Spring is the season of fresh starts! And what better way to welcome it than with a thorough clean?
For pet parents, though, a regular spring cleaning checklist needs to go beyond dusting shelves and vacuuming rugs. Pets add love, joy, and also a little bit of mess…!
So it’s important to clean thoroughly, but also to use pet-friendly products so nothing is hazardous for our furry besties.
Here’s the ultimate spring cleaning checklist for pet parents that not only leaves your house sparkling, but also keeps your furry friends safe and comfortable.
1. Wash pet bedding & blankets
Pet bedding can trap fur, dirt, germs, and odours. A good wash of their bed and any blankets helps to deter any bacteria from festering, as well as reducing allergens.
You’ll also gift them that ‘fresh bed sheets’ feeling that we all love so much!
What products to use (and avoid):
Standard laundry products may seem harmless but they’re a common cause of accidental poisoning in pets. Not only that, some detergents and softeners can irritate their skin.
Safety tip: Wash pet items with hypoallergenic detergent – or at least a fragrance-free option – and run an extra rinse cycle to remove any leftover product.
2. Deep clean their food & water bowls
Even if you wash your dog bowls daily, they can develop a build-up of bacteria and biofilm. A proper scrub with hot, soapy water or a pet-safe cleaner helps keep mealtimes hygienic.
What products to use (or avoid):
Many household cleaning products contain harsh ingredients like bleach, ammonia, and phenols, which can be toxic to pets. Even if you’re not using them directly on surfaces your pet touches, residue can transfer to paws and fur. One lick later, and your pet may be ingesting something harmful.
Safety tip: Use pet-safe or natural cleaning alternatives where possible, like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. And, for extra precaution, keep pets out of freshly cleaned rooms until surfaces are completely dry.
3. Freshen up toys, collars & leashes
Soft toys can harbour germs, while collars and leashes get grimy. Toss machine-washable toys in the wash, and wipe down harder toys with a mild, pet-safe disinfectant.
What products to use (or avoid):
It’s easy to assume that ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly’ products are pet-friendly, but that’s not always true. Many contain essential oils or other plant-based ingredients that can still cause harm. If you can get your hands on a veterinary disinfectant, you’ll have peace of mind that your items will be free from bacteria, fungi and spores.
Safety tip: An important part of your spring cleaning checklist should be to sort through their toys, and toss out any that are broken, fraying, cracked, or could become a choking hazard.
4. Vacuum fur from every corner & crevice
When dog shedding season rolls around, pet parents really have their work cut out! That’s why your spring cleaning checklist goes beyond the usual vacuum spots. Think on as well as under furniture, along skirting boards, and on curtains.
What products to use (or avoid):
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. What this means is that the filter will traps allergens and dander so they don’t circulate back into the air. Take a look at a product review site like Choice, which will rate some of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair for you!
Safety tip: Thinking, ‘why is my dog afraid of vacuum cleaners?‘. You’re not alone. Some pets really despise the sound of the vacuum cleaner. Try encouraging them to enjoy some outdoor time (away from the vacuum areas) or distract them with a game or licking mat so they don’t get stressed!
5. Clean litter boxes and/or outdoor areas
Cat litter boxes need more than a quick scoop. Spring cleaning time is the perfect time to scrub them thoroughly and replace old litter.
For dogs, clear the backyard of waste and hose down play areas. Also, look out for any mould or grime build-up that won’t be good for your four-legged friend to ingest.
What products to use (or avoid):
Before getting stuck into replacing your cat’s litter tray, make sure you know the best cat litter. Some cats can be sensitive to the type of litter, so it’s a good chance to review what options are out there. And, here’s a handy read on how often you should change cat litter, too.
Safety tip: For the safety of both dogs and cats, now’s a good time to assess your property for any broken fences or areas where your furry friend might try to escape if the opportunity ever presents itself.
6. Freshen the air (safely)
While candles and diffusers smell lovely, many release toxins when burned. Diffusers and plug-ins can also leave harmful residues on fur or bedding. Some essential oils, too (even in small amounts), can be harmful to dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals.
What products to use (or avoid):
Avoid synthetic fragrance blends that include phthalates, formaldehyde, or essential oils known to be toxic to pets (like tea tree, citrus, pine for cats).
Opt for natural odour absorbers instead, like baking soda or charcoal, rather than trying to mask smells.
Safety tip: Stick to pet-friendly formulas or ones labelled ‘pet safe’ or ‘non-toxic’. Or, better yet, just open your windows to let fresh air circulate.
7. Clean them! (Groom your pet)
No spring cleaning checklist is complete without sprucing up your pet. A good bath and brush can reduce shedding, prevent matting, and keep your home cleaner overall.
What products to use (or avoid):
Reputable Australian pet stores like Pet Chemist have a range of dog grooming products, including; shampoos, de-tanglers, brushes and combs, clippers and even tear stain removers (for the light-haired pets out there).
Safety tip: Use shampoos formulated for pets. Human products can dry out their skin or cause irritation.
Prefer to outsource this last task on your spring cleaning checklist? A local Dog Groomer can help give them the cut, blow-wave and freshen up they need. Find a 5-star Dog Groomer near you >
