Keeping House: Cost-Conscious Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners
Dog ownership can be an expensive proposition. Food, vet bills, medication, toys and grooming may not seem like terrible financial burdens, but cumulatively, they can add up quickly. On top of that, a dog can leave behind a variety of messes — hair, saliva, dander, and the rare accident. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to tackle your house economically and enjoy life with your pup without stretching your resources.
Stock up and use Amazon coupon codes to save
Keeping your cleaning supplies amply stocked is part of the expense of owning a dog. You can save money on cleaners by watching for special offers from retailers like Amazon or Chewy. Look for discounts and Amazon coupon codes or for weekly discounts at Chewy to eliminate your wallet taking a big hit. You can even arrange to receive automatic alerts so you never miss a savings opportunity.
Keeping up with fur and dander
Dogs are friendly, adorable companions, but they leave traces of themselves like no other pet. Dog hair accumulates very quickly on furniture, clothing, and carpeting, and, without regular attention, can negatively impact your home’s air quality. Get yourself a sturdy brush and remove all that dead hair on your pup at least once a week, preferably in the backyard. Pick up a set of grooming clippers to help keep your pup’s hair manageable. It’s tough to eliminate hair build-up altogether, but regular brushing is a practical and cost-conscious way to minimize the mess. (Taking your dog for a walk every day will also blow off some of that hair the natural way.)
A high-suction vacuum cleaner will help minimize the presence of dog hair and dander, which can be a serious problem for someone with a respiratory problem. But don’t forget to change your HVAC system’s air filter on a regular basis to prevent clogging and keep your air healthy. Some units require irregularly sized filters. If you’re having trouble finding filters with the proper dimensions, check the Internet for customized filters that can be ordered in quantity so you won’t run out. Part of maintaining the air quality in your home means giving your HVAC system the ability to remove those pesky pet particles.
Of course, dog owners know the value of a reliable vacuum cleaner. But there’s another effective way to clean up after your pet, and you don’t even need an electrical outlet. A set of rubber gloves is a cheap and highly utilitarian cleaning option for dog owners. Just pull them on, dab your fingers in a little water and run your hands over your couch, chairs, carpet and any hair-ridden clothing items. When you’re done, simply wash off the gloves to use again later.
Tackling odors and stains
There are lots of air fresheners and deodorizing sprays on the market; some are environmentally friendly while others contain volatile organic compounds. The one thing they all have in common is a price tag. Save money by creating your own air freshening spray from all-natural substances, which you may already have on hand. All you need is two cups of distilled water, a teaspoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of lemon juice (squeezed or store bought). Mix them in a large bowl, stir well and when the solution stops fizzing, you’ve got a cheap but powerful homemade spray that’ll devour stains and cover the worst odors.
His special place
Dogs usually have their favorite hangouts, comfortable spots they return to when tired or feeling anxious. If your pet favors a couch or cushy chair, cover it with a sheet to prevent hair from building up and dog smell from infesting your furniture. Invest in a warm fleece pet blanket he can sleep on when he wants to curl up on the floor, as pet blankets are easy to wash and dry, and a few squirts of your homemade cleaning solution can even help keep odors under control.
Cleaning up after a dog takes consistent effort and a willingness to get down and dirty when necessary. But it doesn’t have to be an overly expensive undertaking. Look for opportunities to save money and use effective but inexpensive tools whenever possible.
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