8 Things Pet Owners Should Clean More Often Than They Think

Living with pets means more than keeping their food and water bowls clean. Fur, dander, dirt, saliva, and outdoor debris can collect on everyday items around the house, including some that are easy to overlook. Regular cleaning can help keep your home fresher and reduce the buildup of grime and microorganisms. Here are eight pet-related items and household surfaces worth adding to your regular cleaning routine.

Pet Food and Water Bowls

Food and water bowls can develop a slimy buildup called biofilm, particularly when water sits in the bowl for long periods. Wash food and water bowls regularly with hot, soapy water rather than simply topping them off with fresh food or water. The FDA recommends washing pet food and water bowls after each use for wet food and at least daily for dry food and water. Stainless steel and other dishwasher-safe bowls can make regular cleaning easier.

Pet Beds and Blankets

Pet bedding collects hair, dander, dirt, and body oils even when it doesn’t look particularly dirty. Wash removable covers, blankets, and other machine-washable bedding regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Vacuuming the bed between washes can also help remove loose hair and debris. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors or has accidents, the bedding may need cleaning more frequently.

Collars and Harnesses

Collars and harnesses can pick up sweat, dirt, mud, and skin oils during everyday use. Because they’re in regular contact with your pet’s skin and fur, they can become surprisingly grimy. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, as materials such as leather and nylon require different care. Allow washable collars and harnesses to dry completely before putting them back on your pet.

Leashes

Leashes frequently touch sidewalks, grass, dirt, and other outdoor surfaces, making them easy to overlook during routine cleaning. A quick inspection can reveal mud, stains, or buildup around clips and handles. Wash fabric leashes according to the manufacturer’s instructions and clean metal hardware appropriately. Make sure the leash is completely dry and remains in good condition before using it again.

Pet Toys

Toys can accumulate saliva, dirt, food particles, and hair, especially when pets carry them around the house or outdoors. Washable rubber and plastic toys can often be cleaned with soap and water, while fabric toys may be machine washable if the care label permits. Inspect toys regularly for cracks, loose pieces, or damaged areas that could create a choking or ingestion hazard. Replace toys that are badly damaged rather than trying to clean them back to usable condition.

Food Mats and Feeding Areas

The area underneath food and water bowls can collect crumbs, spilled water, and bits of food that attract insects or develop odors. Wash food mats regularly and wipe the surrounding floor as needed. Waterproof mats are particularly convenient because they can usually be cleaned quickly between deeper cleanings. Keeping the feeding area clean is also easier when bowls are placed on a surface that can be washed or wiped down.

Pet Carriers and Crates

Crates and carriers can collect fur, dirt, food particles, and other debris even when they’re used only occasionally. Remove bedding and loose debris before cleaning the carrier or crate according to its material and manufacturer’s instructions. Pay particular attention to corners, seams, doors, and ventilation areas where debris can accumulate. Clean and dry everything thoroughly before your pet uses the space again.

The Spots Where Your Pet Spends the Most Time

Pets don’t necessarily stay in the places specifically designed for them. Favorite couches, chairs, rugs, windowsills, and corners can collect fur and dander simply because your pet spends so much time there. Vacuuming or wiping these high-traffic pet areas regularly can help keep hair and debris under control. Wash removable blankets or furniture covers according to their care instructions, and choose cleaning products that are appropriate for use around pets.

A Cleaner Home Starts With the Pet Items You Use Every Day

You don’t need to deep-clean every pet-related item every day. Instead, concentrate on the things your pet uses most often, particularly food and water bowls, bedding, toys, and frequently touched equipment. A simple routine of washing, vacuuming, and inspecting these items can prevent grime from building up and make larger cleaning jobs easier. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pet products and keep cleaning chemicals safely away from animals.

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