chemicals for your pet’s bowls
How often do you scrub your pet’s food and water bowls? If you’re using harsh chemicals, you might be doing more harm than good.
“Most people also clean pet bowls wrong,” Evie notes.
“Through extensive testing, I’ve found that UV sanitising outperforms chemical cleaning for eliminating that invisible biofilm that builds up in microscopic scratches.
“This method preserves the bowl’s surface while providing better long-term hygiene.”
The household items you’re not cleaning often enough
IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling...
Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices.
Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains.
Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly.
Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner.
Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew.
Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine.
Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
