The good folks at PetArmor flea and tick preventatives sent me this list of cleaning tips from their lifestyle expert, Julie Edelman.
1. READ ALL ABOUT IT: You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your home clean, even with pets in the home! Old newspapers are great for cleaning chrome and windows. And, they’re a terrific odor and moisture absorber. Place a few sheets at the bottom of the garbage can, by a pile of sneakers, or at the bottom of your dog’s box of chew toys!
2. SMITE THE MITE: Wash your bedding weekly on the hottest cycle to help get rid of dust mites and their doo that can cause coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Don’t forget to throw your dog’s bed in the washer, too. Mites love to feast on your dog’s dead skin, and their fur can carry the dust mites around the house.
3. ARM YOUR PETS: Your dogs are flea and tick magnets, and those little insects can hitch a ride into your home without you even noticing! To help prevent this, I recommend treating them regularly with PetArmor and checking their skin after any hiking or long outdoor activity, before you bring them inside the house.
4. MATS MATTER: Put a mat down under your dog’s food and water bowls so clean-up is easy. Look for ones with high edges to help keep water and food spills contained. [Note from Beth: cookie sheets work really well for this.]
5. CLEAN MUD WITH A SPUD: Overexcited pup get muddy paw prints on your clothes? No problem! Cut a spud in half length-wise, and rub it on the stain, then wash it as you normally would. Microwave the other half of the potato for a healthy snack. It’s the starchy liquid composition of the potato that helps lift the stain.
6. NIX AMMONIA: Never use ammonia when cleaning up a pee stain. The smell will actually attract them to mark that area again since their pee contains ammonia. Instead, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water.
7. SPREAD THE GLOVE: Don’t have a lint roller on hand to clean all the fur off your chairs (or clothes)? Simply put some double-sided tape on a paint roller, or do as I do and use your fashionable ‘n functional rubber gloves.
Thanks, PetArmor!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!