If you have pets such as dogs and/or cats, you know that it is sometimes a challenge to eliminate the odors they can generate at home. At Natulim we will give you a set of tricks and tips that will solve this problem and allow you to enjoy spaces with a fresh and pleasant aroma.
The floors tend to be the places where the hair of our four-legged friends accumulates the most. Cleaning routines are key to keeping us free of bad odors and above all, these should be based on products that are not harmful to them. In this article we will guide you to combat those annoying odors.
Safely clean the floors in your home for your pets
Pets must be protected from the danger posed by some chemicals found in cleaning products that we unfortunately use regularly. They can suffer from skin burns, eye damage, respiratory problems, just by having contact or simply smelling them. What we use to clean the house cannot pose a danger to them. We have to keep them safe!
Therefore, it is necessary to know the ingredients that are toxic to your dog or cat and thus avoid using them at home. We are lucky to have many options, both commercial and natural, that are safe for pets. Pay attention to every detail and don't forget that its safety depends on you.
Cleaning guide
You surely spend a lot of money and effort on cleaners that do not give you the best results. The house still smells bad and if you add that your pet has accidents (pees inside), it is much worse. If you can't find anything to mop the floor with when there are dogs and/or cats, you're in the right article.
Pets are an inexhaustible source of joy for the family, but they also entail extra cleaning work. There are small and big changes you can make to end the nightmare of bad odors. Continue reading and you will learn more about this.
Product selection (we mention prohibited products)
Choosing the right products to eliminate bad odors caused by pets is key to having an effective and safe cleaning for them. We tell you which products to use and which to avoid.
Recommended products
- Enzymatic cleaners for pets: They are made to break down organic particles that cause bad odors, whether urine, feces or vomit.
- Baking soda: If you have pets, you need baking soda. It will help you because it is a natural deodorant that neutralizes odors. You just have to sprinkle it on the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes and then vacuum it up.
- White vinegar: White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that also neutralizes odors. To apply it you must dilute it in water and use this mixture to pass it over the surfaces most affected by your pets. Make sure to rinse well after use, to avoid stains or unwanted remains.
- Air purifiers with filter: If you also suffer from allergies, air purifiers are a perfect tool for you. Look for those that are HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), as they are certified to eliminate odor particles and allergens from the air, this way you will keep the environment fresh.
- Upholstery deodorants: For carpets and furniture, there are specific deodorants on the market depending on the type of surface or fabric, look for products of this type that are identified as safe for pets.
Products not recommended (they are toxic)
The substances or chemicals we will mention are usually found in household cleaners and are harmful to pets, and especially dangerous if ingested:
Ammonia: Ammonia is highly toxic to cats and dogs, it can damage mucous membranes, predisposes and worsens asthma. If used, the space must have good ventilation so that the gases it emits can escape.
Ammonia+bleach: This is a combination that produces a very dangerous gas that can be lethal to pets, but also to people. Never mix products of this type!
Chlorine: It can be found in different multi-purpose cleaning products, from disinfectants, bathroom cleaners, laundry detergents and bleaches. And they can cause symptoms in pets such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Essential oils: Although they are highly recommended for aromatizing homes, caution must be taken. Some essential oils are toxic to pets if ingested or applied directly to their fur. If you want to use essential oils to eliminate odors, be sure to dilute them properly and consult a veterinarian for advice.
Rehome your dog or cat
Although rehoming your dog or cat may sound like a drastic measure, it's just a matter of thinking about it. This is an option if you are facing problems in a specific area, due to its persistent odor. We give you tips to make this transition safely for everyone and so that you can clean with peace of mind:
- Identify the cause of the odor:
It is important to identify what the smell is due to, it could be due to the pet's lack of hygiene, because it relieves itself where it shouldn't be or simply because you are not cleaning the area properly. And instead of eliminating odors, you are perpetuating them.
- Hygiene training:
If the odor is due to your pet not being groomed properly, seek professional help. He will explain to you how to do an entire grooming routine according to his size, breed and coat type. Especially for cats, when using the litter box, you have to make sure you are using good quality litter and that it is being cleaned and changed regularly.
- Changes in diet:
The smell of feces and urine can vary depending on the dog or cat's diet. Consult with your veterinarian which diet may be best to correct these problems.
- Consult with a trainer:
It is common for some pets to have behavioral problems or simply not have training to relieve themselves where they are told. For example, dogs can go to a space in the house like the garden to relieve themselves and cats can go to their litter box, instead of doing it in any corner of the house. A professional will tell you how to correct these behaviors and help you train it.
- Safe relocation:
The place where they spend part of the day may be considered to have a very bad smell and you decide that relocation is the best option. Look for another space that meets the characteristics that made you choose the previous place. For example, they probably like to be near a window or door. Place your bed or house at another end that has any of the mentioned elements, its adaptation will be very simple.
It is worth noting that this relocation will make it easier for you to clean that space that is somehow contaminated. You can clean it properly until the bad smell goes away and it starts to smell fresh like before. Don't forget to follow all the recommendations we mentioned, these measures are necessary to avoid problems with odors.
House preparation
Preparing your home for cleaning will ensure that it really comes out sparkling. If you leave everything to improvisation, it is likely that the bad smell problem will be the same or worse. Disinfecting and cleaning the different areas of the home when we have pets must be thorough. Here's what you should do to prepare your home for the cleaning process:
- Gather cleaning supplies: Mild detergent, white vinegar, baking soda, soft bristle brush, towel, all-purpose gloves, vacuum cleaner, Natulim Floor Scrubber, mop.
- Clear the floors of any objects that hinder cleaning.
- Ventilate the house.
- Wash pet bedding and objects.
- Vacuum surfaces and floors.
Every detail counts, you cannot start mopping the floors without first vacuuming or clearing the area, for example. If we want to achieve the goal of eliminating bad odor at home, it is necessary to comply with each step.
Vacuum surfaces and floors
As part of good cleaning when having pets, it is a vital step to vacuum the surfaces and floors of the home. Above all, pay special attention to the areas where the dog or cat spends the most time, including curtains, rugs and furniture. There, hair and other residues tend to accumulate, leaving them in their wake. We also have a list of tips for vacuuming:
- Remove loose hair: With a special vacuum cleaner brush, make sure to pass it all over the floor and surfaces to collect loose hair.
- Access difficult areas: Difficult to reach areas are commonly under furniture, tables and corners. Dust and hair tend to accumulate here.
- Clean the stairs: If you have stairs at home, try to do a deep vacuum on each step, they are places that are not cleaned regularly in homes.
- Shake and vacuum carpets: Carpets are special places for dust and hair from your cat or dog to get trapped. Shake it outside to remove as much dust as possible and vacuum it thoroughly. If necessary, request the service of a professional to wash it and make it look like new.
Proper vacuuming will help you eliminate all traces, then mop your floors and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Wash and rinse
So mopping the floor when there are dogs or cats is the secret to forgetting about odors. Mixing certain products can have the opposite effect to what you are looking for, instead of eliminating aromas, what they do is accentuate them and worsen the situation, so we will advise you on this matter.
Start with the detergent and baking soda: Make a mixture of warm water with mild detergent and baking soda in a bucket. Dampen a clean towel with the solution you prepared and clean all the surfaces where the pet approaches, from tables, decorative objects, furniture.
Mopping the floors: First rinse a mop in the mild detergent and baking soda mixture you prepared. Spread it all over the floor, especially where the pet spends the most time. Once the floor is wet, start scrubbing the floor with the soft bristle brush, you will see that the dirt will be removed quickly.
Rinse: Prepare another bucket with warm water and a cup of white vinegar, this will help neutralize odors and eliminate any baking soda residue that may remain from the previous mixture. Use a mop for this.
By washing and rinsing the floors, there should be no residue of hair from your dog or cat, nor accumulated dirt. Which will somewhat alleviate the aroma of your home, but the cleaning is not finished yet, continue with the next step.
Setting and drying
Once you have finished mopping the floors and rinsing the surfaces, it is important to properly decorate and dry the spaces to ensure that the environment is fresh and free of lingering odors. Follow these suggestions:
- Use Natulim Floor Cleaner: To finish the setting and drying, the best thing you can do is use Natulim Floor Cleaner - 30 Eco-Strips. Pour a strip into the bucket of water and use a mop to scrub the floor. Thanks to its quick-drying action, in a short time you will have dry, shiny floors with an incredible jasmine aroma that will renew your home with its freshness.
- Another option: Use an air purifier to remove any remaining odor particles and other allergens from the air. It will leave a clean and fresh environment.
- Continuous ventilation: To keep your spaces free of bad odors after cleaning, you need to ventilate your home, open the windows and blinds.
In this last step, your house will be free of the smell of dogs and/or cats. For this to continue, remember to maintain good hygiene with your pets, ventilate your home and use chemical-free products.
Tips that can help you
How to eliminate bad odor at home caused by cats and/or dogs will not be difficult if you follow our advice. There are basic things that they must understand as they are: understanding their needs, educating them and restricting spaces. We will explain each of these aspects in detail:
Understand your pets' needs
You need advice, research and understanding of your pets' specific needs, including their diet, activity level, exercise requirements and time outdoors. An approach based on their age, breed, and general health is essential to meeting their needs and preventing behavioral and health problems that can contribute to odors.
Train your dog or cat
Provide proper education to your pets. Obedience training is essential so they understand the rules and limits in your home. This includes cat litter box training and teaching dogs basic commands. A well-behaved dog or cat is less prone to problem behaviors like peeing inside the house or outside its litter box.
Restrict spaces
Set clear boundaries as to where your pets can and cannot go at home. You can keep them out of certain rooms or sensitive areas, such as chemical storage areas.
Provide your pets with their own space and make sure it is comfortable and cozy. Additionally, you should have toys so they can play and drain energy.
But don't forget that it is important to maintain a regular care and cleaning routine that includes cleaning the areas where your pets spend the most time and constantly removing hair and debris. Prevention and proper care for your pets are key to maintaining a clean and odor-free environment in your home.
Natulim frees you from bad pet odors
At Natulim we also care about your well-being and that of your pets. For this reason, we have shared tips so that you can take care of those annoying odors that can occur at home when we do not clean correctly. In this article we gave you valuable information on how to combat bad odors. If you want to continue enjoying our content, we invite you to explore our blog.