While not always necessary, daily vacuuming can be beneficial, especially in busy households with hairy pets or people with allergies. Just be aware that this frequent cleaning schedule increases flooring and appliance wear and tear. Use the appropriate setting and brushes to go easy on carpet fibers, and regularly maintain your vacuum to increase its life span.
Even cats that are well-trained at using the litter box can end up urinating on various household objects or floors at some point. Cats may pee outside of the litter box for many different reasons, from their surroundings to their health.
If any of these issues sound familiar, addressing them can help you prevent any future accidents. When in doubt, talk to your vet, especially if peeing outside the litter box is coupled with any other abnormal behavior.
Stress: A soiled litter box or untidy surroundings, strange guests stopping by, or loud noises may stress out a kitty, leading them to pee outside of their box.
Health: Cats with health issues like UTIs, bladder stones, diabetes, or kidney disease may pee around the house.
Marking: Cats may mark around the house to either claim their territory when other animals come around or to attract a mate.
Preferences: Your cat may simply prefer a larger litter box, or maybe they don’t like the new litter you bought on sale at the store.
Steam and vinegar are excellent cleaners, but it’s best not to put vinegar in your steam cleaner unless explicitly approved by the manufacturer. If you don’t dilute the vinegar properly, it can damage the steam cleaner, and using a non-approved cleaning solution in the machine can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’re renting a steam cleaner, the right cleaning products to use on carpet are cleaning solutions designed specifically for steam cleaners and carpeting. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you’re using the appropriate product. For everyday cleaning and deodorizing, white vinegar and baking soda are two natural but effective products to use; for urine and other biological messes, opt for an enzymatic cleaner. Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or dish soap, which can damage carpet fibers or leave behind stubborn residue.
To maintain your mattress and keep it fresh, you should aim for a deep clean at least twice a year. However, if you have allergies, pets, or sweat heavily at night, you may want to clean it more frequently, such as every three to four months. In between deep cleanings, it's a good practice to vacuum the mattress surface regularly and spot-clean any stains as they occur. Using a mattress protector can significantly help by minimizing the buildup of allergens, dust mites, and bodily fluids, which can make your cleaning routine more effective. Remember to launder the protector regularly, as some dirt and sweat can still get through to the mattress.
The Wamsutter, WY homeowners’ guide to carpet cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes, you need to give your carpet a deep clean. This guide breaks down the best way to clean carpet to make your floor sparkle and remove hidden dirt.
Some homeowners wonder if professional carpet cleaning is worth the cost. We break down the pros and cons so you can decide what works best for your home.