According to Our World in Data, about 11% of men in their thirties live alone. Whether it’s by choice or not, one thing is clear: it isn’t easy managing a house by yourself, especially if you’re living with a pet.
The good news is there are a couple of tricks you can try at home that can save you tons of cleaning time, so you can have more house with your furry companion and, of course, yourself.
Even better, they may increase the value of your property. Just in case you’re ready to move or settle with someone someplace else, you can get more from your asset.
1. Waterproof Your Deck
Many Americans love decks that you could recover as much as 106 percent of their value, according to a real estate study. This is especially true if it’s made of wood.
But wood can be less ideal if you have pets at home. Cats can use them as expensive scratch posts. Dogs can pee on them, and the seeped-in moisture can cause it to reek. Worse, it increases the risks of mold and mildew.
To extend the lifespan of your wood deck even with furry animals around, you can use deck waterproofing products. This coating prevents fluids like dog pee from penetrating the wood. It also leaves the floor shiny and easier to maintain and repair should cats scratch on them.
These waterproofing products further bring out the grain and texture of the wood. That can impress anyone who happens to visit your house—or a potential home buyer once you’re ready to let the asset go.
2. Avoid Carpets
Carpets remain some of the practical ways to conceal ugly flooring. They can also enhance the space quickly and provide warmth during the winter. But they’re not your best friend if you have a pet.
Carpets can accumulate a host of allergens from dust and debris your pets can bring home after a trip outdoors. They too can shed dander and fur. Not all vacuum cleaners can get rid of these, particularly if you are using those with low piles.
Some experts also think that these types of flooring are tacky and that they can decrease the value of your property. After all, who wants to move into a house whose carpets may have been stepped on by somebody else? Imagine the dirt, sweat, and grime they left there.
If the flooring doesn’t look good because it’s showing age, perhaps it’s a sign to repair or replace it. That may cost you money, but they will also last for a long time. Moreover, they are less likely to hide allergens coming from your pets.
3. Keep Your Shelves Closed
Open shelving is excellent if you want to create the illusion of more space. When placed in kitchens, it can speed up food prep and cooking since you won’t have to open and close cupboards.
However, they can be problematic if you have pets around. First, they mean easy access to your dogs and cats. Unfortunately, you may have objects there that can be dangerous to them.
Second, as solitary hunters or predators, cats love height. It means you’ll find them going up and down these shelves soon enough.
They may even lounge there along with your pots, pans, and other types of kitchenware. In other words, they can step on these utensils or leave their fur. Either way, they make your kitchen less hygienic.
If you have animals, you may be able to keep them safe and your environment clean or sanitary by using cupboards or closed shelves instead. If you find the common designs boring, now, you can exchange wood with glass. The frosted glass gives some oomph to your cabinets too.
4. Consider Using Artificial Grass
When you want to upgrade your outdoors and indoors but don’t have the time for maintenance, one of the best choices is to use artificial grass.
Unlike real grass, you won’t have to deal with mud that can stick into your pet’s paws. You also don’t need to spend money on herbicides and regular landscaping.
Moreover, you won’t have to second-guess whether the grass is safe for your pets to nibble on. When you need to bring your dogs for some pee and poop time, cleaning is much easier.
Artificial turf also works well inside the house. It creates a pop of color, and you can use it for some puppy training. By choosing the best grass, it doesn’t have to depreciate your property.
You can take care of your pet, spend less on cleaning, and have a lot of time on other things without compromising your home’s hygiene. These tips will help you achieve that.
