Housekeeping is about more than just dusting and vacuuming. The majority of housework is preventative. Little things like not allowing food and drinks out of the kitchen, trash cans readily available in bathrooms and children’s rooms, easy ways to sort laundry. Doing little things to prevent messes can help lessen the time we spend cleaning them up. One area that will reduce a lot of cleanup time is pet care. Pets contribute greatly to a family in so many ways, including extra housework. Take time to do some preventative work and your pet housekeeping responsibilities will be minimal.
If you have a cat, get a self cleaning litter box. I have found that this chore is not one that anyone wants so it often gets neglected. A self cleaning litter box makes this chore much easier.
Then get in a routine of grooming your pet. Dogs and even cats love to be brushed, if you take the time to brush them every day that will decrease how much hair you are vacuuming up every day. I find this is easiest to do if I set a time aside every day, after dinner or before bed, something consistent so it’s part of my normal routine. There are brushes specifically made to reduce shedding. Not only will regular brushing cut down on the amount of loose hair in your house it will also remove some of the dirt your pet inevitable brings in the house on its fur.
If your dog or cat is like mine, it’s hard to keep them off the furniture. Some people don’t allow their pets on the furniture, if that is the case, make sure they have a bed, even if it’s just an old blanket, this will keep the fur from getting on your floor when they lay down. If you allow them on the furniture put a towel or blanket in their favorite spot to keep fur and dirt off the furniture.
When it is raining or snowing outside keep an old towel by the door your pet uses and have him step inside on to an old rug then wipe off all four paws, including between the pads of the foot, this will reduce the amount of mud that is tracked into your home.
Put a large rug or mat under your pet’s food and water bowls. Most dogs make a huge mess when eating and drinking; if you have a rug under the bowls the mess is contained. Also make sure to pick up any pet food that lands on the floor otherwise you will have an ant problem.
Pets are a joy and with just a little preventative work they will not unnecessarily add to your house work. Now, if we could just do something about the kids!