It’s officially springtime and with all the wonderful changes that the season brings, there’s one most people dread: spring cleaning! With shedded hair hiding in corners, musty dog beds sitting around, and neglected, dirty dog dishes, it can be a daunting task as a pet parent to shake off the winter blues and officially break out the broom. Luckily, we’ve got some helpful tips that can help to keep you organized and finally kick off the cleaning!
1. Wash All Dog Bedding
Over the winter, your dog’s bed can really build up with hair, dirt, and debris. Now that it’s finally spring, it’ the perfect time to give that dirty dog bed a thorough cleaning. Washing your pet’s bedding at least once a month is a great way to keep not only your house clean, but your dog as well. If hair, dirt, and bacteria are allowed to build up on the fabric, it could cause skin and breathing problems for your dog, not to mention aide in their body odor. However, with a freshly washed or dry-cleaned bed, both your house and your dog will feel and smell as fresh as a flower!
2. Sanitize Food Bowls
Our pet’s food bowls can actually be one of the dirtiest places in our homes. Not only is it unsanitary for your dog to have to eat out of a dirty bowl, but the buildup of food particles, saliva, and general dust from your home can cause a wide variety of harmful bacteria and mold to grow. Luckily, it’s very simple to clean dog bowls since most are made of metal, glass or ceramic, all of which can be put right into the dishwasher. For tough, caked-on food residue, soaking them in a tub of hot water and dish-soap should do the trick. It’s amazing what a simple cleaning and a little elbow grease can do for your house and your dog’s health!
3. Clean Those Toys
Like their bedding, your dog’s toys can build up a lot of dirt and bacteria over time. Giving them a thorough cleaning will do wonders for the overall health and happiness of your home. Running rubber or plastic toys through the dishwasher can be a great way to clean, while throwing any cloth or stuffed toys right into the washing machine is your best bet. If some toys are too delicate for either of these methods, simply scrubbing them in the sink with some light soap and water should do the trick. While you’re at it, it’s the perfect time to go through all your dog’s toys and get rid of any frayed or broken ones. Your house and your hound will thank you!
4. Scrub Leashes and Collars
Something that often gets overlooked by many dog owners is the cleanliness of their dog’s leashes and collars. It might sound silly, but making sure your dog’s accessories are clean can help to keep you, your house, and your dog healthy. After all, your dog’s leash and collar travels with them wherever they go and can build up a lot of hair, dirt, and oils from the skin. Luckily, it’s easy to clean collars and leashes by simply throwing them in the washing machine or wiping them down with soapy water and a clean rag. Then it’s off for more adventures feeling and smelling fresh!
5. Give Your Pup a Bath
Last, but certainly not least, giving your dog a fresh, springtime bath will really help to cut down on the dirt and hair in your home. Since most dogs shed dander and carry in dirt, grass, and outside debris, bathing them is the best way to rid their coat of unwanted grime and keep them smelling good. Brushing your pup during this process will also help to keep their fur from matting and reduce the risk of self-shedding. If bathing your dog is a challenge or you don’t have access to the proper tools, many local pet stores, shelters, and daycares have bathing and grooming options available for you to take advantage of. After all, a clean dog means a clean home!
Being a pet parent means there’s going to be a little hair, dirt, and slobber along the way, but we hope these five simple tips can give you the inspiration you need to finally start cleaning. So, draw back the curtains, open those windows, and grab a broom. Happy cleaning!