We love our pets, but we don’t love the damage they do to our homes. Whether they relieve themselves on your sofa or emit funky odors, furry ones can foil your best efforts to keep your place looking and smelling its best. Having an animal or two in your Arizona home doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to living in filth. Often, a few pet-friendly purchases and habits can keep things under control.
Groom Regularly
A clean pet can mean a cleaner, fresher house, especially if you groom it consistently (every month or so as needed). And if you don’t have a dedicated room where you can lather up your pup, carve out a corner in an existing space like the laundry area.
Pet-Friendly Furniture
If your pets tend to lounge on your couch or other spots meant for humans, over time the spots will start to smell like your pets—and certain fabrics absorb odors more than others. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen hold more odors. Look for man-made materials like polyester, polypropylene, and olefin. If you must stick with cotton or linen, get a slipcover so you can easily pop it into the washing machine.
Wash Pet Toys
Just the way you change dish towels in the kitchen every few days, throw some of the cat’s fabric mice in the washing machine, or your dog’s chewy toys in the dishwasher. If you get in the habit of cleaning these playthings, they will build up fewer odors over time.
Scrub Down That Couch
Another benefit of furniture made from synthetic materials? They can withstand a light bath. One cushion at a time, spritz your sofa with distilled water, followed by a drop of dish soap and then use a soft-bristled brush to create a lather. Wipe away excess liquid and soap with a clean cloth. If your couch has a cotton or other natural fabric on it, resist the temptation to clean with water as the material may shrink.
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