With spring cleaning season in full swing, now is the perfect time to do some deep-cleaning and rid your home of the hidden pet hair, dander, germs, and allergens that accumulated inside over the colder winter months. Here’s our ultimate spring cleaning checklist for pet parents: 

Step 1: Bathe Your Pet! 

Don’t worry; we’ll get to all the dusting, washing, and vacuuming, but this first spring cleaning step starts with bathing Fido or Fluffy! As a pet parent, you know it’s crucial to maintain a grooming routine suited to your pet’s breed and needs and consider allergies, whether they are yours or your pets. Our Anti-Allergen Pet Shampoo neutralizes allergens from pet dander and dust mites on contact. Plus, our shampoo is formulated with organic Neem tree extract, which can help eliminate fleas and ticks. Although fleas and ticks pose a threat to pets year-round, these pests become most active in the warmer months, starting as early as March in some areas. 

P.S., Now’s also an excellent time to wash your pet’s collar! Start by removing your pet’s collar and soak it in hot water with a few squirts of the Anti-Allergen Pet Shampoo to loosen up grime (always avoid using fragranced dish soap, human shampoo, or harsh fragranced shampoos on your pet’s collar, which can cause skin irritation). Rinse the collar, spray it with Vital Oxide to sanitize, and let the collar air-dry. Vital Oxide contains no harsh chemicals, noxious fumes, or harmful residues and is gentle enough to use around pets.  

Step 2: Clean and Sanitize Your Pet’s Bowls. 

When was the last time you cleaned your pet’s bowls? A 2011 germ study conducted by NSF International found that pet bowls were the fourth germiest place in the homes analyzed. To get rid of those germs, wash your pet’s bowls with warm water and fragrance-free dish soap (or toss them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher safe), rinse thoroughly with water, and then spray with Vital Oxide to sanitize. Simply let air dry before refilling with fresh food and water. 

Our multi-purpose disinfectant cleaner, Vital Oxide, is an NSF-certified food-contact sanitizer (no-rinse required). Remember, there’s no better time than now to get your pet’s bowls washed and sanitized – and to get in the habit of cleaning them on the regular (NSF International recommends cleaning them daily).

Step 3: Tackle their Toys. 

Make time to spring clean your pet’s toy collection. Repair or toss any damaged or well-loved toys. Donate any unused toys to your local animal rescue or shelter. Next, wash any non-machine washable toys (rubber chew toys, squeaky toys, etc.) in the sink with fragrance-free dish soap, rinse thoroughly with water, and then spray with Vital Oxide to sanitize. There is no need to rinse, simply let air dry; no worries about pet licking or chewing after cleaning. Toss any washable toys (stuffed animals, other soft toys, etc.) in the washing machine with your favorite hypoallergenic Anti-Allergen Laundry Detergent. 

While you’re in spring cleaning mode, you may also want to consider overhauling how you store your pet’s toys with a new stylish basket or storage bin.

Step 4: Vacuum Everything, Repeat. Repeat Again.  

Pet hair, dust, dirt, and dander require that you vacuum, mop, vacuum, and repeat. Spring cleaning is the perfect setting for a vacuum marathon. Reducing pet dander improves indoor air quality, cuts down on odors, and can help to alleviate allergy symptoms. There is a trick to it: To capture pet dander, you must use a vacuum with a sealed high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters work by trapping tiny particles in the fine mesh, including pet dander, dust, pollen, and even tobacco smoke. 

While cleaning, be sure to vacuum everything: carpets, rugs, curtains, furniture, upholstery, rugs, floors, and pet beds. Then vacuum some more. We know Fido hates the vacuum, but this essential chore will help keep your house from being overrun by fur and dander. 

Step 5: Neutralize Allergens.

After thoroughly vacuuming, use an Anti-Allergen Solution to eliminate any lingering allergens from cat dander, dog dander, or dust mites on furniture, bedding, rugs, carpeting, upholstery, pet beds, and hard surfaces like floors. Our Anti-Allergen Solution is 100% biodegradable, made with a plant- and mineral-based solution. It’s free of fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate your pets’ sensitive noses. 

Step 6: Wash Your Pet’s Bed.

Pets bring in all sorts of bacteria and allergens into the house–and they often accumulate where they hang out and sleep. Start by thoroughly vacuuming the pet hair, crumbs, and other debris off the bed. Then, wash your pet’s bed in the washing machine along with the Anti-Allergen Laundry Detergent. Aim to wash your pet’s bedding weekly to keep the allergen-load down. 

Step 7: Uncover Mystery Smells and Stains.

This spring, channel your inner Ace Ventura and finally track down that hint of old pet pee that’s been plaguing your nostrils since Christmas. Grab a blacklight to identify isolated problem areas (old urine stains will often glow yellow or green). To get rid of it, start by rinsing the area with warm water and then blot up with paper towels to soak up as much of the mess as possible. Then, use Vital Oxide directly on those pesky spots to neutralize odors and stains. 

Step 8: Have Feline Friends? Freshen Their Litter Box. 

All cat parents know the struggle of keeping litter boxes smelling fresh. And while high-quality kitty litter is a must, it’s simply not enough to prevent odors. During your spring cleaning routine, take the time to freshen your cat’s litter box. After emptying the litter box, scrub it with fragrance-free dish soap and hot water. Rinse, and then spray the litter box with Vital Oxide to disinfect and neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Let the litter box air dry before refilling with fresh litter. This routine will keep your kitty’s litter box smelling purr-fectly fresh.

Related: Why Cat Urine Smells So Terrible––And What You Can Do About It 

Have questions about reducing allergens or pet odors inside your home? We have answers! The Ecology Works has been leading the way in green cleaning since 1993. We can help you select the products you need to live a better, allergen-free life. Please feel free to Contact Us or message us on Facebook. No question is too small! We're here to help.