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Pets are a wonderful addition to the home. They bring companionship, unconditional love, and entertainment in a small package. And, they also bring their own odors that aren’t always pleasant. For instance, the smell of wet dog can permeate throughout the home and make everything smell funky. Indoor cats have litter boxes that don’t always conceal the odor in its entirety. The goal is to eliminate the odors so no one can tell there’s a coterie of animals living there. It’s enough to drive a pet owner nuts. Following are some tips to help get rid of odors and keep them away.
Enzyme Cleaners
All pet odors are organic and have specific compounds in them that can get broken down with enzymatic cleaners. Enzymes get to the heart of the problem by breaking down all the components that make up odors, especially ones created by urine. Using chemical products run the risk of setting the smell into the flooring, and baking soda requires leaving it in place for days to absorb the smell, but not necessarily eliminate it. Using enzymes is the most effective tool in the box due to its destructive properties. It literally destroys the biological components that make up urine and completely eliminate the smell.
Keep Your HVAC Systems Clean
HVAC systems keep air flowing through the home. Some of that air gets circulated, especially during colder temps when the windows and doors are kept closed. As a result, pet odors go through the ducts and create more smell. If the ductwork hasn’t been cleaned in a while, the debris catches the odor bacteria and creates a not-so-air-freshener effect.
Schedule an appointment to have an HVAC tech clear the ducts and get rid of any debris. Also, use HEPA filters on the system to prevent bacteria and pet dander from getting into the ducts.
Vacuum Flooring Regularly
Wood flooring won’t gather odors if it’s sealed properly, but carpeting does. Dander, hair, and other odor-causing pet debris gets into the carpet fibers and backing, emitting smells. Getting out the vacuum more than once a week goes a long way toward eliminating odors, but that’s only part of the action needed.
Most vacuums only reach partway down the carpet fibers. The bristles on the beater bar of the vacuum rarely have enough length to get any further. And, because vacuums require the beating action of the bristles to loosen debris before sucking it up into the receptacle, dirt and debris get left where the bristles can’t reach. A lot more gets left behind than removed. Use a product that loosens dirt prior to vacuuming and deodorizes at the same time to get as much up as possible.
Use these tips to help your home smell fresh and clean instead of like your pets. You can love and enjoy your companions without dealing with their odors by using the right cleaning products and a regular cleaning schedule. And in the long run, they won’t mind.
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