Living in an apartment with a pet can be difficult, but for pet lovers like me, it’s a necessity! Unfortunately when it comes to keeping a spotless home, my pup isn’t exactly helpful. Pet hair getting embedded in carpeting, sofas and even the occasional bed sheet can be pretty disgusting; especially for guests–not everyone loves your pet as much as you do.

Here’s the kicker: My dog isn’t even ALLOWED on furniture–let alone the bed! Yet he still manages to get hair all over.

Key considerations:

• Linens
• Carpet
• Upholstery

Linens
When it comes to considering new linens for your home, consider fabrics with heavy weaves, less natural fibers like cotton and wool. Natural fibers have a tendency to stain and are difficult to clean. Consider leather as a good option, especially if it is “treated” top grain leather. This option will avoid the “distressed look” when it is not intended. Heavier fabric selections will also deter the clawing  your cat may be inclined to (or a puppy’s chewing) and you may get a longer life span out of your furniture.

Carpet
When it comes to area rugs consider a very low pile or tight woven rug, to minimize fur embedding and perhaps other animal bodily damages from destroying your rugs. If you are looking for a rug for a designated-animal room, you may consider purchasing something that doesn’t break the bank, in case you throw it away in a couple of years.

Recycled Pet Bed

Although pets may be in the bedroom, it doesn’t have to be a collection of hair in your bed. If the dog and cat sleep on the bed, keep a special blanket to put over your own bedding at night for the animals to lie on. When making the bed, fold up the animal’s blanket and store in the closet if you are entertaining; otherwise leave it on the bed when you are away at work for the day. We don’t know where our pets are when we are not around. Also consider introducing a floor bed for your pet, this is the best thing I ever did! And even if you think they won’t use it…they will!

Upholstery
This goes for upholstery too. I have a sofa in my living room that I absolutely LOVE and it would kill me to see it destroyed. IT IS CONSTANTLY COVERED unless I am entertaining. I learned the hard way, but I must say the best product on the market for cleaning upholstery and rugs is “The Rug Doctor” and you can purchase it at Home Depot or occasionally at your local grocery store. I hope these little tips helped. Just remember: Even though you may not be bothered by the little bit of fur on your throw pillow, everyone else is!

Related posts:

1. Favorite Pet Choices for Apartment Living
2. Apartment Living for You and Your Pet
3. 5 Space Savers for a Packed Apartment
4. Keeping Your (& Your Pet’s!) Apartment Healthy & Happy
5. 7 Small Ways to Add Class to Your Apartment Entryway

Tags: Apartment, apartment pets, Bed sheet, Carpet, cat, clean apartment, dog, Floors, Furniture, Living room, Pet, Pets, shopping, Upholstery