It’s always a good idea to start with a deep clean. And if you haven’t had your air ducts cleaned in a while, there’s a good chance that they’re filled with dander, dust, and pet hair.
Getting your air ducts cleaned can also make your HVAC system run more efficiently, which will save you money and improve your air quality.
Step Two: A few minutes of cleaning a day can go a long way
Pet hair and dander sticks to all kinds of soft surfaces, meaning that it will be much more difficult to get rid of once it’s had a chance to settle and accumulate. Instead, set aside a few minutes per day to clear out pet hair.
– Upgrade your vacuum. Vacuums that have a HEPA filter and are designed specifically for pet households are a great investment. You’ll spend less time vacuuming and enjoy cleaner air.
– Throw your dog or cat’s toys and bedding in the laundry every week. And don’t forget to clean out your dryer filter!
– Scrub down hard surfaces too. Pet allergens are present not only in their hair, but also in their saliva. So, if you have a dog that likes to leave slobber marks on the windows and counters, take a few minutes to wipe those surfaces down.
Step Three: Groom your pets outside
Regular grooming can go a long way towards improving your home air quality. Depending on your dog or cat’s coat, they should be brushed about once every couple of days to every day.
And, the trick to keeping it out of your air ducts is to groom them outside. Or, if you have an indoor cat, consider grooming them in the bathroom or garage where it will be easier to pick up their fur.
Note: If your dog or cat has been treated with topical flea medication, properly dispose of their hair instead of leaving it outside. This will prevent contamination of your local ecosystem.
Step Four: Work towards a more harmonious life for your pets
Pets tend to shed more when they’re feeling stressed, whether as the result of separation anxiety, the introduction of a new pet, a change in their environment, or any other trigger.
Your pet will be happier, and your home will have better air quality, if you’re able to address sources of stress. Additional remedies such as dog and cat calming pheromones can also be helpful.
Step Five: Check and change your air filters
There’s no one-size-fits-all as to how often you should change your air filters. In a home without pets, it’s usually fine to change it every few months.
But as a pet owner, we would say that you should check your air filter once a month, or even more, depending on how many pets you have and how much they shed.
Step Six: If you’re planning a renovation, stick with dander- deterring floors
Have an upcoming renovation? Consider swapping out fur-catching carpet with something easier to maintain as a pet owner.
Hardwood floors, tile, and other hard surfaces will help you maintain better indoor air quality.