Keep your home fresh, clean, and safe — for everyone, paws included.
Sharing your home with pets is one of life’s great joys — until you find fur in your coffee, paw prints on the couch, or that mysterious “pet smell” lingering in the air. But cleaning up after pets doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or endless effort.
This guide shares smart, pet-safe cleaning tips to help Aussie pet owners keep their homes tidy while protecting their furry family members.
🧴 1. Use Non-Toxic, Pet-Safe Cleaners
Many common cleaners contain ammonia, bleach, or phenols — all of which can be toxic to pets.
Better options:
- Natural cleaners with vinegar, bi-carb soda, lemon, or eucalyptus (used in moderation)
- Pet-safe Aussie brands like Koala Eco, EcoStore, and Resparkle
DIY All-Purpose Spray Recipe:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops lavender or lemon essential oil (skip oils for cats — they’re sensitive!)
Shake and spray on most surfaces — test first on stone or marble.
🐕 2. De-Fur Your Furniture — Fast
Fur loves couches, carpets, and car seats. Here’s how to fight back:
- Use a rubber glove — dampen and run it across furniture to collect fur
- Try a microfibre lint brush or a reusable roller
- Vacuum with a pet-hair-specific attachment every 2–3 days
Zyppo tip: Keep a basket near your front door with wipes and a towel to clean paws before your pet tracks in dust and dirt.
🛋️ 3. Neutralise Pet Odours the Natural Way
No one wants their home smelling like a kennel.
- Sprinkle bi-carb soda on rugs, let it sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum
- Simmer a pot of water + rosemary + lemon slices to freshen the air
- Place activated charcoal bags in rooms with litter boxes or pet bedding
Avoid: Store-bought air fresheners with synthetic fragrances — these can irritate your pet’s respiratory system.
🧼 4. Accident Cleanup 101 (Urine, Vomit, etc.)
Act fast with pet messes to avoid long-term smells and stains.
- Blot the area with paper towels (don’t rub!)
- Spray with equal parts vinegar + water
- Sprinkle bi-carb soda on top
- Let dry, then vacuum
For carpets: Use an enzyme-based cleaner like Urine Off or Nature’s Miracle — safe for pets and effective at breaking down organic stains.
🧺 5. Wash Bedding, Toys & Bowls Weekly
Your pet’s favourite items can harbour bacteria and odour.
- Beds & blankets: Wash with a natural detergent like Abode or EcoStore
- Toys: Soak in warm vinegar water (1:1) or run through the dishwasher (no heat dry)
- Bowls: Clean daily with hot water + a few drops of dish soap — avoid leaving water bowls near dust-prone corners
Bonus tip: Rotate toys weekly to keep pets mentally stimulated and reduce clutter.
🌿 6. Choose Safe Plants & Avoid the Toxic Ones
Certain indoor plants may look beautiful but can be deadly to cats and dogs.
Pet-safe houseplants:
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- Bamboo palm
- Calathea
Toxic plants to avoid:
- Lilies
- Aloe vera
- Philodendron
- Snake plant
Check the RSPCA pet-safe plant list for more.
🐶 7. Floor Care for Pet Homes
Your floors take the brunt of claws, fur, and dander.
- Mop tiles or hardwood with warm water + vinegar once a week
- Use washable mats near entryways and feeding stations
- Sweep or vacuum daily in multi-pet homes
Vacuum pick: Hoover PowerDash Pet, Dyson V8 Animal — great for Aussie homes with hard floors and carpet combos.
