T

he idea of giving your home a thor-
ough cleaning each spring is very 
appealing, but can also be over-
whelming. It may even seem impossible, 
given today’s busy lifestyles, active children 
— and especially pets. You may love your 
pets, but the fur and stains they leave behind 
make it even more challenging to keep your 
home as clean as you’
d like.
To get you started, the experts at Libman 
Company, manufacturer of household clean-
ing products made in the U.S.A. since 1896, 
offer these helpful spring cleaning tips that 
can even conquer the messes your beloved 
pets may create.

1. PLAN FIRST
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, develop a 
plan that takes into account the time, energy 
and tools you need to get the job done.
Consider setting aside a weekend or two, 
so you’ll have plenty of time. Divide your 
home into zones, addressing the most fre-
quently used areas of your home first, like the 
entryway, kitchen or bathrooms. Make sure 
to enlist help from your family!
Pro tip: For multi-story homes, have a set 
of cleaning supplies/equipment on each floor, 
saving you from lugging mops and brooms 
up and down stairs.

2. USE THE BEST TOOLS
Trying to clean with old, worn-out brooms 
or mops adds time and frustration to your 
task. Instead, make cleaning easier with tools 
expertly made for the job.
For example, Libman’s PetPlus Angle 
Broom with Dustpan is specially designed 
to tackle pet hair, dander, litter box dust and 
tracked-in dirt. The all-surface broom fibers 
remove over 99% of dust, dirt and hair in 
one sweep. Together with the 12.5-inch wide 
dustpan with 1.5-inch built-in “teeth” to help 
remove hair, dirt and debris from broom 
fibers, this is the perfect combo to help you 
clean up after pets.
After sweeping, clean floors thoroughly 
with a dual-sided microfiber spray mop. The 
dual-sided microfiber pad offers double the 
cleaning power, saving time and money. The 
removable and reusable microfiber pad is 
machine washable up to 50 times — reduc-
ing needless waste. A mop with a 360-degree 
swivel neck lets you reach into the toughest 
and tightest corners, and you can use it on 

wood, laminate, tile, vinyl, stone and lino-
leum floors, choosing your own cleaning 
solution for the refillable tank. When done 
cleaning, simply remove the mop head and 
toss in the laundry.
For carpeted floors and upholstered furni-
ture, use a vacuum cleaner designed for pet 
hair. Make sure to frequently empty the can-
ister or change the bag, as fur quickly clogs 
up any vacuum, making it less effective.

3. DO A QUICK DE-CLUTTER
It’s easier to address chores like mopping and 
dusting after clearing away miscellaneous 
items. Walk through target areas with trash/
recycling bags first, removing items that 
need to be discarded. Then use a box or 
basket to collect things that belong in other 
rooms. Kids can help with this task, looking 
for items that belong in their rooms. Before 
you know it, your surfaces will be clearer and 
ready for deep cleaning.

4. START HIGH
Start cleaning at the top — otherwise you 

could dislodge dust, pet hair and cobwebs 
to dirty your newly cleaned floors. For each 
room, tackle ceiling fans or light fixtures 
before walls or windows. Then clean hori-
zontal surfaces like tables and shelves, saving 
floors for last.

5. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
To preserve your newly cleaned rooms and 
floors, consider adding high-quality mats 
for inside and outside entries, easy-to-access 
waste bins or recycling containers and/or a 
basket system for items that need relocat-
ing. Planning ahead will make next season’s 
cleaning that much easier.

Pro tip: Designate an area for regular pet 
brushing (or visit a groomer), especially 
during shedding seasons. This can reduce the 
fur ending up all over your house and will 
keep your pets looking and feeling great.
With a solid plan and effective tools, spring 
cleaning can be a pleasure, and your whole 
family — including the four-legged members 
— will enjoy the results even more. 

HOME&GARDEN

Tackle Spring 
Cleaning, Even 
When You Have Pets

(BPT) 

36 | APRIL 4 • 2024 

