The sun is starting to rise earlier, and you can feel spring is in the air. How exciting! The change in weather can give you the urge to fling open the windows to bring in the fresh air and to get that winter feeling out. Throw out the old and dirty stuff and bring in new clean goodies. If you have the privilege of living with a cat, you will need to consider these handy house cleaning tips.
Out with the old and in with the new:
There’s always something to get rid of in your home, don’t worry about going overboard, you can still get new or more practical goodies. There is a general rule of thumb when it comes to spring cleaning: if you or your cat haven’t used it, get rid of it. There might be a kitty that would love that old blanket or toy, and the same goes for all your other items in your home. Make sure that while you are cleaning up, you recycle as well.
Create a list of items you need to replace, life can become rather busy, and the smaller things always slip out of one’s mind. You may get home from all that shopping and suddenly realise your cat doesn’t have a bowl to eat from.
Items that generally need to be replaced once a year:
- Cat bowls
- Old, worn-out toys and puzzle feeders
- Frayed or otherwise damaged collars, leashes and harnesses
- Blankets that’s on its last thread
- Bed or Tipi
- Carriers that are no longer needed
- Expired treats and food
While you’re making a list why not add:
- Tick and flea treatment
- Dewormer
- Dental treats
- Cat Brush
- An annual checkup at the Vet
How to Clean Pet Food Bowls and Storage Containers:
Your pet’s food dishes can be one of the dirtiest items in your house, attracting bacteria, bugs and mould. Soak pet food bowls in hot soapy water after every meal; this is to loosen dried-on food and slime rings. Use a sponge or brush (perhaps one that you do not use on your own dishes) to scrub them clean. Don’t forget the splatter zone! Clean the area surrounding pet food bowls including the counter, floor, walls and placemat.
If you store dry food in a bin, clean it too. Pour the kibble into a bag temporarily. Rinse the bin with soapy water and use a brush to get food out of grooves and crevices. Let it dry completely before you put the lid back on and refill it with kibble. Do this whenever you fill up the food container with new food. This way food will stay fresher for longer. Ideally, you would want to keep the food in its original packaging and place it into the container. It will keep the container clean for longer and the food fresher too.
How to clean pet bedding, mainly your home:
If you have a cat, you’ll know that your whole home is a cat bed. Where do you start and where does it end? Nobody really knows, but best get cracking. Collect all sheets, bedding, slipcovers, pillows and anything else that your cat sleeps on regularly. Fur, dirt, shed skin, left behind litter and all the bugs that live in there, all have to go.
Before you wash them, check each item. What’s the condition? Is it worth cleaning or is it time to buy a new one? Read the tags to see how each item should be washed. Most things can be machine or hand washed. Give them a vacuum or a shake outdoors before wetting them. It’s usually best to let bedding with any stuffing, air dry.
Items you will need to clean more often:
If you have pets living in your home, you have a never-ending chore. But then, you love your fur babies, and they fill your life with joy, so it’s not really a chore.
Remember your day to day “Spring Cleaning”:
- Clean your cat’s litter tray (nobody likes a dirty toilet).
- Wash the cat bowl after feeding.
- Give fresh water every day.
- NEVER forget the treats.
- Brush your cat often.
- Vacuum, sweep and mop the floors.
Without a doubt, spring is a great time to spice up your house or start that home improvement project you’ve been putting off. Just a few extra minutes of preparation can also help reduce shedding and make your home smell fresh and clean. Keep your pet’s safety in mind while cleaning. It won’t be long until you’re basking in the glow of a clean home and pet.
