Picture this: You’ve had a long day at work and are headed home to relax. You walk in the door and your dog runs to greet you. After your greeting, you take a deep breath and that’s when you notice it- the unmistakable smell of pet odor. Chances are you’re all too familiar with this situation. As much as we love our pets, the smell of them isn’t something we really want in our home. Luckily, there are solutions to pet odors and even fur that might solve your problems.
Plug in a Pet Air Purifier
A pet air purifier works to remove pet air allergens and air contaminants. These allergens stem from things like pet saliva drying on your pet’s fur and then shedding off as dander, which then becoming airborne. Airborne particles often cause odors and allergies for the rest of your family. Air purifiers capture the particles and remove them from the air before you have a chance to breathe them in and have an allergic reaction.
Used in conjunction with regular cleaning and proper filter changes, purifiers can help allergy sufferers and make your home smell better as well. Air purifier placement matters though. Some of the best places to put a purifier include:
- Large bedroom
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Mud room
- Foyer/entryway
Power Up a Pet Vacuum
Pet dander and fur doesn’t stay airborne forever, it settles on your home’s surfaces such as furniture and carpeting. To keep up with the shedding from your dog or cat, the right pet vacuum is important. Your average vacuum cleaner might not have the suction power to remove most of the fur and dander in your carpet. Vacuum cleaners specifically designed to tackle pet hair will likely give you the results you need.
Many pet vacuums can be used on upholstered furniture as well. Any pet owner knows it can be difficult to keep a dog or cat off the couch. To avoid odors and fur build up on your furniture, it’s important to vacuum and clean these surfaces.
Clean with Natural Ingredients
There are tons of cleaning products on the market that claim to neutralize pet odors. However, if you don’t want harsh chemicals on surfaces that your pet or kids touch, create your own cleaning solutions. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and even certain fruits can get things smelling and looking clean!
Routine Bathing and Brushing
Cats and dogs do a fairly good job at keeping themselves clean. However, routinely giving your dog a bath (we don’t recommend giving a cat a bath) can reduce the odors and dandruff in your home. Talk with your veterinarian to select a safe shampoo solution for your furry buddy.
Brushing your cat or dog’s fur is also important if fur isn’t something you want to settle in your home. A groomer can recommend a good brush for their specific fur type. Certain breeds require special tools to work with their fur.
Your House Doesn’t Have to Stink
Pet owners have options when it comes to keeping their homes smelling fresh and clean. In addition to helping with allergies, products like air purifiers and specialized pet vacuums can really help with removing odors and fur from your home. Try a variety of methods and see which one works best for your home. Leave us a comment detailing how you eliminated pet odors!