How to Protect and Clean Rugs: Tips for Pet Owners

How to Protect and Clean Rugs: Tips for Pet Owners

Pets, especially cats and dogs, are a popular fixture in family homes across North America. While our furry friends can add life, fun and companionship to the home, they can also bring with them a hefty mess that we then have to clean up.

Perhaps one of the most unpleasant messes our pets create are when they can’t make it outside fast enough or they have a stomach flu and end up relieving themselves on your floors – particularly troublesome when you have rug flooring. Here are some ways to maintain the cleanliness of your indoor space while enjoying the company of your furry friends.

Train Your Pets

With cats, housetraining is usually very easy. Simply provide them with a nice, clean box of sand to visit, and clean it out every now and then. However, male cats that feel the need to mark their territory might start peeing on things inside your home. Neutering your cat will make it less likely to mark items around your space, so that could be worth considering if this becomes an issue. Dogs, on the other hand, can take a bit more housetraining before they learn to do their business outside. Taking your pet dog for regular, scheduled walks will allow him to learn the right time and place to relieve himself.

Choose Your Rugs Wisely

If you have a penchant for elaborate rug designs, you’re in luck! Dogs and cats are less likely to relieve themselves on rugs that have intricate designs because pets see these as unnatural and unappealing. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a rug that’s easy to wash – just in case your little friend has an accident.

Lay Down Absorbent Padding

In the event that your pet does relieve himself on your carpets, it would be wise to have absorbent padding under it to keep the moisture from causing damage below the flooring. Make sure to replace pads regularly and immediately wash the carpet to maintain its look and quality.

Hire Carpet Cleaners

Because pets will most likely return and relieve themselves on a spot they’ve peed in before, it’s important that you thoroughly clean out any pee spots to prevent a repeat performance. With quick action, getting the stain out can usually be accomplished with a good detergent and some elbow grease, however getting rid of the unpleasant scent isn’t as easy as you might think. Hire a professional carpet cleaning company in Ottawa to clean your rugs and carpets at least once a year to keep your carpets looking like new.

With the right balance of prevention and effective cleaning tactics, you can handle any mess your pooch may leave you and enjoy a beautiful home for years to come.

Author

Born and raised in Ottawa, Ann is a writer and amateur wine expert. She loves trying out the latest pubs and restaurants around town, unless "The Bachelor" is on. Don't bug her when "The Bachelor" is on.

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