Keep it clean

Living with pets is great for us, but not always the state of our homes! Here's how to keep your house and furniture clean and in good condition when sharing a space with your furry friends

- HELEN WALLACE

You might wish that your home looked like something out of the pages of a decor magazine. But, if you are a pet owner, you’ll know that the struggle is real when it comes to keeping your living space clean. You’ll also know that our companion animals like to be close to us, so unless they live outside (with the appropriate shelter provided) you are bound to end up with hair and muck getting into your home.

Fortunately, there are ways to share your space with your animals while keeping your house as clean as possible.

CREATE THEIR SPACE

Do your animals love to stretch out on the couch or your bed? One of the easiest ways to avoid them taking over and leaving fur on your furniture is to provide them with their own. Creating a designated area in your bedroom or living room, complete with a comfy bed for your pet will encourage them to snooze there instead.

When it comes to choosing a bed, make sure that it’s the right size and has a soft, cushioned base. Blankets are also crucial – especially in winter – to keep them warm and snug. And once their bedding has their smell on it, they’ll soon learn that it’s their special space.

TRY SOME TRAINING 

One obvious way to preserve your furniture is to not allow your pets on your pieces. Not only can they make them dirty but their claws, teeth and bladders can be destructive, too! But, as the old saying goes: ’Easier said than done!’ Luckily, there are a couple of ways to go about teaching your animal that they are not welcome on your expensive couch or bed linen.