We love snuggling with our furry friends, and they love the soft feel of their doggy bed. Just like you don’t want to sleep in a dirty bed, your dog doesn’t want to sleep in a bed that hasn’t been washed either. Plus, you have to clean their other pet supplies like bowls and toys. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with preventative tips for grooming your pet so you’ll have an easier time cleaning and how to clean their bedding and other pet supplies at home.
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- Preventative Tip: Groom Your Pet — If your pet doesn’t have as much pet hair because you’ve been grooming them, that means less hair for you to have to clean up and less hair that ends up on your clothing. Groom your pet with a pet hair removal tool. This handy tool will groom your pet like a brush, and it can also remove fur from any existing clothing or furniture, too! Grooming your pet is a great preventative measure for having to do less cleaning on your pet’s bedding and other pet supplies.
- Preventative Tip: Stick to a Cleaning Schedule — As another preventative measure, it’s helpful to stick to a cleaning schedule. When you get into a routine of grooming your pet and cleaning their bedding or pet supplies, it’s easier to get into the groove of cleaning once you know when and how you’re going to clean. For example, if you clean your pet’s bed and toys every week, try and stick to the same day every week to get into the habit of doing it — like every Friday morning before you go to work or every Monday evening before you all go to bed.
- Preventative Tip: Choose a Pet Bed That’s Easy to Clean — Getting a pet bed that’s easy to clean will make it easier for you as a pet parent in the long run. Look for pet beds that are durable and made from washable fabrics. That way, all you need to do is throw it in the washer and dryer every time the pet bed needs a refresh. On a pet bed that’s easy to clean, you’ll be able to use a pet hair removal tool to remove any stray cat or dog fur from their bed.
- Pick Pet-Safe Cleaning Products — Make sure when you’re getting cleaning supplies around the house that you’re getting ones that are pet-safe. Try finding products made from natural or organic ingredients. For products that do contain toxic chemicals, lock them away in a cabinet. You can use a child-safety lock on cabinets to ensure your furry friend doesn’t get into the cabinet. If you do your laundry and still get pet hair all over your clothing, don’t worry. You’re not alone. That’s why dryer sheets for pet hair exist to help remove pet hair from your clothing. Just put them in the dryer the next time you dry your clothing and watch the magic!
- How to Clean Your Pet’s Bed — According to the CDC, if you’re going to wash your pet’s bed in the washing machine, it’s better to add laundry detergent without any dyes or fragrances, especially if your pet has sensitive skin. Use the cycle and water temperature setting based on the fabric of your pet’s bed. Use the air dryer setting in your dryer or allow it to air dry. You can disinfect the pet bed by putting it on the high heat setting for 30 minutes.
- How to Clean Your Pet’s Bowls — Check your pet’s bowl to see if it’s dishwasher safe. If it is, you can clean your pet’s food and water bowls in the dishwasher. If not, you can hand wash them with hot soapy water. Your pet’s food bowls should be washed after every meal. Water bowls can be cleaned every other day or so.
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- How to Clean Your Pet’s Toys — Rubber toys like KONGs can be washed in the dishwasher. If your dog is chewing on a bone, note that it shouldn’t be washed with any kind of detergent, bleach or vinegar. Bones can be wiped clean with a warm and wet washcloth.
- How to Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box — Ensure you’re cleaning your cat’s litter box daily. It should be scooped for both urine and feces every day — and once a week, you can give the litter box a more thorough cleaning. If possible, clean your cat’s litter box outdoors with a hose or water bucket every week. Avoid cleaning your cat’s litter box in a kitchen sink, bathroom sink or bathtub. If you must use one of these, ensure you clean your tub or sink with diluted bleach when you’re finished. You’ll want to do this because your cat may have harmful bacteria or parasites in their urine or feces.
Sometimes, having a pet can feel like a lot. Not only do you have to feed them, walk them or clean their litter box, but you also have to stay on top of making sure all of their bedding and belongings are clean. At the end of the day, nothing can replace the unconditional love and companionship our beloved pets give us in return. Just use any of these tips to help keep you and your furry friend safe and clean. They’ll thank you with snuggles!
