If you’re a pet owner and you’re moving out of your rental, you have to be careful about cleaning up. Your furry babies can leave behind hair, tough stains or even smells.
Giving the place a good clean helps you get your security deposit back and makes it welcoming for the new tenants moving in.
This useful checklist is packed with easy and affordable tips for dealing with animal messes. It can really help make the entire cleaning process less stressful and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Assess the Cleaning Needs
Begin with a leisurely scan of each space to identify where your furry companions might have left their mark.
Consider those snug hideaways, plush carpeting beneath your feet, and even your beloved sofa. Those are the usual suspects where animal fur, stains, or even whiffs of your dog or cat might like to settle in.
You know the routine. Grab a notebook or your phone, whatever is accessible, and make a record of these areas.
Creating a list can be a lifesaver. It keeps you from missing any trouble zones and makes the whole tidying job feel much more manageable. It also kind of feels satisfying to tick things off.
Once you’re in the tidying groove, why not take some before-and-after pictures as you prepare for moving with pets? It’s not just about showing off all the effort you’re putting in, although that’s a benefit.
These snapshots can be quite useful if your landlord ever wants to discuss how the residence is holding up. Plus, seeing the difference a bit of elbow grease makes can be quite the mood booster.
It transforms maintenance from a tiresome chore into something a bit more rewarding. Also, a spick-and-span home isn’t just lovely to inhabit—it’s your best bet for getting that full deposit back when it’s time to relocate.
Gather Pet-Safe Cleaning Supplies
When you’re prepping for a move, keeping the environment safe matters a lot. Choose cleaning tools that are gentle on the planet and safe for your pets—no stress about tough chemicals.
Things like vinegar, baking soda, and microfibre cloths get the job done without draining your wallet. Vinegar blasts germs like a pro, while baking soda handles tough stains and funky smells with ease. Microfibre cloths clean up nicely without scratching anything.
Selecting these green options is better for both you and your companions and safer than conventional cleaning solutions.
Consider grabbing supplies in bulk from local stores to keep costs low and cut down on packaging. It’s a savvy move to keep your pets chuffed and your place kind to the planet.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Start with the busy sections like the living room and hallways where your animals hang out the most. These spaces are usually full of fur, dirt, and stains, so they’re perfect for your first cleanup mission.
Concentrating on them initially can show a big improvement fast, which helps keep you motivated.
Grab a quality vacuum to get animal hair and grime out of carpets. For hard floors, a mop or steam cleaner will tackle marks and smells. Seeing these quick transformations feels great and makes you want to continue with the rest of the house.
This approach ensures you’re not just freshening up these active zones but setting a good pace for sprucing up everywhere else as well. It helps make sure you get the entire residence looking spotless and pristine.
Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Consider renting a carpet cleaner or using a steam device for a thorough wash on your rugs and couches. It’s ideal for eliminating tough pet stains and odours that could risk losing your deposit. Beginning early gives you ample time for the materials to dry.
Ensure the cleaning solutions you use are safe for animals to maintain a healthy environment for new tenants moving in.
If some stains won’t budge, you might want to call professional end of tenancy cleaners. They’ve got the equipment and expertise to refresh your floors and furniture.
Pay Attention to Pet-Specific Areas
When relocating, addressing those animal-frequented spots deserves special attention because lingering scents and marks can make quite an impression.
Tackling these zones early keeps your accommodation fresh for potential viewers and could just help secure your full deposit return.
Start with your companion’s bedding by gathering it all for a hot water wash, which effectively lifts out fur and persistent odours.
Consider using an animal-friendly detergent that balances gentleness for sensitive skin with cleaning power. A cup of baking soda tossed in works wonders for neutralising unwanted smells. Just ensure everything is completely dry before returning it to prevent mustiness.
Those pet containers need attention next. They’re notorious for harbouring hidden grime in unexpected corners. A comprehensive clean with safe, appropriate disinfectant makes all the difference.
For stubborn stains, try a simple water and bicarbonate mixture, and then rinse meticulously to remove any residue.
Don’t forget about feeding dishes. A vinegar soak can transform them to a sparkling, germ-free condition. Give them a preliminary scrub to remove crusty food remnants before soaking. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly to eliminate any lingering acidic aroma.
Neglecting these maintenance tasks could result in unpleasant fragrances during viewings—hardly ideal when you’re aiming to impress potential tenants. Your deposit return could even hang in the balance.
If the prospect of this thorough cleansing feels daunting, professional pet cleaners offer valuable expertise. They will ensure immaculate results while allowing you to concentrate on other moving priorities.
Leaving behind a fresh, sanitised space serves as a thoughtful farewell to your old home, preparing it perfectly for its next chapter.
Seal and Repair Any Damage
If your pet leaves scratches on the floors or walls, you can easily fix them up with wood fillers or a bit of touch-up paint. It shows you’re responsible, and it’s a good approach. Make sure to document these repairs, just in case you need to chat with your landlord later.
For smaller marks, clear nail varnish does the trick and doesn’t cost much.
Completing these tasks makes it easier to get your deposit back and leaves the residence nice for the next folks moving in.
Add Final Touches
After finishing cleanup before your departure, aim to make the premises look spotless. Begin by dusting and wiping everything down, and don’t skip those sneaky areas like corners and baseboards where grime and pet hair love to hide. A quick vacuum can refresh things nicely.
Got a stubborn whiff hanging around? Pop some baking soda or activated charcoal in little dishes scattered about to keep things smelling crisp.
Lastly, give every nook a quick once-over to catch anything you might have overlooked. These small tweaks can truly spruce up the space and wow your landlord.
Conclusion
So, there you have it!
Whether you’re off to greener pastures or just a flat with fewer chew marks, this final tidy-up isn’t just about getting your deposit back. It’s about showing the next occupants that pets may rule the roost, but they leave it better than they found it.
So pack up the kibble and stride into your next chapter knowing you’ve left behind nothing but good vibes. Happy relocation!
