How to Keep Your Home Fresh and Clean with Pets

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Pets bring joy, companionship, and warmth to a home—but they can also bring fur, odours, and mess. Keeping a home fresh and clean with pets requires the right habits and tools. Follow these simple steps to enjoy a tidy space while sharing your home with your furry friends. 

Don't forget to dry your pet after a bath or walk 

A wet pet can leave damp smells and muddy paw prints throughout the house. After a bath or a rainy walk, use a dedicated towel or pet-friendly drying mitt to remove excess moisture before they roam freely indoors. 

Remove odours – don't just cover them up 

Instead of masking pet odours with efficient cleanliness at the source. Use baking soda on carpets and pet beds to absorb smells before vacuuming. Microfibre mops, like those from Vileda, help trap dirt and odours effectively. You can also machine wash the mop heads, so you can ensure the odors are gone for good. 

Clean all your pet necessities regularly 

Pet beds, toys, food bowls, and blankets collect bacteria and odours over time. Wash them frequently with hot water and mild detergent* to keep your home smelling fresh. 

Keep your pet well-groomed 

Brushing your pet daily reduces loose fur and dander around your home. Regular grooming helps control shedding and minimises the need for constant vacuuming. For even better results, try grooming your pet outside whenever possible — this helps prevent fur from flying around and settling on your furniture. 

Maintain their litter box or cage 

A clean litter box or pet cage is essential for odour control. Scoop daily and deep clean weekly using pet-safe cleaners to keep unpleasant smells at bay.  

White vinegar is a great natural option for this — it helps neutralise odours effectively, cuts through dirt and limescale, and leaves surfaces fresh without the need for harsh chemicals. Simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to wipe down the area. Always rinse well and allow to dry completely before placing your pet back inside. 

Open windows to let in fresh air 

Ventilation is key to keeping indoor air fresh. Open windows daily to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent pet odours from lingering. 

Deep clean your home 

Regular deep cleaning helps maintain a hygienic space for both you and your pet. Use microfibre mops to remove dirt and bacteria without harsh effective chemicals.  

Steam mops, like the Vileda Steam Mop, can be a great option for deep cleaning with just the power of steam — no need for detergents. They kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses**, and are ideal for a thorough clean on hard floors***.

Extra tips for those deep cleaning days 

  • Use lint rollers on furniture to remove pet hair quickly. 

  • Wash pet collars and leashes to prevent build-up of dirt and smells. 

  • Invest in a high-quality vacuum with a pet hair attachment for efficient cleaning, or use a dedicated pet brush or broom like the Vileda PetPro range — designed specifically to tackle pet hair easily from floors and upholstery. These tools help you keep your home clean and fur-free with less effort. 

By following these steps, you can enjoy a fresh, clean home without compromising on the love and companionship of your pets. Start making small changes today for a healthier, pet-friendly living space! 

*Please use detergents with care, especially if pets are around. Always check if the product is safe for animals or consult a vet. The final choice of detergent is your responsibility. 

**Research by an independent, accredited institute for microbiology & immunology. *Tested on E.Coli Bacterium and modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA).

***Before using a steam cleaner, please check with the floor manufacturer to ensure your floor type is suitable for steam cleaning and withstands heat and moisture. If unsure, always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

a brand of FREUDENBERG