Natural Floor Cleaning: Easy Greening

The image of Cinderella on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor is meant to evoke pity. It’s the same reason that seductive new floor cleaning products and systems are constantly introduced to entice us. Cleaning the floor can be the most woeful of chores—and most of us wouldn’t mind a small miracle to ease the agony. Unfortunately many of the conventional cleaning products that promise an easy and sparkling floor, are terrible for our health and the environment. We can’t provide a fairy godmother here, but we can show you how to clean your floors without compromising your health.

If you use conventional cleaning products on your floor, well, think of it as swishing and swashing potentially toxic chemicals across the largest surface area of your home. And then consider the Environmental Protection Agency study showing indoor levels of pollutants (like formaldehyde, chloroform, and styrene) ranging from two to 50 times higher than outdoor levels—much of it from conventional cleaning supplies. Some floor cleaners include a surprisingly toxic ingredient list—people exposed to the heavy-duty cleaners often experience eye irritation, dizziness, loss of concentration, fatigue, wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Floor cleaners that give you shine also give you off-gassing of petroleum-based polymers. In addition, most of the fragrance that accompanies conventional floor cleaners are either indoor air pollutants on their own, or are inert on their own but mix with ozone to create formaldehyde and other toxic air contaminates.

“Smart” Floor Maintenance Tips 

The key to minimizing the need for cleaning formulas is good regular maintenance. Dirt on the floor can abrade the surface making the floor even harder to clean. Here are some “smart” techniques that reduce the need for cleaning:

• Place doormats at the entrances (called walk-off mats, will reduce not just dirt but lead and pesticides).

• Ask that shoes be removed at the entrance.

• Plan regular sweeping, vacuuming or dust-mopping.

Cleaning Overview by Floor Type 

Different flooring surfaces require a specific type of cleaning process. Using the wrong method and formula for your specific flooring material can eventually (or quickly) ruin the floor. For all of the following tips, please test first on an inconspicuous are to determine compatibility with your floor.

Floor care for all wood floors is not the same. You need to know if your wood has a surface finish or if it has a penetrating finish.

WOOD FLOORS: SURFACE FINISH 

A floor with a surface finish is very shiny and glossy, and is protected by the coating on top of the surface. Surface finishes sit on top of the wood surface, like paint, and include varnish, polyurethane (urethane), acrylic and epoxy.

Damp mopping wood floors with a surface finish

Consider water an enemy to a wood floor. If it soaks in, warping and damage will ensue. Damp mopping is a method whereby the mop is barely wet, you do not want puddles of water on your wood floor. Depending on how much traffic your floor sees or in specific rooms (the kitchen), you may have to mop it as often as once a week—other areas may need it much less. To damp mop, wet the mop and wring as much water out as possible. Go over the floor twice, first to dissolve the dirt and then again, after rinsing the mop and ringing it thoroughly, again to rinse. The floor can then be buffed dry with a towel—this is done easily by attaching a towel to a clamp mop handle.

Don’t

• Don’t use oil soaps, wax cleaners, or products that promise “shine.” They leave build up and create problems when it’s time to put a new surface coat on the floor.

• Don’t use vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and cloudy—which can only be fixed by sanding and refinishing.

• Don’t use ammonia cleaners they will dull the finish and performance of your floor.

• Don’t use vinegar. Low pH cleaners (acidic, like vinegar) can dissolve hard water and mineral deposits, but can’t tackle dirt and grime. Many people rely on vinegar, but since it is an acid it will eventually dull the finish.

• Don’t use high pH cleaners (more alkaline, like harsher soaps) are good at dissolving dirt and grime. But will also eventually dull the finish.

Do

• The best non-toxic floor cleaning solution is ¼ of a cup of mild liquid dishwashing detergent added to a bucket of warm water (for damp mopping).

• For scuff marks use a sprinkle of baking soda on a damp sponge and rub.

Read more here:

How To Care For Your Kitchen

It’s Spring time and we often feel the urge to clear out clutter, re-organise and clean. Do you start from the top of the house and work downstairs or vice versa? However you approach it, the kitchen is usually the room that requires the most elbow grease, so here at Dream Doors, we’ve put together a brief guide on the best way to care for your kitchen on a daily basis to ease the chore of Spring cleaning.

DOORS

Clean with only a damp soapy cloth, applying the minimum amount of moisture to the door and wipe dry afterwards. No water should ever be left on the surface of the door and do not expose to excessive heat, so be careful where you place a kettle or toaster.

Ensure the kitchen has adequate ventilation, especially whilst cooking, washing or drying to reduce heat and moisture. Take extra care of doors close to a dishwasher or washing machine.

WORKTOPS

If you have a high gloss worktop, only damp soapy cloths should be used, again, applying the minimum amount of moisture to it and then wiping dry afterwards with a dry kitchen towel or tea towel.

Do not chop directly on the worktop surface and place hot pans, ovenware and irons on a trivet or protective mat to protect the surface. The use of abrasive cleaners and pads, corrosive or aggressive cleaning agents should be avoided as they will have a detrimental effect.

Kettles, coffee machines, fryers or other sources of heat or damp source should not be positioned directly over worktop joints. Constant changes in temperature could lead to joint failure.

SINKS

Stainless steel sinks will always scratch. However with use and cleaning, the stainless steel will eventually build up a patina over the years and the scratching marks will not be as evident.

Discoloration and most marks on stainless steel are caused by water-borne deposits clinging to its surface. One of the best ways to keep your stainless steel sink in pristine condition is to clean it with a proprietary product such as Shiny Sinks which can be used daily.

For day-to-day care of ceramic sinks, all you need is water and a damp cloth. A fast and easy way to remove water marks, grease or soap scum deposits, is with a proprietary bathroom cleaner such as Ajax or Flash liquid spray, or similar products found in your supermarket.

FLOORS

Whilst all kitchen flooring is made for resilience, there is no such thing as indestructible flooring material. However, there are some simple measures that can help keep your floor looking like new.

Place mats at exterior doors to collect small bits of sand and gravel that may be tracked into the home.

Use floor protectors on chairs, tables, and other easily movable furniture. Replace plastic casters with rubber wheels and lift, rather than slide, heavy objects across the floor.

Get more info here....

Cleaning tips: Make your bathroom sparkle

Keep germs and grease at bay in the bathroom with a regular deep clean. To achieve a sparkling, spotless finish, you’ll need to put in a bit of elbow grease but forget about buying loads of expensive products, many natural solutions can be found in your kitchen store cupboard.

Cleaning tips: Make your bathroom sparkle Bathroom from B&Q

Essential bathroom cleaning kit
Vinegar should be one of the key ingredients for your cleaning kit. Its acidic qualities cut through grease and grime with ease as well as tackling limescale. If you find the smell of malt vinegar overpowering, opt for white wine vinegar instead which has a more subtle aroma. Dilute equal parts of vinegar with water and decant into a plastic spray bottle that’s easy to carry around. Ideal for tiles, baths, basins and shower doors.

Another product that’s worth its weight in gold is bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking powder. Invest in a big pot. You’ll find it in supermarkets and hardware stores for less than £1. This white powder may look innocuous but don’t be fooled, it’s a hardworking ingredient, also renowned for its deodorising ability.

Gleaming bath tubs and basins

Get into the habit of rinsing down basins and baths after use to avoid a build up of scum. A simple wipe down with your diluted vinegar mixture should keep them sparkling. Enamel baths need a bit more care to avoid scratching the finish. A sponge dipped in bicarbonate of soda should shift everyday grime and limescale. For more stubborn stains, fill the tub with warm water, stir in two handfuls of biological washing powder and leave for 24 hours. Marks will then come off easily.

Make your bathroom taps shine

Without proper care, chrome taps soon look grubby and dull. First of all, get rid of any gunk around the tap using an old toothbrush (you can also use this to clean overflows and plugholes). Then rub with half a lemon. You’ll be amazed at the shine! Lemon will also get rid of limescale deposits on baths, shower screens and tiles, plus it smells great! Always rinse well afterwards. Taps can be given a final polish with baby oil to help maintain the shine.

Getting rid of bathroom mould

Mould is a common problem in steamy bathrooms, often caused by condensation. As well as looking unsightly, it can become a hazard to health so always tackle it promptly. To eradicate mould on tile grout, use a toothbrush dipped in bleach, or for a natural remedy, apply a paste made from water and bicarbonate of soda, leave for 15 minutes then scrub. Some people also swear by shoe whitener. Leave on for 30-60 minutes then wipe off. For more advice, read our guide on how to get rid of mould.

Removing mildew from shower curtains

Treat mildew stains on shower curtains with a weak solution of bleach and water. Or after a bath, add biological washing powder to the water and soak the curtain overnight. Most brands of curtain can also be machine washed on a delicate or cool programme.

How to descale a showerhead
In cities and hard water areas, limescale builds up quickly and can block the tiny holes on showerheads, causing water to spray in odd directions. Unscrew the head and leave to soak in a basin or large jug of diluted vinegar for a couple of hours or overnight. Ingrained limescale might need scrubbing with a stiff brush or scourer. Rinse well then re-attach.

Squeaky clean toilets

For everyday stains, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda around the rim and scrub with a toilet brush. If the bowl is badly stained with limescale, bale out the water to below the level of the stain. Make up a mixture of borax and vinegar, using equal quantities. Spread the mixture onto the marks, leave for two hours, then remove with a coarse wire scrubber or stiff brush.

Cleaning bathroom mirrors

Keep mirrors looking their best by wiping with a weak solution of vinegar and water. Polish up the glass afterwards with scrunched-up newspaper or a chamois leather. To stop mirrors fogging up, spray the glass with shaving foam, then wipe off. Repeat every couple of weeks for a fog-free reflection.

Keeping dust under control

An old fashioned feather duster is great for dislodging high level cobwebs on walls and ceilings and will also come in handy for light fittings and tops of shower enclosures. To remove dirt on Venetian blinds and shutters, put an old sock on each hand, dampen with water, and rub along each slat. Alternatively, use a pair of cotton gloves.

http://uktv.co.uk/home/item/aid/650387

How to get rid of stains and smells

• Resistant Stains

"Hang them out in the sun. The sun bleaches/fades the stains."

"I find steeping stained garments in washing soda crystal solution works better that a stain remover."
 

• Blood

"If they are white sheets then hydrogen peroxide. You can buy it in in most chemists including Boots."

"Soak in cold water and salt overnight. Normal wash in biological washing powder. Hydrogen peroxide if necessary."
 

• Mud out of rugby/football/hockey kit - delete as appropriate

"I rinse out my DS's kit several times by hand to get rid of the worst. I can't bear the thought of all that mud clogging up my washing machine. Once in the machine, I wash on 40 with Persil Non Bio and a scoop of Vanish Stain Remover."

"Rinse the worst of the mud off, then soak in a bucket of HOTTEST tap water with Ariel Bio, for a couple of hours. Hand scrub. Then put in with rest of normal wash at 60."
 

• Dark stains in toilet

"Is the water peaty? Viakal is great for shifting peat stains in toilet."

"Apparently if you leave cheap coke in the toilet overnight it's supposed to get rid of it."

"I can recommend Ecover Toilet Cleaner left overnight for a few days, didn't even need scrubbing."

• Sick on a car seat

Related linksHow to declutter your home
Eco-friendly cleaning products
Talk: Good housekeeping
Reviews: Appliances

"Carpet shampooer with upholstry attachment. It is important to suck the detritus away, not just wet it."

"If it's a fabric seat, I would say a steam cleaner would be the best option. If they're leather, I use saddle soap."
 

• Poo on seagrass/sisal/coir flooring

"I used a bit of a gentle baby wash on cotton buds to lift it from the grain, it's ridged, and then used a disposable mascara wand to try to clean thoroughly."

"If there's any smell or remaining ickiness, you can safely use a white vinegar solution (I've made it with up to 80% vinegar). Just make sure to dry really well with hairdryer afterwards, as seagrass can get mouldy if left wet!"
 

• Red wine

On carpet: "We once spilt a full bottle of wine across our carpet and got it out with Johnson's baby powder. It acts as a poultice and draws the colour out. Throw the talc on and then put a damp tea towel over it. Scrap off the talc when it goes red, and then put more on with the wet tea towel. Then leave it to dry and hoover off."

On material: "I chucked it in with baby stuff and napisan at 90, and it disappeared."

Removing lingering smells

Is your household issue more olfactory than aesthetic in nature?

If manically spritzing Febreeze on everything isn't exacly working out, then try these individual approaches to lingering smells, as suggested by Mumsnetters.  

• Urine

"Bicarbonate of soda should get rid of the smell. Make up a paste, but quite wet, apply and allow to dry, then clean off."
 

• Sweat

"Vinegar is your friend. Sprinkle it on before washing, leave for a few minutes then wash as normal."
 

• Vomit

"Dettol is the stuff for all bodily fluids."

"Bicarbonate of soda. Damp the carpet, sprinkle it on liberally, put a towel over it to stop it being trodden round the house, leave it to dry and then hoover it out. Works a dream."
 

• Teenage feet

"Surgical spirit. You can buy a bottle very cheaply from a pharmacy, pour into a shallow tray and dip clean, dry feet into it. Then allow it to dry on the skin. Or you can dab on with cotton wool. It really works. Twice a day for a week or so."

"The hibiscrub solution is the best one. Daily washes with it and wash his socks in it too. It's the bacteria that causes the pong so killing this off is the best way to end the stink. Do not soak the feet for more than 10 minutes and in warm not hot water."

"Bamboo socks will be a great help too. And spray the insides of his shoes/trainers/slippers with cider vinegar."
 

• Washing machine

Check our dedicated guide on how to deal with a smelly washing machine here

http://www.mumsnet.com/good-housekeeping/how-to-get-rid-of-stains-and-smells

How To Clean And Organize Our Master Bedrooms

WEEK #4 TASK – The Master Bedroom:

This week we are cleaning and organizing our master bedrooms.  I challenge you to clean your room from top to bottom, organizing it, and creating a master bedroom sanctuary.  This space should be a place for relaxation, not stress.   We are NOT cleaning out the closet this week… only the bedroom.  Have fun!

WEEK #4 CHECKLIST: (Print out the checklist HERE)

1.  PREPARE:  Find 5 laundry baskets/boxes and label them with a piece of paper…

• Keep – Everything that stays in the room.
• Trash – Things that need tossed in the trash (or recycled).
• Donate – Everything that you are donating or giving to someone else.
• Clothes – ALL clothes that stay in the room.
• Other – Everything that goes to another room in the house.

2.  SORT:  Concentrating on one hot spot at a time, empty the space completely.

• Under the bed – Pull everything out and sort it into the baskets. This space should be empty!
• Dresser drawers – Pull out all of the clothes and empty onto the bed. Go through each piece of clothing.  Does it fit? Do you still wear it?  If not, donate it! Fold and place the clothes back into the drawers (like items together).
• Night Stands – Empty out the drawers and the top. Clean it off, wipe it down, and only put back the necessities back!
• Dresser top – Clean it off, going through each item thats on there.  Sort though using the “basket system”.  Wipe down and put back only necessary items.  This is a clutter hot spot. This is the first area people notice when walking into the bedroom! Try to keep it clear of the clutter.
• All other hot spots in the room – Using the “basket system” go through whats left of the room.

3.  CLEAN:

• Clean the windows, blinds & mirrors
• Wipe down doors, baseboards, doorknobs and switch plates
• Dust Dressers & nightstands
• Vacuum
• Wash Bed Linens, curtains, bedskirt
• Vacuum mattress/flip mattress
• Wash pillows, sheets & comforters
• Clean ceiling fan & lighting

4.  ORGANIZE:  Once its all clean, you are ready for the fun part!  Its time to organize!  This is an important step if you want to keep your room clean. Use baskets and bins to place “like” items together.

http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2015/01/home-organizing-challenge-week-4-master-bedroom.html

How To Clean Your House in 20 Minutes a Day for 30 Days

When I first learned to clean my own place, I thought Saturday had to be an all day clean-a-thon. I didn't really have a concept of how to balance the work load during the week so weekends could be reserved for larger projects or even you know…fun! Now I clean in 20 minutes a day — every day — and things just seem to take care of themselves. Here's a glimpse at the schedule I use!

No one said you had to do everything at once and even when time seems short, if you can manage one task a day, things should start to work themselves out. Adjust this list as your family's needs require (those with more or less children might require doing certain activities more or less). If it's easier, take a blank calendar and fill it in accordingly so easier tasks are on days where your day is go, go, go and reserve the more difficult ones for days when things are a little lighter. Here's 5 tips to help make this 30 days a success:

1) Dealing With What Comes Through The Door Set up a small area by the front door to act as a "landing strip" for incoming items into your home. If you're a long time reader this is nothing new to you. If this is the first time you've heard this phrase outside of reference to personal grooming habits, then make sure to check out Maxwell's Home Cure video on the topic.

→ 7 Ways You're Making House Cleaning Harder Than it Has to Be

2) Do Your Dishes After Every Meal This will help you stay on top of your kitchen instead of having it turn into a monster! No one really wants to do them (after all, you probably cooked dinner to boot). But waiting for another meal or until you have enough to fill the dishwasher just makes things feel overwhelming and easier to put off. The same goes for take out trash as well. If you need to take the trash out, place it by the front door to go out in the morning or dispose of it that night so it's over and done with. Still having trouble? Try the one-cup method.

3) Laundry If you have a washer and dryer at home, do a little bit each day. Spread things out so you don't feel bogged down by 200 towels and stinky socks. If you take things to a laundromat, sort clothes as you go so things are easier to load up into machines when you get there. Fold them before you come home so you aren't dumping baskets out on your sofa or bed and they can go straight into drawers and closets. Not feeling inspired? Treat yourself... to a new laundry basket. It's the little things.

→ Weekend Assignment: How to Clean Your Cleaning Tools

4) Whistle While You Work: Those who are happiest when cleaning are few and far between. Singing, humming, whistling or turning up the stereo are all great options to keep the beat in your feet and have fun while working. Here's a few past posts on killer cleaning soundtracks.

5) Set a Timer: Most items on the list below should take no more than 20 minutes total. It's easy to rationalize 20 minutes, but it's also easy to get distracted by phone calls, emails, children and other projects that call your name as you tackle each chore. Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes (which ever works best for you) and that way when it sounds you know exactly how much time you have left. If you find yourself off task it's easy to get back on track.

1. Surface clean living room and kitchen (pick up stray items, dust, sweep, vacuum)

2. Clean bathrooms (toilets, showers, floors, walls, mirrors)

3. Surface clean bedrooms (put away toys, clothes, dust)

4. Surface clean "extra" rooms (basement, office, play room)

5. Surface clean living room and kitchen

6. Clean bathrooms

7. Clean all interior windows (white vinegar and newspaper works great and is cheap!)

8. Sweep and vacuum all floors in the house (don't forget stairs)

9. Surface clean bedrooms

10. Deep clean living room (mirrors, baseboards, dust artwork)

11. Clean bathrooms

12. Clean out closets (hang up clothes, mittens, jackets, hats)

13. Surface clean "extra" rooms

14. Deep clean bedrooms (organize drawers, check under bed, tidy closet, dust artwork, fans, lights, mop)

15. Surface clean living room and kitchen

16. Deep clean bathrooms (clean inside drawers, inside of trash cans, tops of mirrors, tile, mop)

17. Clean all door knobs, phones, entertainment equipment (remote controls), switch plates, banisters and other things that are repeatedly touched.

18. Clean out the refrigerator, take stock of food, organize pantry

19. Clean entryway, sweep porch (if you have one), clean out car (because they're often our home away from home)

20. Surface clean living room and kitchen

21. Surface clean bathrooms

22. Surface clean bedrooms

23. Sweep and vacuum all floors in the house

24. Clean linen closet, straighten towels, sheets or regular closet if not applicable

25. Surface clean living room and kitchen

26. Deep clean kitchen (scrub appliances, wash trash cans, base boards, wipe down and straighten cabinets)

27. Surface clean bathrooms

28. Surfaces clean bedrooms

29. Clean one item you've been meaning to get to and haven't (deep clean your stove, wipe down all light fixtures, tackle a particularly unruly area)

30. Sweep and vacuum all floors in the house

To this list you can also add chores that are to be done monthly or quarterly. It's easier to plan for larger tasks like steam cleaning a sofa or heavy traffic hallway, then it feels like part of the routine instead of that thing you keep putting off and dreading.

Habits are formed by doing and one of the best ways to change a bad habit is to replace it with another action. So if the time spent right when you come home from work is usually filled with email reading and a small nap, try switching it out with your cleaning instead. Making the 20 minute time slot routine will build good habits and help you stay on top of the game without feeling like it's a real chore.

Do you have anything to add to the list above? What cleaning tasks would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-your-house-in-20-minutes-a-day-for-30-days-131142

Home Hygiene: Find Lurking Germs

Fight back against the germs that make their way into unexpected places around the home

Fridge

‘In a Dettol survey, 15 per cent of squeaky clean-looking fridges were heavily contaminated with bugs,’ according to Dr Lisa Ackerley, visiting professor of environmental health at Salford University.

Keep it clean: Clean it once a week with an odourless antibacterial and don’t neglect the door handles.

Dishcloth

Moisture, food and dirt left on dishcloths creates the perfect bacterial breeding ground, which ends up smeared over the next surface we’re trying to clean.

Keep it clean: Dr Ackerley says, ‘Use paper towels for poultry or for floor spills, and boil your dishcloth every day in washing powder or on 90°C in the washing machine.’

Chopping board

The average chopping board is home to 50 times more bacteria than a loo seat, according to the Hygiene Council – simply because we don’t perceive them to be dirty enough to warrant a regular deep clean.

Keep it clean: Boards need to be cleaned at 82°C with washing-up liquid, then wiped with disinfectant. Use different coloured boards to prevent contamination between raw and cooked produce.

Computer keyboard

Also capable of being dirtier than a toilet seat is your computer keyboard.

Keep it clean: ‘Tip it upside down and give it a gentle tap to remove any crumbs, then clean it with a Dettol wipe,’ says Dr Ackerley.

Dishwasher

You use it to sterilise your kitchenware, but how clean is your dishwasher?

Keep it clean: ‘Always wash at 65°C to keep the dishwasher and its contents safe and hygienic – lower temperatures may be more economical but they won’t kill all the bacteria,’ says Dr Ackerley.

Vacuum cleaner

Hoovers are like a meals on wheels for bacteria, according to the University of Arizona, where 50 per cent of vacuum brushes tested contained faecal bacteria, and 13 per cent were contaminated with the potentially fatal bug E coli.

Keep it clean: Spray the brush with a disinfectant after every use and clean attachments once a week in hot, soapy water.

Washing machine

Washing pants and tea towels together at 30°C creates a bacterial soup. It’s better for the environment but not hot enough to kill germs.

Keep it clean: Some washing machine manufacturers recommend a very hot wash at least once a month. ‘I wash at 90°C once a week to destroy bacteria that’s built up from laundry I have washed at too low a temperature,’ says Dr Ackerley.

Facecloth

Even if it’s just used for your face it can harbour the staphylococcus aureus bug. A flannel that’s used elsewhere on your body could contain a host of other bugs, too.

Keep it clean: ‘Keep one flannel for every day of the week, and wash them with your towels at 90°C,’ says Dr Ackerley.

Toilet brush

Has your toilet brush been with you for so long it feels like a family member?

Keep it clean: You should replace it every six to 12 months, according to Professor John Oxford of the Hygiene Council. ‘Once it’s frayed or has loose bristles, it will not scrub adequately and will splash and spray toilet bowl water around.’

Toothbrushes

A study at Manchester University found that the average toothbrush contains ten million germs, including potentially fatal staphylococci, streptococcus, E coli and candida.

Keep it clean: Replace your toothbrush every three months.

Soap dispenser

Soap dispensers and kitchen taps can, ironically, be hotspots for germs, with 14 per cent of taps being contaminated with E coli, according to a Dettol survey.

Keep it clean: ‘Try to use a no-touch hand wash, and clean taps and soap dispensers daily with disinfectant wipes,’ says Dr Ackerley.

Get more cleaning tips here

Spring Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

Yes, it’s that time of year. But cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore if you follow our quick and easy tips. You and your pup will both be happier and healthier if you do!

Plus, we've got tips for safer cleaning and recipes for cleaning products that use simple ingredients from your pantry, like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice here.

Air Filter

Trap airborne dust and dander with a filter to reduce lingering pet odors in your home. Look for filters made especially for pet owners; they come with built-in ionizers that minimize allergens and help deliver a boost of air freshening.

Beds and Bedding

Your dog’s bedding tends to attract a buildup of dirt and grime. Follow these four steps to ensure a clean, comfortable sleep for Fido.

Choose a bed with a removable fabric cover.

Vacuum the bed regularly to remove hair, dirt, and other debris. Follow up with a lint roller to pull away any hair the vacuum may have left behind.

Wash the cover and the bed base (if it’s machine washable) in cold water. Use a mild laundry detergent—no dyes or fragrance. Add a cup of baking soda to help neutralize odor.

Dry (in the clothes dryer) for about 20 minutes. Use at least one pet-safe dryer sheet (teddyneedsabath.com); this will reduce static electricity and remove more pet hair. To avoid shrinkage, finish by line drying.

Collar Cleaning

A stinky collar can ruin the pleasures of a freshly groomed dog. But how do you clean a dog collar without damaging the webbing material or hardware? Put a couple of squirts of dog shampoo (which will help prevent skin irritation) in a bowl and fill the bowl with hot water. Let your dog’s collar soak for about 15 minutes. Rub the collar against itself to extract any ground-in dirt. If necessary, apply extra shampoo directly to the collar. Avoid using a brush, which could damage the material. Rinse the collar under running water and hang to dry. If you need to speed up the drying, use a towel to remove excess water before hanging.

Dog Hair

To remove pet hair from furniture, drapes, or other fabric-covered items, use rubber gloves. Slightly dampen a glove on your hand and sweep the fabric with it. Hair will ball up and be easy to pick up. Wash and dry gloves between uses.

Lavender Oil

Not only is lavender essential oil soothing to the central nervous system, but when applied regularly between your dog’s shoulder blades, it can keep fleas and ticks at bay. Try a lavender room mist in your car to keep your dog calm and your automobile smelling fresh after a day at the beach or park with your pooch.

Muddy Paws

The rain in spring means muddy paws, but a little prevention can keep your dog from tracking dirt inside the house. First, trim the hair around your pup’s paws regularly — mud won’t clump to his feet when the hair is kept short. On days that you can’t avoid a little mud, keep a bucket of warm water and a towel near the door. Before you come inside, remove dirt by dipping each paw in the water and gently wiping it with the towel.

Quick Bath

Over-bathing your dog can cause dry skin, which results in itching and flaking.  Avoid these issues—but keep your pup smelling fresh—by giving him a quick dry bath. Brush out his coat first to loosen dead hair, dirt, and debris. Wipe him down with a towel spritzed with a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half water. Follow up by sprinkling baking soda on him and rubbing it in, which will neutralize the smell of the vinegar. Let it sit for a minute or two, then brush it off. Tip: Give your dog his dry bath outdoors, or another place where a little mess won’t matter!

Toys

Wash dog toys to keep them germ-free and in good shape for years of enjoyment. For soft toys, pop them in the washing machine, ideally in a garment bag. (Be sure to use dog-safe detergent.) Line dry or put them in the dryer inside a pillowcase. Hard toys can be cleaned in the sink with a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar and a brush or sponge. An easy alternative: Put your pal’s toys in the dishwasher with her bowls.

Urine

Even if you can’t smell traces of urine, your dog can. It’s important to clean and neutralize these odors, because as long as he can smell it, he’ll continue to use that area as his personal potty. For new stains, soak up as much as you can by layering newspaper on top of paper towels and standing on the padding. Repeat this step until the area is no longer damp. The Humane Society suggests taking urine-soaked paper towels outside in order to positively reinforce to your dog where it is suitable for him to do his business. Follow up by rinsing the soiled area with water. Once the area is clean, use an enzyme-based pet odor neutralizer like Dog Whisperer Natural Stain and Odor Remover

Vacuum

When choosing a vacuum, focus on suction—disregard horsepower, watts, or amps which are measure of electrical current, not pickup. Vacuums with upright canisters are best for carpets.

Yard

Maintaining your yard can help cut down on messes inside the home. 

If your yard is mostly dirt, consider putting sod down in one area. By providing a grassy area for your dog to play, you can minimize the amount of dirt and mud she’ll track indoors.

Keep your dog’s boredom at bay by providing toys exclusively for outdoor play. If she has something to play with, she will be less likely to paw at dirt, so her paws will stay cleaner. And keep her outdoor toys outside.

Some dogs are sensitive to citrus smells. Scatter the peels of a few oranges in places where you don’t want your dog to dig—like flower beds or vegetable gardens.

It’s important to keep certain garden items cleaned up and away from your pets:

Bait traps for rodents, snails, and slugs

Insecticides

Blood meal

Fertilizers

Some common plants that are toxic for dogs (you can find a complete list at the ASPCA website):

azaleas

daffodils

hyacinths

tulips

lilies

oleander

sago palm

foxglove

mushrooms

Read more: