Cleaning Up After Pets

Cleaning up after the pets that we love.

We love animals. Most of the time, that is. Just because we like our four-legged friends doesn't mean we have to agree with everything they do. Sometimes, there's a dirty side to pets. Those little guys can make bigger messes than their humans ever could. And when it's our job to clean up, it's not always a fun situation.

Never fear! Use these tips and you'll never have trouble cleaning carpets and cages again.

Urine on the Rug
Pets will "make water" to mark their territory, out of fear, or due to age and sickness. If you catch a culprit early, while the area is still wet, it's easier to clean.

Blot with paper towels
Spray the area with a water/white vinegar mix and blot again.
Repeat as needed.
If there's an odor after the stain's dried, use a pet-specific carpet cleaner to get it out.

If the area has already dried, you'll have to attack it with that carpet cleaner.

"Number Two" Duty
Just like point number one (pun intended), it's much easier to clean if the pet mess hasn't had a chance to set. Just pick it up with a paper towel and use an old toothbrush with mild dish detergent to clean the rest up.

If it's set in, you'll have more work to do.

Try to scrape off as much as possible.
Then, wet the stain using water/white vinegar mix.
Blot.
Then use a toothbrush and a mild detergent to break up any loose particles, being careful not to grind it into the carpet.
Use a pet-specific carpet cleaner to finish off the job.

If you're a pet owner yourself, check out this handy pooper-scooper or these eco-friendly, disposable doo-doo bags.

Hair, Hair Everywhere
Having issues with pet hair all over the place? Regular vacuuming helps a lot, but what about when it's all over the furniture?

For chairs and sofas, wrap masking tape around your hand (sticky side out) and slap the cushions lightly. The hair will stick to the tape and you can just throw it away. If you don't want to keep buying rolls of tape, though, make a one-time purchase and snag a pet grooming glove—brush the couch like you would a cat and the hair will be gone!

Cleaning is for the Birds
Thanks to About.com for this handy homemade birdcage cleaner.

3 cups hot water
3 tbsp of baking soda
2 tbsp pure lemon juice
Mix together, pour into a spray bottle and, voila! You have an eco-friendly and pet-safe cleaner. It's good for breaking down outdoor bird stains, too!

Here Fishy-Fishy
It's pretty easy to take care of a fish's home—all you have to do is plan ahead. Have your employer provide the new water. They should use bottled water or add chlorine neutralizer to tap water to make it fish-friendly.

Set out the water you need for at least an hour before you want to clean the bowl. That will allow the water's temperature to settle at room temperature and prevent any shock to the fish. Transfer the fish to the new water using a small net. Then, scrub the bowl and any gravel/decorations thoroughly, but DON'T use any chemicals or soap—those could hurt the fish.

When you're done, put the new water into the bowl and gently place Little Fishy-Fish back inside.

Article Source: Grannies Kitchen Cleaning Tips and Humor