Cleaning up for pet allergies??

Question

My friend is coming over and she is allergic to dogs and cats. I have 4 cats, who mostly stay in the basment, and a dog who is all over the place. any suggestions on what I should do? I need ideas on how to clean carpets and beds and such.

Answer 1

Part of the problem is dustmites that live off pet dander. Try steaming your carpets with a hot water only dry steamer infused with spearmint and eucalyptus oils. My sister is allergic to cats and she owns six of them. She said that using the oils has helped her a great deal. She also puts them in spray bottles to spray down furniture and anything else she can think of that would contain dust mites. For the bed, buy an allergen/anti-microbial mattress cover and pillow cases. Wash all sheets, blankets, and curtains for the bedroom in a mild or unscented detergent in hot water. Hot water should kill any dust mites lurking in these items. Might be a good idea to brush and bath the cats and dog thouroughly before your friend arrives. This will help get rid of loose hair and dander. You may want to keep the dog in the kitchen or some room that is easy to mop so it won't shed on your newly steamed carpets while your friend is in residence. Start training your dog to spend time in the kitchen as soon as possible so it won't feel put out because of your friend. Use treats to show the dog that this is a good thing. You should spend time doing other things around the house so the dog will see kitchen duty as normal when your friend arrives.

Answer 2

You'll be amazed where fur can get. Even if your cats live in the basement. Vaccum, shampoo carpets, dust, especially in places you would never think of fur gets in the strangest places, wash sheets, and use a lint roller on fabrics like the couch.We have 2 cats and a dog and we found a lot of fur on a light fixture.

Answer 3

You need to thoroughly vacuum every fabric thing in your house from your floor to the furniture to the curtains etc. Wash all of your bedding before she comes if she will be staying with you. If she is just coming to visit for a couple hours just vacuuming should help but if she will be staying you may need to do more like shampoo the carpet and furniture.