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I love having a happy house full of snuggly creatures, but I won’t lie to you and say it is easy. The biggest struggle of having multiple animals is cleaning. Not everyone likes to keep a home as organized as I do, but I am willing to bet no one wants their house to smell like pee and animals.
So, in order to keep a clean home with a variety of young, old, potty trained, and potty training pets, here are my 10 cleaning tips:
1. Carpet Shampooer
If you have pets and carpeting in your home, it’s nearly certain they’ll leave their mark, whether through mud, accidents, or unexpected messes. Cleaning these can be a daunting task, often requiring more frequency and effort than anticipated. Investing in a carpet shampooer can transform this chore into a simple and efficient process. In my current situation, I find myself using a shampooer almost more frequently than a vacuum. It not only cleans the carpet more effectively but also excels at removing pet fur, surpassing the capabilities of a traditional vacuum.
This is the shampooer I use and I have had it for years and love it.
2. Automatic Cat Box
If you have more than one cat, keeping up with the constant need to scoop the litter box can become a daunting task. It’s recommended to do this daily, but let’s be honest, it can get tedious. Initially, I was hesitant to invest in an automatic cat litter box due to the cost, but it has proven to be a worthwhile investment. There are numerous options on the market, yet the Petkit model stands out to me personally. Its compact, square design not only fits seamlessly with my home decor but also features an efficient rotating mechanism for cleaning. Additionally, the accompanying app and the odor eliminator system have significantly enhanced the convenience and freshness of my living space.
This is the litter box I use and I love it.
Pine Litter: Again, I know this is about a product, but with small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, which basically live in their litter box, it gets smelly quickly. However, I have found that the best litter is surprisingly cheap, at close to $7 for 40lbs, pine pellets are a bang for their buck and they eliminate odors. It is a much better alternative to just hay (that molds), paper pellets (that stink), or the fluff (that gets everywhere). The pine pellets absorb and break down while also eliminating odors. Plus, it is natural, so it’s safe for them to dig and lay in. I find a litter box liner or puppy pads at the bottom of the pan that makes it easy to put a garbage bag over and dump.
Tofu Litter: I use Petkit litter for the cat boxes, and honestly, it’s a game-changer in terms of absorption, odor elimination, and compatibility with the smart cat box. It might not seem like a big deal, but I really recommend shelling out a few extra quid for the right litter that works with your smart cat box. It’ll save you heaps of time and frustration from jams or clogs. Though, I reckon sand or clay-based litter is probably still decent for traditional scooping.
3. Roomba Vacuum and Mop
More technology! I am a big proponent of automating as much as possible, especially if you live a busy life and don’t want to spend hours cleaning every day. Investing in the pet-specific Roomba vacuum and the mop was one of the best decisions I made. I run them every single day, and they do a great job of regular maintenance. I still find that at least weekly, I need to do a deeper clean with a steam mop or spin mop, but it really helps keep down on the hair and paw prints. While expensive, they last a long time, and the mop is much more affordable and does a really great job.
Looking at their products now, they’ve got this J9+ that’s both a mop and vacuum, which is pretty awesome, especially if you’ve got multiple pets. That being said, I’ve used the 2022 models of both the J7 and the J9, and honestly, I found the J7, which is the cheaper option, just did a better job at cleaning. I’m not sure why, but it could be because the J7 was specifically designed for pets at the time. I recommend doing your own research to figure out which one suits you best, but Roomba has always been a winner in my book.
4. No Marking Enzyme Cleaner
There are so many options on the market, so I recommend finding one that works for you and your pets. But the bottom line is, if you are cleaning pee, it need to have an enzyme in it. Otherwise, the scent will stay and the animals will keep marking in the same spot. It is not a fun battle, I promise you. I also use an indoor training no-marking trainer that I add to almost everything, my mop, my tineco, my sprays, always.
5. Cleaning Schedule
No need for a formal calendar, but getting into the routine of cleaning the hutch, cat box, and scooping poop regularly is key. For me, it’s every Sunday. Pretty straightforward – I clean the cat box and rabbit hutch every week, swapping out litter and liners, while my husband takes care of the dog poop. Then, a deep clean happens as needed, usually once a month. Honestly, it’s not too bad. A deep clean of two cat boxes takes me about an hour, and the rabbit hutch another hour, but I stagger those tasks so they’re not in the same week. Regular maintenance? Just 15 minutes to clean two cat boxes and top off the litter, and 30 minutes to empty and refresh the rabbit hutch’s litter, plus a quick vacuum. But, if the thought of poop and cleaning makes you cringe, I’ve got some bad news – you’ll need to get up close and personal with it. With 10 animals, it takes me at least an hour and a half each week for the basic clean-up.
For daily upkeep, I make it a point to vacuum every day. Ideally, I should mop daily too, but I manage to skip it thanks to my trusty Roombas taking over. However, for those areas that need a bit more attention, my Tineco is my go-to. It’s important to note that Roombas, while helpful, aren’t the be-all and end-all solution.
6. Machine Washable Everything
Deep cleaning is a must. Besides giving the hutch and litter box a thorough scrub, I go all out washing everything in the house. Now, here’s a crucial tip for my fellow pet owners: for the love of all that’s holy, get furniture with removable cushions and upholstery. Yes, I have a WHITE couch. Sounds insane, right? With 10 animals lounging on it, no less. But here’s the kicker—I opted for quality materials that are a breeze to clean. You don’t need to break the bank like I might have, but trust me, being able to wash an entire cushion beats spot treating muddy paw prints any day.
Even if you’re strict about keeping pets off the furniture, a rainy day will come when a muddy dog decides it’s shake-off time right next to your sofa. Take it from me. My white couches have survived pee, red wine, and even blood stains and still look as pristine as the day I got them. Plus, I can use bleach on them!
The same principle applies to pet beds: opt for ones with removable covers and waterproof linings. It makes life so much easier. Every week, I rotate through washing dog beds, blankets, couch cushions—you name it. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
7. Bathtub Wash Attachment
I’ve equipped the guest bathroom with a handheld attachment, complete with a diverter to alternate between my pet cleaning attachment and the shower. While I don’t have kids and seldom use this bathroom myself, it primarily serves as a pet cleaning station. Admittedly, I also use the attachment for tasks like cleaning my cat’s litter box and the rabbit’s liner. I start by dumping and wiping out most of the waste, then give everything a thorough spray down and scrub in the tub. This method significantly speeds up and simplifies the cleaning process. And rest assured, I make it a point to regularly disinfect the bathroom and tub to maintain hygiene.
This method simplifies the process of cleaning dirty dogs. All my pets are trained to dash to the bathroom and hop into the tub on command, making it quick and easy to wash them off if they get messy. I also have an individual paw cleaner, which works wonderfully. However, with four dogs, it’s much more efficient to put them in the tub and use the spray. Additionally, the sprayer I use comes with a soap and shampoo attachment, making it fast and convenient to add shampoo without the hassle of juggling slippery bottles.
8. Tinecco
Last year, social media went wild over Tinecos, turning it into the ultimate party trick. Imagine covering your floors with mustard and cereal, then watching it all get vacuumed up. But, let’s chat about those mixed reviews. The main issue? The smell. But hang in there with me – the water collection tank only stinks if you forget to dump and rinse it after each use. Honestly, I’d take that any day over cleaning up messes by hand with a paper towel, then having to spray and wipe. It handles fur, pee, rabbit poop, dog food – you name it, Tineco can handle it. The convenience is unbeatable. I’ve even used it for carpet vomit cleanups, ewww, but way better than using my hands!
Seriously, this thing is a game-changer for pet owners. If your dog is a little angel who never makes a mess, maybe you don’t need it. But for muddy paw prints, grass, and more, it’s a lifesaver. It was a fantastic buy for me. And if it starts to stink? It just means it’s time for a good old-fashioned scrub. But really, cleaning the cleaning machine is nothing new. How is this any different?
9. Lifted and Out of the Way Food and Water Bowls
This one might not be as obvious, but water and food can create messes, and what’s more, they obstruct cleaning efforts, especially for automatic vacuums like the Roomba. There are many different strategies to tackle this, and I’ve developed a unique method for each pet.
Rabbits: My rabbits strictly dine and hydrate from crocks, which I’ve found to be the healthiest option for them. I discovered a crock that attaches to the exterior of their hutch for both food and water, preventing any chance of them knocking it over (a favorite pastime of theirs) or causing spills. It’s also a breeze to refill. Additionally, I use a hay holder that efficiently keeps things tidy and mess-free.
Cats: My cats enjoy the luxury of automatic feeders and a water fountain. Quite sophisticated, right? Their feeding area isn’t elevated, but it’s customized with a neat cutout and a bath mat underneath their bowls. This setup not only keeps the area tidy but also absorbs any spills. Plus, I wash the mat weekly to maintain cleanliness.
Dogs: Our dogs have their water stations in the kitchen and outside, both equipped with gravity fillers or this super awesome outdoor automatic filler. We place them on mats to minimize dribbles and spills. Additionally, the water bowl in our bedroom has a float on top to prevent sloshing at night. For feeding, my husband discovered these clever bowl attachments that connect to their crates. This setup not only elevates their food, making it easier on their necks during eating but also facilitates quick and easy clean up since it’s off the ground.
10. Soy Candles
I know it might sound like I’m just trying to sell you something, but hear me out. Even if you don’t buy my candles, using soy essential oil candles can really change the game. They’re amazing at not just getting rid of bad smells but also at helping your pets chill out. I’ve tried pretty much every odor eliminator out there—plug-ins, sprays, you name it. Each has its ups and downs, but candles? They add a cozy vibe and don’t freak out my pets like sprays do, or leave me with a headache like those artificial plug-ins. Plus, I get to pick scents I actually love. What’s cool about my essential oil candles is that they’re not just about smelling good; they have health benefits for both me and my pets. And if one ever gets knocked over, no biggie. They’re water-soluble, so cleanup is a breeze, whether it’s on carpet or fur.
Since I work from home, I can have a candle burning all day, which is awesome. But if you’re not home as much, a great alternative is a mix of baking soda and essential oils. It’s super affordable, effective, and free from those nasty fragrances and harmful additives.
