Spring cleaning mistakes that could harm your pet

(KTAL/KMSS) — As pet owners tackle their spring cleaning rituals, there may be common cleaning mistakes potentially causing harm to your four-legged friend.

According to TrustedHousesitters and cleaning expert Forest Webber, there are reasons why your pet’s bed might smell worse after washing, and the beneficial bacteria pet parents may be washing away.

Is your “pet-safe” cleaner actually safe?

Think your go-to “pet-friendly” cleaner is doing the trick? It might not be as harmless as you think. “You shouldn’t clean with anything you won’t put on your skin,” says Webber. “Your pet will eventually get into it, as we know they like to do.”

Say no to bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals. Webber discourages using air fresheners or anything containing fragrances/perfume as they can aggravate respiratory illnesses. “Have you ever noticed your head hurting when you smell a strong fragrance? That’s because there are [volatile organic compounds] in them that harm you and your pets.”

How to keep your pet safe during the holidays

2. Clean your walls

After mopping the floors, washing the bedding, and lighting a fragrance-free candle, the ‘pet smell’ may still linger on your walls.

Cleaning expert, Webber says, “Persistent dog smells could be due to oils being absorbed into wallpapers, which can be especially common around corners. Treat vertical surfaces at pet-height with specific enzyme solutions to cleanse the smell.”

3. Stop overwashing your pet’s bed

Overwashing can worsen odor problems by killing good bacteria that naturally control pet smells. Consider rotating between steam refreshing and complete washing to maintain the correct bacterial balance.

“You don’t have to do weekly cleaning for bedding, but if you notice any fleas or pests in the bed, you should wash weekly and maybe even daily until they’re gone,” says Webber.

Fireworks lead to pet parent’s worst nightmare

4. Tackle pet mess at the source—and make smart swaps for a fresher home

Webber suggests placing a microfibre mat and pet-friendly wipes by the front door to prevent muddy prints in their tracks, saving pet parents hours of cleaning later.

Washable covers on your pet’s favorite snooze spots help trap fur and odors, while activated charcoal filters near litter trays or pet beds naturally absorb smells. For an easy, pet-friendly refresh, sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming for a deeper clean.

5. Clean this pet item once a week—or expect mold

According to Webber, pet food and water bowls should be cleaned daily or at least weekly.

“We clean our dishes every time we use them—there is no reason you shouldn’t be frequently cleaning for your pets, too,” highlights Webber. “While most animals lick the bowl clean, that doesn’t mean minuscule food residue doesn’t get left in the bowl, which could go moldy.”

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.