Pets – Enjoy Them And A Clean Home

A recent survey concluded that 65% of households in the U.S. own a pet. (2015-2016 National Pet Owners Survey) Since so many have pets living in the home what are some special consideration and strategies for maintaining a clean and healthy home environment?

Keeping a dog or cat indoors will require frequent cleaning of pet hair and dander. When pets go outside they pick up an array of allergens on their fur/hair and then bring them inside. Even if they manage to stay off of the furniture, when the fur is shed or when the pet shakes or scratches, these allergens are released into the air landing on all available surfaces. If not cleaned, the build up will cause the indoor air to become unhealthy.

Pet dander is microscopic flecks of skin. (lung.org) Dust mites feed on dead skin and are themselves microscopic and die. All of this circulates into the air and can get lodged in the lungs causing illness. Cat dander is an especially potent allergen and can be extremely difficult to remove. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, if a cat is removed from the home it will take 6 months (of cleaning) to completely remove their dander. (Parenthesis ours)

Frequent, or even daily cleaning is necessary to keep a healthy home environment. A HEPA vacuum is a great option to use on carpets, rugs, and - with the upholstery attachment – on furniture. Regular vacuuming will remove both fur/hair and dander. A microfiber or static type mop is ideal for hard flooring. Since these types of mops do not need to be plugged in and are light weight, they are an easy option for cleaning hard flooring.

Regular dusting is also a very important routine that cannot be skipped. Using a microfiber cloth makes it easier. Remember to start from the highest point in the room and work downward. Be prepared with several cloths per dusting. Having them at your fingertips will help the job go faster and to get done thoroughly.

Since indoor allergens are more concentrated with pets, good ventilation is also necessary for a healthy environment. Changing HVAC filters will need to be done more frequently as well.

Pet Stains

They happen - even with the best of pets. It is vital to clean these up promptly and properly. It has been noted that pet owners may become desensitized to pet stain smells. To avoid this issue - clean stains as soon as you notice them. Another benefit to this is that the pet will not be attracted to that spot again for even more staining.

The most important reason to clean stains right away is to keep your home healthy. Urine, feces, and vomit contain so many bacteria, viruses, hormones, and uric acid that if left unclean, you can just imagine how this would be spread throughout the living space, onto clothing, and much more.

Cleaners to use:

Enzymatic cleaner: These eat away at stains and thus removing them and odors.

Odor Eliminator: Odor must be removed not masked. Baking soda is a great odor eliminator.

Ammonia free cleaner: Ammonia can intensify urine odor.

Baking Soda & Vinegar: This combo gets rid of odors and stains

Recipe from everydayroots.com

2 cups White Vinegar

2 Cups Luke Warm Water

4 Tablespoons of Baking Soda

Mix in a bowl and add to a spray bottle.

How to clean up stains right away (Mercola):

1. Blot up the accident as much as possible. Use disposable towels to blot and old plastic shopping bags to collect used towels.

2. Pour plain water on spot and soak up moisture with disposable towels.

3. Apply cleaner or enzyme based product. Follow directions of product.

4. Blot to dry as much as possible. Avoid walking on area.

It is important to remember that stains can soak down into deep and plush textiles like carpet. It make take several times to get the stain completely out. As textiles dry, underlying moisture rises to the surface. If you notice this, go through steps 3 & 4 again. Keep a periodic eye on the area until it is completely dry and you see no more staining.

Never use regular carpet cleaning products to clean pet stains. Do not use harsh scrubbing. This will destroy the texture of your carpet or upholstery.

Cedarwood essential oil may also contribute to healthy pets and home. Cedarwood has been noted to repel fleas and ticks. Dipping a washcloth into a gallon of water with 2 drops of good quality cedarwood essential oil (thoroughly wring out) and wiping down the pet as they come into the home does much to keep the fleas and ticks away. Diffusing cedarwood or keeping some cedar pieces throughout the home will help repel them as well.

Pets have become important members of many households. Keeping the household clean and healthy is just as important for them as it is for you and your family. So don't forget to dust, vacuum, and mop frequently to keep pet hair and dander at a minimum. And always clean up any accidents right away. As always Keep Naturally Clean to stay healthy, happy and productive.

Resources:

2015-2016 National Pet Owners Survey

lung.org

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology

everydayroots.com

Mercola

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