Though they enrich our lives in a variety of ways, pets can cause more damage than we expect on a home’s interior. A scuffed floor here and a few carpet stains there can really add up over time. To keep your home in top shape, heed these simple tips.
Install an Air Filter
Pet odors accumulate in a house so gradually that homeowners are often unaware that they’ve become a problem. Besides that telltale pet smell, dander has a habit of building up as well. A good air purifier will suck up both.Stain-Guard the Upholstery
Investing in quality carpeting and furniture without using a product like Scotchguard to protect against stains is a waste of money. Have all of your vulnerable upholstery treated with a stain-fighting product every few years to curtail damage from muddy paws.Have Carpets Cleaned Professionally
Even if you take pains to mitigate pet damage by stain-guarding carpets, floor coverings still manage to get dingy over time. Calling in a professional steam-cleaning crew every once in a while to give carpets a thorough cleanse is a prudent move.Wax those Wood Floors Regularly
Besides keeping your floors looking beautiful, a wax coat can protect hardwood slats from deep gouges that are difficult to repair. Try to wax your wood floors once a year and remember to buff them while you’re at it. You could also use more rugs around the home to keep the floor more protected.Keep Breakables Above Waist Height
Wagging tails can wreak havoc if you leave fragile glass or wood items in harm’s way. For starters, move vulnerable items to higher shelves. In addition, opt for durable materials when picking out items like foyer benches and floor molding.Bathe Outdoor Pets Often
Pets can cause unintended home damage by bringing in critters from the outdoors. Bathe your cats and dogs often, even if they don’t go outside very often. Wash their bedding as well on a regular basis to prevent pest infestations.
Assemble a Pet Damage Repair Kit
When the inevitable pet damage occurs, it’s best to attack the problem immediately. Keep plenty of cleaners on hand to remove stains before they have a chance to set. A little touch-up paint, some wood putty and a belt sander are prudent purchases.
For most homeowners, there’s no silver bullet that will completely solve pet damage problems. Keeping a house in good shape requires a concerted effort on multiple fronts. The tips enumerated here should be all you need to achieve this objective.
Informational credit to Babayan’s.
