8 Commonly Overlooked Areas Pet Owners Should Clean 

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Little boy and dog look out the window
massonforstock/123rf

As pet owners, we adore our furry companions, but keeping our homes clean and fresh while accommodating them can be a challenge. While we’re quick to clean their food bowls and litter boxes, many pet owners overlook key areas that also need regular attention. From window sills to room corners, these spots accumulate pet hair, dander, and odors that can affect your home’s overall cleanliness. Here, we’ll highlight eight commonly overlooked areas in your home that require cleaning to ensure a healthy, pet-friendly living space.

1. Windows And Windowsills

A cockatiel bird near a window
Dmitriy Gutarev/Pixabay

If your pets are curious about the world outside, they likely leave their mark on your windows. Pets often jump on the windowsill to observe activity, leaving behind nose prints, paw marks, and other residue. These spots can go unnoticed during regular cleaning, but they can make your windows look smudged and dirty. Make sure to clean both the glass and the window sills regularly. Dust and pet hair accumulate on the sills, and cleaning them helps maintain a fresh, clear view and improves overall cleanliness in your home.

2. Walls And Surrounding Areas

Ferret near food bowls in a cage.
Magda Ehlers/Pexels

Pet feeding areas, litter boxes, and resting spaces can lead to wall stains and dirt buildup. Pet food often splatters during mealtime, and the areas around litter boxes can gather dust, fur, and waste. It’s essential to clean the spaces surrounding your pet’s designated areas to prevent the buildup of germs, stains, and odors. A quick wipe-down with a mild cleaner will help maintain a cleaner environment and prevent any lasting damage to your walls. If the area looks especially dirty, it might be time to refresh the paint to give it a cleaner look.

3. Couches And Recliners

Two small dogs, one black and tan, the other white and black, lying on pillows on a brown leather couch.
Kaboompics.com/Pexels

Your pets love lounging on the couch, but this can lead to fur buildup and lingering odors. Over time, furniture absorbs hair, dirt, and sometimes even pet saliva. If left unchecked, this can cause unpleasant smells and make your furniture appear unkempt. Vacuuming regularly, deep cleaning when necessary, and covering your furniture with washable blankets or slipcovers can help keep your couches looking fresh. For a more thorough clean, professional upholstery cleaning can be a great investment, ensuring your furniture stays looking and smelling great.

4. Area Rugs

Puggle puppy sleeping on a carpet.
Torsten Dettlaff/Pexels

Your pet’s favorite lounging spot may be on the area rug, but it’s also a place where dirt, pet hair, and odors can accumulate. If your pet is prone to accidents or spills, this can lead to stains that are hard to remove. Regularly vacuuming rugs can help eliminate pet hair and dirt, but it’s important to clean them thoroughly with pet-safe products. Spots clean any accidents as soon as they happen and consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner for a deeper, more effective clean to remove stubborn stains and odors.

5. Curtains And Drapes

Cat looking through curtains
vitalytyagunov/123rf

Curtains are often forgotten during cleaning, but they attract dust, pet hair, and dander from your pets’ frequent movement. As your pets jump and run around, they may inadvertently knock down or brush against curtains, collecting debris, dirt, and hair along the way. Curtains not only trap dust but also retain odors in the air, which can make your home feel less fresh and inviting. Wash your curtains regularly to prevent buildup, and use a lint roller or vacuum attachment to effectively remove pet hair.

6. Throw Blankets And Pillows

Orange tabby snuggled warmly in soft blanket
cat823/Pixabay

Throw blankets and pillows on your furniture are prime spots for collecting pet hair, dander, and odors. These items are often overlooked during routine cleaning but can contribute to an untidy and less-than-fresh environment. Wash throw blankets and pillow covers regularly using pet-safe detergent. For extra freshness, use a fabric softener designed to eliminate pet odors. Keeping these items clean will help maintain a more hygienic and pleasant home, especially if your pets love to snuggle up with you on the couch.

7. Beds And Sleeping Areas

Jack-A-Poo resting
ilovelucysdoggrooming/Instagram

Your pet’s bed or resting area can become a hotspot for dirt, hair, and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Pets spend a lot of time in their beds, so it’s important to keep these areas fresh and hygienic. Wash pet beds and sleeping mats frequently, and disinfect them to prevent bacteria buildup. Dirty sleeping areas not only lead to unpleasant odors but can also impact your pet’s health. Regular cleaning ensures your pet stays comfortable and healthy in their designated resting spot.

8. Room Corners

A fluffy golden and white dog sitting upright on its hind legs in a bright, cozy living room with a dog crate, a potted plant, and a sofa in the background.
Impact Dog Crates/Pexels

Room corners are notorious for collecting dust, pet hair, and dander, and they often go unnoticed during regular cleaning. These areas may not be immediately visible, but over time, they can build up and contribute to poor air quality. Use a vacuum cleaner with an extendable hose or a broom to clean corners effectively. Regularly sweeping and vacuuming these areas ensures that your home stays clean from floor to ceiling and helps to maintain a fresh, allergen-free environment for both you and your pet.

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