The pet owner's cleaning guide: hair, odours and stains

Keeping a home with pets clean comes down to doing the basics more often: vacuum frequently to stay ahead of hair and dander, deal with accidents and stains immediately before they set and smell, and wash pet bedding regularly. Use pet-safe products, ventilate well, and the result is a home that is fresh and welcoming despite the extra furry residents.

Managing pet hair

Hair and dander build up quickly, on floors, soft furnishings and in the air. To stay ahead:

• Vacuum high-traffic and pet areas often, ideally with a HEPA filter.
• Use a rubber brush or damp cloth to lift hair from upholstery.
• Wash or lint-roll throws and covers regularly.

This also helps anyone in the home with allergies, see allergy-friendly cleaning.

Dealing with odours

Pet smells come from accumulated hair, dander, bedding and the odd accident. The fix is regular cleaning rather than masking with fragrance: wash bedding hot, clean floors and soft furnishings, empty litter and ventilate the home. Bicarbonate of soda is a useful natural deodoriser for carpets and beds.

Tackling stains and accidents

Act fast. Blot up liquid immediately, clean the area with a suitable pet-safe cleaner, and treat carpets before the stain and smell set. The longer an accident sits, the harder it is to remove, and the more likely it is to leave a lingering odour, see carpet care.

Use pet-safe products

Some cleaning chemicals are harmful to animals. Choose pet-safe products, keep pets away from freshly cleaned areas until dry, and ventilate well. Gentler, low-fragrance products are often the safest choice, see eco-friendly cleaning.

Help keeping on top of it

Pets mean more cleaning, and not everyone has the time. A regular domestic clean keeps hair, dander and odours under control between your own efforts. Just let us know about your pets when you book, and we will use suitable products, across Derby and the surrounding area.