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Dog Cleaning Tips: How To Keep Clean & Germ Free When Raising A Dog
Housebreaking a puppy goes a long way in reducing the amount of time you will have to spend it cleaning up your dog's accidents. For help cutting down the cleanup time, try some of the ideas below.
1. Premix in spray bottles appropriate cleaning products, such as vinegar and water or detergent and water, so the products are handy when you need them. Label the spray bottles with their contents and store them in a convenient location. Often, just the strength of the spray on the spot where your dog accidentally left you a present helps lift up the residue and prevent stains from forming.
2. Upholstered furniture comes in all styles and fabrics; some are easy to clean and some are more difficult. To help us with our cleaning chores, manufacturers have marked their furniture with a cleaning code or set of instructions to let the consumer know what type of cleaning is recommended for that fabric.
The codes are usually on the furniture platforms under the cushions. A "W," for example, means that the product should be cleaned only with water, while the letter "S" means the furniture should be cleaned only with solvents. Before using any cleaning product on your upholstered furniture, check the manufacturer's instructions and test-clean a spot in an inconspicuous place.
3. Treat your carpet and upholstered furniture with a stain-resistant product such as Scotchgard.
Taking Care Of Germs
In the total scheme of things, we stand to catch more harmful germs from other people or even the food we eat than we do from animals, but eliminating bacteria from surfaces on which our dogs walk or from our hands can help make our homes and us more sanitary. Here are some weapons for your war against germs:
1. If you're on a walk with your dog, take along an individually packaged antibacterial wipe to clean and sanitize your hands after picking up your dog's wastes. Antibacterial wipes are available in supermarkets and grocery stores.
2. Use common household bleach to wipe down surfaces or clean floors to eliminate harmful bacteria. Rinse well and don't allow your dog to walk on the surface while it's wet. If the bleach gets on your dog's paws, he might ingest it when he licks his feet. Be sure to pretest a surface before cleaning with bleach to avoid color changes.
3. Or, use an antibacterial cleaner with an odor neutralizer to remove bacteria and leave your house clean smelling.
4. Wash dog food dishes with detergent on a daily basis to prevent bacterial growth. If your dog's food and water bowls are dishwasher safe, place them in the dishwasher where the high temperatures will kill bacteria.
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