Living with pets in Exeter brings joy — and extra cleaning challenges. Here's how to keep your home fresh and clean while keeping your furry friends safe.

Tackling Pet Hair

Pet hair is the number one cleaning challenge for Exeter pet owners. Here are effective strategies:

Vacuum frequently: At least twice a week for pet-owning homes. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens.
Rubber gloves trick: Put on damp rubber gloves and run your hands over upholstery — pet hair clings to them.
Lint rollers: Keep them in every room for quick touch-ups.
Throw blankets: Cover favourite pet spots with washable throws — much easier than cleaning the sofa itself.

Managing Pet Odours

Wash pet bedding weekly
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming
Clean feeding areas daily
Keep litter trays clean and in well-ventilated areas
Open windows regularly for natural ventilation

Pet-Safe Cleaning Products

Many common cleaning products are toxic to pets. Avoid:

Products containing bleach (especially around cats)
Pine oil and phenol-based cleaners
Products with strong fragrances
Any product that warns "keep away from animals"

Instead, opt for plant-based, eco-friendly cleaning products. At Cleaner Exeter, all our products are pet-safe — we understand that your pets are family members too.

Stain Removal Tips

Act fast: Blot (don't rub) stains immediately
Enzymatic cleaners: Best for organic stains (accidents, vomit)
White vinegar solution: Effective natural stain remover
Professional help: For stubborn stains, a professional clean may be needed

Room-by-Room Pet Cleaning Guide

Different rooms present different challenges when you have pets:

Entrance and Hallway

This is where muddy paws make their biggest impact — especially in Devon, where rain and countryside walks are part of daily life. Keep a dedicated towel by the door for paw wiping. Place a washable mat inside the entrance to catch dirt before it spreads. Consider hard flooring in your hallway if you're renovating — it's far easier to maintain than carpet.

Living Room

If your pet has a favourite spot on the sofa, protect it with washable throws. Vacuum soft furnishings weekly, including under and behind cushions where hair collects. Wipe down hard furniture surfaces more frequently than non-pet homes — dander settles on everything.

Kitchen

Keep feeding areas clean by wiping up spills immediately. Wash food and water bowls daily. If your pet's food contains fish or strong-smelling ingredients, clean the feeding area more thoroughly to prevent lingering odours. Store pet food in sealed containers to keep things fresh and discourage pests.

Bedrooms

If pets sleep on beds, wash bedding more frequently — at least weekly. Consider using a mattress protector. Vacuum under beds regularly, as pet hair accumulates in these hidden spots.

Seasonal Considerations for Exeter Pet Owners

Devon's seasons bring specific challenges:

Spring: Shedding season begins. Increase vacuuming frequency and consider professional upholstery cleaning.
Summer: Fleas are more active. Regular cleaning helps catch infestations early. Keep outdoor access areas clean.
Autumn: Muddy walks through Exeter's parks and along the Exe estuary mean extra floor cleaning. Dry pets thoroughly before they settle on furniture.
Winter: Pets spend more time indoors, increasing hair and dander accumulation. Ventilation becomes more important.

Professional Pet-Friendly Cleaning in Exeter

Our cleaning service is designed with pet owners in mind. We use pet-safe, eco-friendly products and pay special attention to pet-related cleaning challenges. Contact Cleaner Exeter for a pet-friendly cleaning quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your cleaning products safe for cats?

Yes, all our products are safe for cats, dogs, and other household pets. We specifically avoid bleach, phenol-based cleaners, and pine oil products, which are particularly toxic to cats. Our plant-based, eco-friendly range is gentle yet effective — safe for your pets to walk on treated surfaces immediately after cleaning.

Can you clean while my pets are at home?

Absolutely. Most of our Exeter clients' pets are present during cleaning. We're experienced with animals and happy to work around them. If your pet is anxious around strangers, we recommend confining them to one room while we clean the rest of the house, then swapping rooms at the end.

Do you charge extra for homes with pets in Exeter?

No, we don't charge a pet surcharge. We understand that pet hair and related cleaning challenges are simply part of maintaining a pet-friendly home. Our standard rates cover the additional attention needed for pet-owning households, including thorough vacuuming and pet-safe product use throughout.

Pet-Friendly Cleaning Tips: Keeping Your Exeter Home Fresh