Paws Up!
Life is undeniably sweeter with pets – but a little bit messier, too. From daily wear and tear to life’s occasional accidents, keeping a clean house with furry friends is no small feat. Read on for a few tips on making your home interiors pet-friendly and hassle-free.
Check mud at the door.
For indoor-outdoor pets, an entryway wash station can be a lifesaver. Clean muddy paws, rinse out food and water bowls, and even wash off shoes and outdoor gear to keep from tracking dirt inside. You can customize the wash station to you and your pet’s needs: a built-in shower stall is a multi-purpose addition to a mudroom, while an elevated tub can be easier on the knees and moved between the bathroom, garage, and yard. Regularly using an at-home grooming station has the added effect of reducing odor buildup in the home.
Keep carpeting to a minimum.
While carpeting provides soft flooring underfoot, it can easily trap pet dander and hair while also being more susceptible to stains and snags. There are several durable pet-friendly flooring options, like vinyl, tile, laminate, and engineered hardwood. Even natural materials like bamboo and cork can be a good fit for a home with pets. Paired with a robot vacuum, non-carpeted flooring can be a great option for easy clean-up and maintenance. Some things to keep in mind are maintenance and cleaning needs, scratch-resistant properties, and how slippery the surface is, which can be a challenge for aging pets.
Choose durable and washable fabrics.
While wall-to-wall carpeting may not be the most pet-friendly, interior fabrics like rugs and upholstery are worth investing in to protect flooring and favorite furnishings. The options are seemingly endless – synthetic performance fabrics boast indestructible finishes, while natural cottons and linens provide their own durable qualities and comforts. If your pets are prone to scratching surfaces, look for a fabric with a tight weave that can withstand snags. Plus, it’s always handy to have a couple decorative throws that can be tossed in the wash along with pet bedding.
Consider dark colors and patterns for high-touch surfaces.
From lower cabinets to area rugs, dark colors and patterns are typically more forgiving design choices in a home with pets. Dark colors and patterns have the advantage of hiding dirt, smears, and anything else the cat drags in. Keep in mind that materials that hide stains and hair don’t necessarily stay cleaner, so be sure to regularly vacuum and wipe surfaces to beat buildup, odor, and permanent damage.
Meet the Author
Tory Irmeger, BA, English
Tory Irmeger graduated from Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing. While at Lee, Tory served as head of copy for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Tory has led ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
