March 20th will mark the first day of Spring for 2021, but it’s never too early to begin the annual spring cleaning rituals. As the weather warms up, our energy rises and we’re ready to tackle bulging closets and cluttered rooms. This is also a great time to ensure your pet’s belongings and favorite spots at home are sanitized and safe. 

You may be cleaning your pet’s toys and vacuuming carpets throughout the year, but Spring provides the opportunity for deep cleaning and freshening up places at home where pet odors linger. This year, keep a checklist handy of the important tasks to accomplish, so your home looks and smells fresh.

Walkways and Furniture

Over time, carpets and upholstery collect pet dander, dried-up “accidents,” and dirt brought in from outside play. Simple vacuuming during your regular cleaning routines may take care of surface residue, but for a deep cleaning you should employ pet-safe shampoos or powders that are also gentle on fabrics and carpet pile. We recommend Simple Solution Extreme Carpet Shampoo to help rid your high-traffic areas, sofas, and chairs of pet stains and other messes. 

If you opt to have a professional take care of your carpets for an annual cleaning, check first that the solutions they use are pet safe.

Bedding and Boxes

Changing cat litter may be the least favorite thing about having a kitty at home. Depending on your cat, and how many you have, you are likely changing out litter a few times a week, if not daily. For spring cleaning, however, you should take the time to give the litter box a thorough scrub. Same goes for the privacy top if you use one. Once it dries, add fresh litter and clean all scoops.

If it’s time for a new box altogether, consider the Deluxe Covered Litter Box and use Skout’s Honor Urine and Odor Destroyer and the Litter Box Deodorizer to help keep your cat’s space fresh.

As for dog bedding and blankets, some fabrics may be machine washable, but pre-treatment is important before you run a load. Remove as much pet hair as possible, and if you wash in a machine use a pet-safe detergent additive like Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost. In between cleanings, periodically go over the bedding with a spot remover like Simple Solution’s Extreme Stain & Odor Remover Spray so the bedding will last.

Toys and Comfort Items

Toys and other items your pets like to chew and carry around in their jaws -- be they bones, balls, blankets or stuffed animals -- will require regular cleaning to ensure built-up bacteria doesn’t make your pets sick. Cloth toys and items may be machine washed with pet-safe detergent, just make sure you follow cleaning instructions. Harder surface toys can be spot cleaned with a warm washcloth and pet-friendly soap, Skout’s Honor Sanitizing Spray or soaked in water and vinegar solution. Give everything a good scrub and let them dry before your pets get hold of them again. If your dog enjoys a treat dispenser like a KONG or an Outward Hound Fun Feeder, it should be cleaned every day before you add more food to it.

Care-A-Lot Pet Supply has everything you need for a healthy Spring Cleaning. Visit any of our four locations in Moyock or Hampton Roads, or shop online for quality pet cleaning supplies. If you have any questions about the best products to buy, our online customer service representatives are here to help.