Safeguarding Floors from Pets: Tips and Tricks
It’s safe to say that pet owners simply adore their cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals! Why else would we put up with all the accidents and chaos they bring to our orderly households? Simply put, pets are a big part of what makes a house feel like a home. However, whether you have a big or small pet, canine, feline or something else, they can take a toll on flooring. If you love your pets and also your floors, keep reading for ways you can keep flooring safe from paw and claw damage.
Use Pet Gates to Protect Floors
Although we would ideally love our pets to be everywhere we are, one of the easiest ways to prevent pets from damaging your floors is to designate some areas as “pet free.” You can use gates or keep doors closed so Fluffy or Fido stay out, meaning less wear and tear (as well as shedding and cleaning). If you have an area or two that you’d like to keep especially tidy, this solution might work for you. At the least, invest in a comfy bed for your pet that matches your decor and train him to use it, rather than meandering all around your living space. If quarantining your pets isn’t a viable solution, keep reading for more ideas.
Keep Pets Groomed to Reduce Dander on Floors
Another easy way to reduce floor damage and cut down on cleaning is by keeping up with pet hygiene. Make sure you take your pet for grooming, if applicable, and regularly keep nails trimmed to an acceptable length. Shorter nails won’t come into contact as easily with the flooring, regardless of what type you have, keeping scratches or snags to a minimum. As a bonus, regular baths and brushing can drastically improve shedding, by removing loose hair rather than allowing it to blow around your house. Schedule your pet for a spa day to reduce your vacuuming duties and the amount of abrasive particles on the surface.
Invest In Pet-Friendly Flooring
If it’s time for a flooring upgrade, make sure you consider your furry creatures when making design choices. There are lots of floor options that stand up to pet traffic, such as tile, laminate, and luxury vinyl. Not only are these flooring styles easy to clean, but they are available in a plethora of options, everything from the look of wood or stone to an endless assortment of colors and textures to suit any style. Keep in mind the color and breeds of your pets as well. White dog? Best to steer clear of a dark floor. Choosing a flooring option that will not show every piece of pet hair will save you headaches down the road.
Best Flooring Care Routine in Homes with Pets
Whether you have soft carpet or hard surface flooring, you will want to keep a good cleaning routine. Consider sweeping up hair and gritty dirt frequently, and vacuum at least weekly, even more if there is typically a lot of shedding. Spot clean any messes and address them immediately to prevent stains or odors from setting in. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and test new cleaners in an inconspicuous area if you are unsure. Cleaning routinely will not only keep your floors looking nice, you will notice and address small problems before they become big ones.
If it is time for a pet-friendly flooring upgrade, visit our experts at Kirkland's Flooring. We can talk you through the process of choosing a new, pet-friendly floor, from budget to installation. We can even recommend products that will keep things looking company-ready, no matter how my fur-babies you have!
