Think about all of the things you own that get cleaned regularly. Clothes and dishes usually get cleaned after one use, while bed sheets and the toilet get cleaned monthly, if not more frequently.
And we do it because we know it’s the best way to stay healthy and free of germs and bacteria.
But if that’s the case, then why don’t most of us treat our pet supplies the same way? I recommend starting with the following eight items that you aren’t cleaning enough!
1. Litter Box
We all have toilets, and we all know how dirty those toilets get when they get neglected.
Your cat’s litter box is no different. That’s why I recommend scooping cat litter daily and replacing it with clean litter as needed, but don’t just stop there. We should also clean and disinfect the litter box as a whole every week, if not more.
And yes, that means dumping out all the litter and giving it a proper clean with soap and water.
But if you have to stretch the deep cleaning to twice per month due to how expensive litter is, then that’s okay—anyone who owns a cat will understand. When you do get around to cleaning it, make sure you avoid chemicals with heavy scents.
This can turn your cat away from the clean litter box and if that happens, they’ll choose to do their business elsewhere.
2. Food and Water Bowls
Would you knowingly or voluntarily eat food off of a dirty plate or drink water out of a dirty cup?
If you answered ‘no’ to that question, then you probably don’t need my advice. If you answer yes to that question—well, I’m here to tell you that your pet doesn’t agree. And neither does their body.
That’s why pet owners should be washing and disinfecting their pet’s food and water bowls daily—if not after every use—to remove bacteria.
Unfortunately, research finds that only about 12% of pet owners do this and nearly 18% wash them less than once every three months, if at all, according to AARP.
So, don’t forget to clean that water bowl, food bowl, and measuring cups—and give them some fresh water, while you’re at it!
3. Pet Beds
Throughout the day, your pet is bound to come into contact with multiple kinds of bacteria, fungi, mites, fleas, ticks and other unwelcome foes.
And if they have a pet bed, then all those germs will eventually find their way to that very spot. That’s why, for the same reason we wash our bed sheets regularly, pet owners need to remember to clean and disinfect their pet’s bed at least once or twice per month.
According to Jacqueline Brister, a veterinarian with Embrace Pet Insurance, the best way to do so is with hot water and laundry detergent. And if your pet was recently sick or ill, Brisker recommends cleaning their bed more frequently.
“It won’t completely get rid of ringworm or the fleas (or their eggs and larvae), but it can help cut down on how much your pet (and you!) are re-exposed to,” she adds.
4. Collars, Leashes, Harnesses
The three pet items listed above are the more obvious things that need to be cleaned, but now let’s get into the things most pet owners forget about. Starting with collars, leashes, and harnesses.
Just think about the germs and bacteria being housed on your dog or cat’s leash. After all, they wear it all day long and it goes with them wherever they go.
Yet, according to Brian Collins, a veterinarian with the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, pet owners often go months without cleaning their pet’s collar.
“Collars will become contaminated with bacteria, yeast and dander. They may contribute to rashes on the pet’s neck, especially in dogs,” Collins says.
If the leash or collar is made of nylon, cloth, or neoprene, the best way to clean it is by soaking it in a sink with hot water and scrubbing it with a soap and brush.
5. Pet Toys
Imagine putting something in your mouth, watching that something be thrown across the yard or room, and then putting that something back in your mouth.
Well, that’s exactly what your pet does with practically every toy you give them. And that’s exactly why the National Sanitation Foundation ranked pet toys as among the germiest items in your home, especially toys that make their way outside.
Toys that get used by a dog that drools a lot or a pet with dental disease can also be breeding grounds for bacteria and germs.
Cloth and plush toys can be thrown in the washer and dryer, while harder toys should be washed in the sink.
6. Crates and Carriers
We’ve already covered your pet’s bed, but let’s not forget about their crate or carrier.
For those that get used regularly, weekly or monthly cleaning is ideal. For those that get used only for vet visits, it’s best to clean after every use—that way, you don’t forget. “For pets that are being transported because of illness or injury, the carrier should also be cleaned after it is used to remove organic debris and avoid reinfection or infecting other pets,” says Brister.
Soft cat carriers can be cleaned with warm water and soap but let it completely dry before allowing your cat to use it again.
Hard carriers and crates, such as those made of plastic or metal, can be cleaned with a hose, brush, and pet-friendly soap.
7. Blankets & Furniture
If your pet is anything like mine, then they spend absolutely no amount of time relaxing in their pet bed. Instead, they tend to pop a squat on just about every blanket and piece of furniture you have.
And they probably like to scratch that furniture, but that’s a story for a different day. It’s okay, I feel your pain.
While that means you won’t need to clean the pet bed as often, it does mean you should start cleaning those blankets and furniture more frequently. The good news is most blankets can be thrown in the washer and dryer for easy cleaning.
When cleaning your sofa, try using a vacuum or wet rag to remove pet dander and hair. You can spot clean by mixing 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle.
8. Cat Trees
I owned a cat tree for several years before I finally looked at it and said, “Yeah, it’s time to clean this thing.”
So, if you’ve never thought to clean it yourself, then don’t worry—we’re all guilty and we can all do our part to be better pet owners.
But with that being said, there’s no better time to start doing it regularly than right now! Clean these the same way you would any other furniture—vacuum the dander and hair, then spot clean with pet-safe cleaning supplies. For the best results, try steam cleaning the tree.
Either way, I recommend getting yourself into a regular cleaning routine with your pet supplies, much like you do with the rest of your home.
It’ll make your house look and smell cleaner, but it’ll also make your pet a little happier—and that’s what matters most.
