Managing pet hair is a major challenge for even the most diligent housekeeper — especially when it’s time to put your house up for sale. Here are a few tips from a pet lover who keeps a squeaky clean home.
Floors collect the most hair. Make it a priority to vacuum carpet and dust mop hardwoods and tile — every single day. Anything less than daily maintenance will multiply hair woes.
Upholstered furniture. Do not permit your animals on certain pieces of furniture in your home. This is especially important with expensive upholstered furniture. As an alternative, particularly with cats, protect upholstered pieces with slipcovers or a heavy duty piece of fabric. Wash slipcovers regularly, making certain to remove as much hair as possible beforehand to prevent drain clogs. Tip: Rubber gloves or rubber bristled brushes, Velcro brushes and duct tape are excellent hair magnets.
Clothes. Be sure to keep your clothes hung up or in dresser drawers. Cats and dogs love to take naps on clothes bearing your scent, so don’t leave them lying around.
Other important steps. Feed your pet nutritious foods and vitamins. An unhealthy diet will cause pets to shed more. Keep your pets groomed. Bathe dogs regularly and keep both cats and dogs brushed, which will deter shedding. Wash pet bedding regularly, and change your heating and air conditioning intake filters regularly.
One final tip. Next time around, choose a breed that doesn’t shed. Maltese, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terriers and Schnauzers do not shed. Nor do several exotic cat breeds, such as the Russian Blue and Laperm.
