House-Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners

[FamTimes reporter Jennylyn Gianan] Household chores such as grooming pets and creating a pet-friendly environment are important for ensuring family members’ health and proper hygiene.

In the United States, the number of households with pets such as dogs, cats, fish, and birds is increasing every year. According to statistics from the American

Veterinary Medical Association, 36.5% of all households have dogs, while 30.4% have cats.

There are several ways pet owners can keep their homes clean and tidy for the health of their pets.

Dogs and cats shed. Regular grooming helps keep loose hair under control, but unfortunately, it cannot catch all of it.

Buy a good vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to pick up even the smallest dust particles. For hard floors, it is also worth trying an antistatic dust bag to prevent static electricity.

When going outside in the rain, have a towel ready to keep your pet’s paws clean. After a walk in the garden, wash away any excess mud or dirt from the paws and dry them with a towel.

The best way to prevent pet hair from sticking to furniture is to choose pet-friendly upholstery.

Semi-aniline or top-grain leather is easy to clean and can conceal scratches on furniture. For fabric furniture, choose microfiber or microsuede, which pet hair does not readily cling to.

When cleaning a carpet stained with cat urine, determine as soon as possible whether the carpet is colorfast. If you need help with a carpet stain, contact a professional who can advise you on the best removal method.

An easy-to-clean or pet-friendly placemat makes spilled food and water easy to manage.

Pet hair can also stick to clothing made with Velcro material. A tape roller is useful for removing stubborn hair that does not come off easily.

Tape rollers are convenient and very reasonably priced. Lint brushes and dry sponges also help remove hair, so it is advisable to pick one up the next time you visit a pet supply store.

Jennylyn Gianan fam1@pcss.co.kr