Guest Blog Post by Jessica Brody, Our Best Friends
The joy of having a dog or cat — or any pet, really — is almost immeasurable. What you can measure, however, is the amount of money you spend each and every week on cleaning products and supplies directly related to your kitty or canine companion’s activities. From your name-brand vacuum cleaner to costly grooming visits, keeping up with your pet’s messes is an expensive endeavor. However, it doesn’t have to cost a lot if you’re willing to get creative and take steps to prevent dirt and dander from taking over your home.
Search and Scour (the Internet)
The internet brought you here, so it only makes sense to recommend the World Wide Web as your first go-to source for information on money-saving ways to clean up after your pet. When it comes to cleaning supplies, your best bet may be Amazon. However, before you patronize the world’s biggest online retailer, take a moment to search for Amazon promo codes and special offers. If you tend to buy in bulk and have time in between purchases, you can always add the items you want your shopping cart and check periodically to see if the price has gone down.
DIY
If you’re not big on using chemicals to clean, you may be able to save even more by brewing your own cleaning solutions and room deodorizers. If you haven’t figured it out yet, dogs and cats alike leave behind plenty of scents. But it does not make sense to flush your hard-earned cents down the drain getting rid of odors. Popular cleaning blog Mom4Real.com suggests a quick solution of distilled water, baking soda, and lemon juice. Not only are these items inexpensive, but you probably already have them in your fridge and pantry anyway.
Unfortunately, some pet odors can linger in your home, and you’ll need to clean the carpet and upholstered furniture at some point. A natural fiber cleaner that won’t break the bank can be made by adding a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent to a cup of water. Put this mixture in a spray bottle, saturate the affected area, and scrub away. Here is a link on cleaning with vinegar.
Dander in the Air
One of the most pressing issues for homeowners with pets is dander and hair, which is spread through the air every time your HVAC unit kicks on. Changing your air conditioner filters regularly is one of the most cost-effective ways to control dust and debris. If you have multiple pets or a heavy shedder, consider investing in a whole-home air purifier. These are not always cost-effective, but if you do your research, you can find a good deal.
Other ways to cut back on issues relating to pet shedding is to learn how to groom him yourself. Embrace Pet Insurance recommends brushing up on breed-specific grooming techniques — a Google search is free and will deliver a plethora of guides. Finally, make sure to pay attention to your dog’s bed. Many are machine washable or come with a removable cover. This means you can extend the life of their bedding and won’t need to buy a new one when they make a mess.
Having a pet, no matter how big or small, is a huge responsibility. Introducing an animal to your home means dealing with a lot more messes. There’s a reason that house cleaning services charge more for homes with pets. But when your budget is a concern, you can still have your pet and a clean home. Get comfortable doing the work yourself, and remember that the internet is your best friend when it comes to finding deals on everything you need to get the job done.