Anyone who owns pets at home knows that keeping the environment clean, organized, and smelling fresh is a challenge. However, you don’t have to give up living with pets to have a well-sanitized and safe home for everyone, thanks to the tips from ‘Dr. Bacteria’.
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According to the ambassador of EsfreBom and biomedical microbiologist Roberto Figueiredo, popularly known as Dr. Bacteria, there are several diseases that can be caused by the presence of animals, such as sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis. The good news is that ensuring a clean environment is relatively easy, especially using the correct products and utensils.
Check out the cleaning tips and product suggestions from the expert!
ATTENTION TO PRODUCTS USED
“Before starting to clean the house, remember that you have a pet. Therefore, never use bleach and chlorine in places where the pet circulates, as these products can cause contact dermatitis on its paws and skin,” explains Dr. Bacteria. The expert’s suggestion is always to check the composition of chemical products on the packaging to ensure that they will not cause damage. “Products containing ammonia should also be avoided, as the smell stimulates the dog to urinate in places where this substance has been used,” he suggests.
GOODBYE BAD SMELLS
Even if the pet’s hygiene is up to date, the animal’s odor usually prevails in most homes. To eliminate the smell, Dr. Bacteria recommends a practical and effective solution: “In a bucket, mix in this order: 1 liter of water, ¼ cup of alcohol, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, ½ cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of fabric softener. Put it in a spray bottle and use it in places where the smell is strongest.” Additionally, to keep the air pleasant, opt for air fresheners with mild fragrances.
CLEANING UP URINE FROM THE WRONG PLACE
Even the most trained dogs can occasionally urinate in the wrong place. “To clean up the urine, use a piece of kitchen paper or cloth to absorb the excess liquid. Then, spray with the homemade cleaning solution to disinfect and eliminate the strong odor,” he advises.
NO HAIRS AROUND THE HOUSE
Hairs can cause mites which, together with the usual dirt in the house, increase the risk of allergic reactions – in both owners and pets, and can also cause respiratory and allergic diseases. Cats, especially older ones, often shed a lot of hair throughout the house. With dogs, this happens especially during the molting season. To mitigate the problem, a tip is to keep them always well-trimmed and brushed. “When the hairs are all over the floor, it’s important to really remove them by not sweeping the area, which would promote the suspension of hairs in the air. Instead, use a good mop for the floor and microfiber cloths for furniture, as both retain dirt, even micro particles, and prevent the hair from being transferred from one place to another. Vacuum cleaners are also good options, especially for larger amounts of hair. Finally, use adhesive rollers to clean the sofa, for example, and other surfaces,” comments the expert.
BEDDING AND SUPPLIES
For owners who allow their pets to stay in beds, it is important to replace pillowcases, sheets, and blankets twice a week. The pet’s bed should also be cleaned with the same frequency. As for the supplies used by him, such as food bowls and toys, cleaning should be done daily.
This content was created with the help of AI.
