Pet Projects

12 Tips for Pet-Friendly Decorating (page 5 of 5)

Don't let your house go to the dogs and the cats. Follow these tips and you can keep your floors, walls and furniture looking great.

By Leanne PottsMore in Decorating

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Vacuum regularly

Even if you match your chaise to your Siamese so perfectly that the hairballs are barely visible, vacuum kitty's hair off the furniture at least twice a week. You may need to vacuum daily when your pet is shedding.

Pet hair has an odor and it contains an oil that will attract dirt to the fabric on which it sits. She suggests you invest in a Dyson DC14 Animal, an upright vacuum named for its miraculous ability to suck up animal hair. Julia says you'll wonder how you ever lived without it when you see the horrifying amounts of dirt and hair the Dyson picks up from your floors and furniture.

Bathe and groom your pet often

Keeping your dog or cat clean will help your house stay cleaner, longer. Trimmed nails won't scratch floors or upholstery. Regularly brushing and bathing removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, your bed, throw pillows and curtains. Furniture and rugs will last longer if they don't need to be washed as often. Think of it this way: It's easier to clean your dog than your upholstery, and it's usually more fun.