Spring Cleaning Tips For The Pet-Friendly Home

How-To's and Guides
Written By Elaine Cunningham

It’s been a long, hard winter.

We’ve all been cooped up in our houses for far too long, our pets included.

With all that indoor living comes an accumulation of pet hair, dander, and grime. Nose art on the windows, fur balls under heavy furniture, rugs and blankets that have accumulated the scent of your favourite furry family member.

Sure, we can have a cleaning routine to stay on top of it but every cleaning routine involves a “deep clean” once in a while.

It’s time for a good ol’ fashioned Spring cleaning…pet edition!

So, let’s talk about all those things for your pet that could use a little extra deep cleaning when Spring weather finally arrives. Let’s get to it!


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Chocolate lab getting a bath

Bath Time!

Give your pet a bath or take them to their groomer for a refresh

Start at the Source

Now is the time to give that pup a bath and a good brushing(or visit the groomer).

Though cats are generally meticulously clean, even they may need a little extra attention, especially since this is shedding season for our furry friends. If you normally take them to a groomer, book that appointment.

At the very least, give your pets a good brushing to remove as much loose hair and dander as possible before you begin your Spring cleaning event.

Once your pet is clean, the real fun can begin. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do this all in one day if you’re not up to that. Spread the projects out over a week if you prefer, but don’t give up on it. Your house will thank you for it.

So, throw open those windows to let in some fresh air inside, roll up your sleeves and make your home sparkle and smell fresh.

You’ll love it and your pet will too!

Tools and Supplies

You don’t need every single item on this list, and some you will, of course, already own, but it’s good to be prepared, right?

Collect your supplies

Read over this article, decide what you need and collect it together to be ready for your cleaning spree!

1) Pet Beds

Nothing accumulates pet odours like a pet bed.

Soft, cushiony, pet beds are a great place for all those odours to linger. While you can give them a spritz with an enzyme cleaner or wash the cover regularly, Spring cleaning time is a good time to go that extra mile.

Give your pet bed a good vacuum or use a lint roller or rubber glove to remove as much hair as possible.

Remove the cover and give it a gentle cycle wash with a pet-safe laundry soap and use white vinegar in the rinse.

If the inner cushion is machine washable, you can also wash it in your machine if you have a front-loading machine or take it to a laundromat.

If that’s not possible, you can hand-wash the cushion in warm water and detergent and let soak for at least 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Stains can be treated with an enzyme cleaner, to remove the stain and any residual odours from accidents, drool, vomit, etc..

Air drying is your best option, in the sunshine to further deodorize. But you can also tumble dry on low heat.

I like to air dry outside and then tumble dry for a short time to ensure everything is completely dry to prevent any mould growth.

2) Toys and Toy Bin

Let’s take a look at those toys that we’ve been using to entertain our critters all Winter. The first thing I like to check is to see if any of them are damaged beyond repair. No sense spending the effort to clean something that needs to be thrown away.

Then, the remaining toys can be cleaned and sanitized.

Hard rubber, nylon, or plastic toys can be sent through a hot cycle in the dishwasher, with no detergent or hand-scrubbed in the sink. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

Rope toys can be soaked in a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water for half and hour, thoroughly rinsed and left to air dry completely.

Plush toys and soft toys can be put inside a mesh laundry bag and washed in your washing machine using your pet-friendly laundry soap and a vinegar rinse for sterilization. Again, air dry completely to ensure no mould growth.

If your pet’s toys are collected in a wooden or plastic toy bin, take the opportunity to vacuum or wipe out any pet hair or dirt and sanitize and deodorize with the 1:1 vinegar water mix, a pet-friendly all-purpose cleaner, or an enzyme cleaner to remove residual odours.

Cavalier King Charles dog sleeping on a pillow in a dog crate

Fresh and Clean

Give your pet’s clean beds and crates and they’ll appreciate it and you will too!

3) Crates, Carriers, and Kennels

Pet hair, dander, and dirt can collect in every crack and crevice. Crates, kennels and carriers, while generally regularly cleaned, can require a little extra attention to make sure they are spotless and well-sanitized.

For a thorough cleaning, remove any bedding or toys, vacuum or wipe out debris and pet hair, and clean with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining dirt.

Then sanitize with a good enzyme cleaner such as ez-clean or eco-strong, or use the white vinegar and water mixture if you don’t have any enzyme cleaner on hand(though I highly recommend you get some).

4) Pet Collar, Harness, and Leash

This is a great time to look at your pet’s daily wear and give it a complete cleaning.

Their collar, especially, collects dirt and oils from their fur and can get grimy fast. Also, give everything a good look to make sure it’s not damaged or torn.

The type of material it’s made of will determine your next course of action.

Give the item a quick wipe with warm water and cloth to remove any obvious debris. Then on to the deep clean:

  • Nylon/fabric- Soak in warm, soapy water using a fragrance-free dish soap for 15 minutes or more to break down the oils and lift some of the dirt. Use an old toothbrush to clean around the buckle and work between the weave. Once cleaned, rinse it completely and leave it to air dry.

  • Leather- Don’t soak leather items in water. Wipe it down with a soft cloth and gentle soap, then use a leather conditioner to keep it supple.

  • Metal Chain- Even chain collars can collect dirt, grime, and oils. Clean them in warm to hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and then dry immediately.

  • Polyvinyl- Lucy has a polyvinyl(BioThane) collar and I highly recommend them!

    Hers was made by the Canadian company Smoochy Poochy and it has lasted for years.

    It’s very durable, waterproof, and odour-proof. A wipe down with a damp cloth usually takes care of any dirt, mud, etc.

    But the oils and grime do build up over time so Spring cleaning is a great time to give it a proper clean. A quick soak (5 minutes) and scrub with an old toothbrush or cloth makes it as good as new. Just wipe it with a soft cloth to dry it.

5) Cat Litter Box

We probably all clean our cat’s litter box regularly. But since you’re in the whole Spring cleaning mode, let’s take this opportunity to give your cat’s litter box a deep clean and sanitization.

First of all, empty the litter completely and wipe out any remaining debris.

Wash it in warm, soapy water using a fragrance-free soap. Use a scrub brush to remove all traces of litter and waste. Do not use bleach, ammonia, or any harsh chemicals. If there’s some remaining odour, spray it with some enzyme cleaner or vinegar and leave it to air dry.

If you find there’s still a slight odour or want to prevent it, put a thin layer of baking soda in the bottom of the box. Refill with unscented litter and you’re good to go(well, your cat is).

6) Dishes, Fountains and Pails

Pet bowls are something you should regularly clean and give a good scrub. But Spring cleaning might be a good time to send them through the dishwasher on a hot cycle with no detergent or wash them in the sink with a fragrance free dish soap.

If you feel they’re a little funky, try a 1:1 soloution of white vinegar and water to sanitize and deodorize them. Be sure to rinse everything very well before use.

Your pet fountains need to be cleaned and the filters replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Hunter’s is a stainless steel fountain and everything except the motor can go in the dishwasher, along with the food bowls for that hot water wash with no detergent to sanitize it.

While we probably all clean our pet bowls and water fountains, regularly, I would hazard a guess that we don’t regularly clean the containers we use to store our pet foods.

Of course, if you keep the food in its original bag, this isn’t an issue but many of us pour the food into a more convenient storage container and it needs a good cleaning too.

Depending on the size of it, this can be done in your sink, dishwasher, laundry tub, or, in my case, on the back deck with the garden hose to give it a proper rinse!

7) Grooming Equipment

Grooming Brushes and Combs collect more than just fur. This is a good opportunity to freshen up your pet grooming supplies.

Remove any fur from the brushes and combs and give them a quick bath of warm water and gentle soap. You can then towel them dry, wipe them with 70% isopropyl alcohol and air dry them completely to disinfect them.

If you have clippers, make sure they are cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and oiled, if necessary, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

At this point, all of your pet supplies should be clean and in working order. If there’s any other pet supply that you need to take care of, go ahead and do that too.

For instance, if your pet is on meds, take a look at what you have and make sure none of it is expired or in need of replacement or replenishment.

This is when I will get Lucy’s flea and tick prevention. As the temperatures start to climb, so do those nasty little critters and we’re ready for it.

Now, back to the Spring cleaning. It’s time to turn our attention to things in our home that pets tend to get dirty and smelly, besides their own stuff.

8) Sofas, Blankets, and Pillows

When the snow is falling, we all love to snuggle up on the sofa, with our hot beverage, a fluffy blanket and pillows, and our favourite little fur ball. And we’ve had plenty of opportunity over the Winter to do just that.

I like to take the blankets outside and give them a good shake to get rid of as much pet hair as possible. Then it’s off to the washing machine with vinegar rinse to remove any remaining pet odours. Pillow covers can be washed and hopefully the most your pillows and cushions will need is a spot treatment with an upholstery cleaning spray or enzyme based cleaner.

We have leather couches so I use a leather cleaner and conditioner to freshen and protect them. Weiman 3-in-1 Leather Cleaner is my favourite right now.

9) Rugs and Carpets

Deep cleaning your carpets and rugs can be a huge improvement in the cleanliness of your home.

It’s not always easy to do this in the Winter so Spring cleaning is the perfect time to get this done. Windows can be opened to help air movement and area rugs can even be dragged outside, cleaned, and left to dry in the sunshine. If you can’t take them outside, it can be spot cleaned inside. Just be sure to protect any wood floors beneath the rug or move onto a tile floor.

The Bissell Little Green Pro is my favourite for spot cleaning. I then like to spritz the rug with an enzyme cleaner to remove any remaining odour and the whole rug can be given a fresh and clean look, feel, and smell.

While the area rugs are outside drying on our deck, the floors can be mopped with a mop and bucket or spray mop and a pet-safe floor cleaner.

I like to use water with a small amount of vinegar, a squirt of dish soap and a few drops of lavender essential oil, which is safe for both dogs and cats.

If you have carpets, and don’t have a carpet cleaner, you can often rent one from a rental store, home improvement store or grocery store. But if that’s not in the budget, do some spot cleaning to help get rid of stains using an enzyme cleaner to really lift the stains and odours. Once dry, sprinkle the carpet with baking soda. Leave it for 15 minutes or so to absorb the odours and then vacuum it away.

Cat on windowsill, partially obscured by a blind

Stealth Mode

After many a day of Kitty slipping through the curtains, you may find a build up of fur, grime, and the occasional pawprint on your curtains, blinds and windowsills.

10) Windows and Curtains

If you have curtains on your windows, pull them down and put them through the washing machine to clean them and remove any pet hair or grime from your cat or dog peeking through the curtains.

If your curtains are made of a material that can’t be washed, you can have them dry-cleaned or, if they seem fairly clean, you could always use a lint roller to remove any pet hair and dust clinging to them.

If you have blinds, you can try to clean them in place with a damp cloth. But your best bet is to take them down and clean them in your shower or tub with some pet-safe dish soap or mild detergent. Rinse them completely and dry with a dry cloth before hanging them up to dry completely.

While your curtains and blinds are down, tackle your windows. Vinegar and water are probably your safest option for cleaning the windows if your pets have access to them at all. You may also need a little cornstarch in the mix to remove all that nose art.

Try this combination for sparkly clean windows. Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup vinegar and add 1 tsp of cornstarch in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before use.

11) Walls and Door Frames

This is where you get to be a bit of a sleuth.

Check out that hallway where your dog follows you 50 times a day. You may find a faint(or not so faint) smudge all along the hall where your dog rubs the wall and leaves an oily residue.

That stuff builds up slowly but when you see it, you just can’t unsee it!

As a Lab parent, this is quite a normal thing to find with their oily coat and their penchant for following their person wherever you go.

Inspect the area around the door where your pets enter and exit. In fact, take a peek at all your door frames and you may find some built-up dirt and grime, not to mention the occasional spatter of dog slobber.

Take a look at your windowsill where your kitty loves to check out the world. Even there you may find some footprints or a little bit of grime where they she slides between the curtain and the window.

Luckily, all of this is usually easily cleaned with a pet-safe all-purpose cleaner or some vinegar and water mixture. Be sure to check the surface in an inconspicuous spot to ensure no damage to your paint or wood surfaces.

12) Yard

Check your yard for dog toys that can be taken in for a deep cleaning. Since they may have spent the Winter lying under a snowdrift, check them thoroughly for any damage.

Now, you may be one of those people who has a small yard and is able to follow your dog’s every step and clean up any messes as they go.

Or, you may have missed a few and your yard will need a bit of a clean-up when the snow disappears.

Or, you may have a big yard and aren’t following your dog around every nook and cranny.

Your yard may be a bit of a mine field by the Springtime. Yes, you may be like us.

You’ve got several choices at this point.

You can walk around with a bag. This might work well for a small yard and a small dog.

You can get a poop scooper kit and save yourself all that bending.

Or, it may be worth your while to hire a service that specializes in poop clean-up, especially if you have more than one dog or they’re large. If you have large dogs, you know what I’m talking about.

A Few Final Thoughts

When you’re tackling your floors, try to move every piece of furniture. It’s amazing where the fur can accumulate. But if the furniture is too heavy and you can’t get extra help, leave it be. It would be much worse to injure yourself than to have some fur stuck under your fridge or entertainment unit. Don’t stress about it.

You can give your furniture a good dusting as you move it with a duster, Swiffer, or a slightly damp microfibre cloth.

To clean the pet hair that sticks to fabric lampshades or curtains, try a lint roller. I find this is even easier than trying to vacuum off the hair.

If you have a heating and cooling system, change out the filter when you’re all done the Spring cleaning. All the dust and dander that you stir up while cleaning can be caught in the filter and then a new filter installed will start you out fresh. And if you have an air cleaner, switch out those filters too!

When you’re out scouting your yard for messes, check the state of your fences and gates. Once the snow recedes, you may find that Mother Nature has battered your fences and they may need a little repair to keep your pooch safe and in your yard.

If you have pets that are nervous with all the commotion of vacuum cleaners and furniture shuffling around, put them in a quiet room away from the fuss.




This sounds like a lot of work. But, just remember, you can tackle each project separately.

It may take a weekend to do it all.

It may take a week.

It may take a month.

The point is, these tend to be the “hotspots” in your home when you have pets. Spring just feels like the perfect time to attack them and get everything sparkly clean, fresh, and new…that’s what Spring is about, right?

Elaine Cunningham
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