There is something satisfying about opening the windows and giving the house a thorough cleaning after a long winter. For pets, though, spring cleaning can be confusing and occasionally risky. Buckets of cleaning solution, open closets, unfamiliar noises and piles of donations all invite investigation. A few habits make the process safer without slowing you down much.
Read labels and store products carefully
Many household cleaners can irritate a pet’s skin, eyes, mouth or stomach, and some are much more dangerous if swallowed. The label is your best guide. Look for directions about ventilation, drying time and keeping people and animals away from treated surfaces, and follow them.
- Keep pets out of the room while you clean with strong products, and until surfaces are dry.
- Never leave a bucket of cleaning solution unattended where a pet could drink from it.
- Close lids tightly and return products to a high shelf or latched cabinet right after use.
- Do not mix cleaning products. Some combinations release harmful fumes.
Products marketed as natural are not automatically safe for pets. Some essential oils, for example, can be a concern for cats and dogs. If you are unsure about a product, ask your veterinarian.
Watch the floors
Pets walk across floors and then lick their paws. That makes floor cleaners worth extra attention. Let mopped floors dry fully before letting pets back in, and rinse any residue if the label recommends it. Keep pets away from freshly treated carpets and rugs until they are dry. If your pet walks through a wet product, wipe their paws with a damp cloth and call your vet if you notice drooling, redness or other changes.
Decluttering without new dangers
Sorting closets and drawers often unearths small objects, like batteries, rubber bands, buttons, old medications and sewing supplies, that are dangerous if swallowed. Keep a lidded box handy for these finds instead of leaving piles on the floor. Bag donations and trash quickly and put them where pets cannot rip into them.
Cats love open closets, boxes and drawers. Before closing anything up, do a quick check to make sure no one has crawled inside. The same goes for washers, dryers and storage bins.
Reduce the stress of the day
Vacuums, moved furniture and strangers hauling away old couches can unsettle some pets. Give your dog or cat a quiet room with water, a bed and a favorite toy while the busiest work happens. A long walk or play session beforehand can help a dog settle. Check that window screens are secure before opening windows, especially if you have a cat.
Finally, include your pet’s things in your cleaning list. Wash bedding, soft toys and collars according to their labels, scrub food and water bowls, and discard broken toys with loose pieces. Keep the number for your veterinarian and an animal poison control service posted somewhere visible. If you think your pet has been exposed to a cleaning product, call right away and have the product label in hand.
