As pet parents, we know how much joy a furry companion can bring to us. We love them. They love us. But cleaning up after our fur babies might not bring us as much joy as, say, snuggling with them!
Here are 10 of our favorite time-saving tips that will make cleaning up less of a chore.
1. Using a roller to remove stubborn pet hairs
Sure, duct tape will also do the trick, but a reusable lint roller has the ability to trap stubborn pet hairs in a special hidden compartment – much easier than wielding duct tape. It can also be useful on bedding, blankets, comforters, sheets, and on fabric-lined car seats.
2. Curbing loose cat litter
Let’s face it. One of the most annoying aspects of having a litter box is the remnants and dust that cats tend to carry on their paws throughout the house. Any rug or mat around the box will help clean up those paws before kitty gets back to the fun. Some can be a little tough to keep clean though so consider a mat made to trap the litter and dust while allowing for easy maintenance.
Clean the litter daily, and also clean the litter box itself at least once a week to avoid smells.
3. Eliminating odors
Living with pets means some inevitable work, especially when mishaps occur. We’ve found that an all-natural room deodorizer is the perfect solution.
Simply take a 16-ounce bottle, mix in a half cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a half-cup of vinegar, and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the area, let it dry for a few hours and then vacuum as needed.
Baking soda is also a reliable cleaner for eliminating stains on rugs and upholstery.
If you’d like to add a few drops of a pet-safe essential oil, consult your vet to be sure which will work for your household.
4. Keeping electrical cords safe from pets
Chewing on electrical cords is dangerous for pets. That’s number one. Unraveled, unruly cords are an issue, not only for keeping a tidy home, but also a safer one.
To solve the problem, we’ve found that wrapping the cords with a wire protector/sleeve cover is a good deterrent. Look online or in your favorite hardware store.
5. Making bath time easier and cleaner
Bath time: an activity that’s all about getting clean, yet can cause quite a mess. How ironic. We’ve discovered that creating a DIY solution is the easiest, mess-free way to get the job done with the least amount of hassle. Cut a hole in a plastic bathmat so it fits neatly over the drain, then place a hair catcher on top of it. 

We recommend using a handheld sprayer, avoiding accidental water in the pooch’s sensitive ears (and outside the tub).

Need help keeping pup in the tub? We (and they) love this lick mat to dogs remain calm and focused while getting shampooed.Â
Another trick is to use a shampoo bar, like these from Wondercide. Each comes with a natural cedarwood holder to preserve the bar and the best part is that you can support your pet with one hand while you wash with the other. No letting go to squeeze bottles while your pooch makes a b-line out the door.
6. Covering furniture scratches
Pet scratches on wood furniture can be difficult to erase, but if they aren’t too deep, it’s possible to cover them up by sanding with a fine grit sanding sponge and then using a stain brush to carefully paint over the sanded area. Consider a gel-based stain and try to choose a shade that is as close to the color of the wood as possible.
To protect doors (a favorite scratching post for kitties!), we recommend covering the lower part of the door with a sheet of plastic, such as Plexiglas, which you can get at most hardware stores.
7. Stay away, ants (and other bugs)
Ants and other bugs like roaches are naturally attracted to any kind of food that’s left on the floor in our kitchens, and pet food is no different.
To keep them away, step one is to make sure that food particles are nowhere in sight. Next, using Wondercide’s indoor pest protection spray powered by natural essential oils is a must to keep bugs away from pet bowls and everywhere else inside you’d like to protect. The spray is safe to use around kids and pets when used as directed.
8. Keeping pet toys tidy
As pet parents, keeping our furry companions happy is a priority. And toys bring happiness! Sometimes that means pet toys are scattered about the house.
Banish the clutter with creative pet-toy organization, and you can rotate which toys are left out for play every couple of days. Storage ideas are limitless. Here are a few ideas. Vintage (or vintage-looking) crates are a classic choice. Hanging fruit baskets or hammocks (but put those pet toys in there) are clever.
And, a great basket of your liking will look good well keeping your home tidy.
© JumboWorks
9. Brushing pets regularly
Hair is the biggest complaint among pet parents. Easy solution. Brushing a dog or cat a few times a week will significantly decrease the amount of hair around the house.
If you have a cat and a dog, this pet grooming brush will do the trick.
This is especially important for cats as it can lower the risk of certain health problems such as hairballs and constipation.
10. Keeping floors clean
It can be done! Dogs are naturally prone to bringing dirt and mud into the house. Many parents report that their favorite tip is to leave an old towel and a bottle sprayer full of water nearby so that the dirt can be wiped off those dirty paws. Placing a mat directly outside and inside the door will also reduce the amount of dirt on the floors.
Paw plugners are also available and might be a good choice for dogs who will let you submerse their paws before coming back inside.
We hope that these handy, practical cleaning tips will keep your home — and your pet — looking gorgeous!
