It is the season of Spring cleaning! It’s the perfect time to give our pet’s belongings a little clean-up to reduce odour, and parasites and to support the general well-being of our fur kids.
While our pets love familiar scents on their bed, blankets and toys, it comes a time when all these items need to have a good wash – or get replaced altogether!
Pet beds: Most pet beds can be washed in the washing machine, however, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. But before the bed even makes it into the washing machine, remove as much pet hair as possible with a vacuum. Then give it another once over using wet hands or sticky tape wrapped around your hand to pick up any extra hair. Choose a hot or cold setting for washing, based on the manufacturer’s instructions and opt for unscented detergents to prevent skin irritations for your pet. Leave the pet bed to dry in the sunshine and ensure it is completely dry before your pet uses it again.
Food bowls: If your pet’s water bowl is looking a little green and slimy then it’s certainly time for a good scrub. Pet bowls that aren’t cleaned regularly can harbour bacteria that could cause skin irritations around the mouth and chin, or lead to upset precious pet bellies. Stainless steel food and water bowls are better options than plastic or ceramic bowls which are harder to keep clean. The simplest way to clean pet bowls is to soak them in hot soapy water, scrub them with a clean brush or sponge to dislodge any hidden food debris, rinse and then dry with a towel or cloth before leaving to completely air dry.
Pet toys: Wash soft toys in the washing machine or by hand but check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best wash setting. Review hard toys and discard any that have jagged edges or pieces that your pet can chew and dislodge. Cleaning hard toys can involve a good wipe-down with a clean cloth. You can also use equal parts vinegar and water to soak toys, then thoroughly rinse and allow to dry completely before giving back to your pet pal.
Animal-loving pet sitters can help maintain clean pet spaces during their stay. Find an experienced live-in house and pet sitter to provide personalised care for your pet.