We're a nation of dog lovers, and in Dorset, we're blessed with some of the best walks in the country. But those beautiful countryside and coastal walks often lead to muddy paws being tracked across our clean floors! Keeping a home clean with pets is a unique challenge, especially since many standard cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our furry family members.
As Dorchester's local, eco-friendly cleaning experts, SpruceCrew is passionate about creating homes that are both spick-and-span and safe for everyone—pets included. Here are our top 5 pet-friendly cleaning tips.
Our 5 Top Pet-Safe Cleaning Tips
1. Eco-Friendly IS Pet-Friendly (Know Your Ingredients)
The most important tip is to read your labels. Many common cleaners contain ammonia, bleach, and phthalates, which can be toxic to pets if they inhale the fumes or walk on the surfaces and then lick their paws. Always opt for products labelled as 'eco-friendly' or 'non-toxic'. Better yet, use simple and safe staples like a solution of white vinegar and water for mopping hard floors, and baking soda as a powerful, natural deodoriser for carpets.
2. Create a 'Muddy Paw Protocol'
This is a must-have for any Dorset dog owner! Stop the mud at the source. Place a washable mat (like a 'mud rug') inside your front or back door, and keep an old towel and a small spray bottle of water handy. A quick spray and wipe of their paws before they're allowed to run free will save you hours of mopping later.
3. Tackle Shedding on Upholstery (The Rubber Glove Trick)
Pet hair seems to weave itself into our sofas and rugs. While a powerful vacuum (ideally with a HEPA filter) is your best friend, here's a professional trick: put on a pair of rubber gloves. Wipe your gloved hands over fabric surfaces like sofas and cushions. The friction and static will bunch the hair up, making it easy to pick off.
4. Clean Their 'Stuff' Too
It's easy to forget, but pet bowls and toys are hotspots for germs. A slimy film, called biofilm, builds up in pet bowls and can be harmful. Bowls should be washed daily. Fabric toys can be run through the washing machine (with a pet-safe detergent), and many hard-wearing rubber toys can go on the top rack of your dishwasher.
5. Deodorise Naturally, Don't Just Mask
That 'wet dog' smell can linger. Many air freshener sprays just mask the odour with heavy perfumes, which can irritate a pet's sensitive nose. For a better solution, sprinkle baking soda over your carpets and rugs. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the odours, then vacuum it up thoroughly.
Need a Helping Paw? Call SpruceCrew
Following these tips can make a huge difference, but we know life gets busy. If you're looking for a professional cleaning service in Dorchester or Weymouth that takes pet safety seriously, SpruceCrew is here to help. Our entire service is built on using eco-friendly, non-toxic products, so your home is safe for the whole family, paws and all.
Contact us today for a free quote on a regular or deep clean!