7 Affordable Ways Dog Owners Can Keep Their Homes Fresh
There’s nothing so satisfying as having a dog as your companion. They love unconditionally and are always happy to see you. However, that wet dog smell can sometimes be a little much. Scientific investigations have shown how certain pet odors can arise in mechanistic fashion. In other words, there is a science to that wet dog smell! Here are some affordable ways you can keep your house smelling fresh.
1. Stock up on lint rollers
Outside of a dog and books, lint rollers are man’s best friend. Besides helping you clean pet hair off yourself, lint rollers can help you with a host of other clean-up responsibilities that may or may not relate to your pet. Invest in a high supply of lint rollers: one for the car, one for work, and several for home. They’re inexpensive, and they’ll do wonders for getting fur off yourself and your furniture.
2. Bathe your dog regularly
Pet experts recommend that you wash your dog once every couple of months at a minimum. However, you can sometimes do it as often as every other week, especially if your dog has longer hair and plays outside. Keeping your dog clean is important to keeping the rest of your house clean. Check to see if your dog has allergies or skin conditions that could determine the frequency of bathing, too.
3. Change your air filter
The Department of Energy suggests that switching out air filters can improve air quality in the home, reduce energy consumption, and prolong the life of your home’s air conditioning system. You’ll want to change your air filter about every two months, since your dog’s hair can really clog vents up in your house. Dogs typically shed most between the changing seasons (especially from winter to summer), so be especially vigilant about changing your air filter during those months. Check your filter size and write it in marker on the filter so you can quickly find the size, and opt for filters with a MERV rating of 6-13 to ensure your air is sufficiently clean. If you have trouble remembering to change your filter, sign up for an auto-subscription that will deliver a new filter every 60 days -- then you’ll never forget!
4. Invest in doormats
An EPA study revealed that using a doormat can reduce some common household contaminants by up to 60 percent. Get a doormat for both the outside and the inside of the door. Your dog may not know how to wash its paws, but walking on the doormats will do wonders.
5. Vacuum regularly
Allergies to pets result from microscopic dried skin or dander. Dander sometimes contains a glycoprotein that triggers an immune response. Vacuuming is important because it helps to get rid of not just the visible hair, but also the particles that are too small to see. You can save money on a vacuum designed specifically for pet hair and dander by using discount codes from one of your favorite online retailers.
6. Put a tray under the dog bowls
If your dog has ever taken its dog bowl for a walk while eating, a tray can help eliminate a lot of spills and messes. You’ll want a rubber tray that doesn’t scratch up the floor or move from its spot. You can find trays like these at your local pet store. Just put it underneath the dog bowls, and you won’t have to worry as much about cleaning.
7. Keep some rooms off-limits
If your dog never goes into specific rooms, you’ll have to clean less of the house. This is especially important if you know that you’re going to have guests over who are allergic to your pets. Keep the doors of those rooms closed at all times, and train your dog to not go in them.
If you’re still struggling with keeping your house clean, try alternative methods. Common household items such as shaving cream or essential oils can be powerful tools to get stains or odors out of a carpet and can make pet clean-up much more convenient. Schedule
