5 Spring Cleaning Tips When Selling a Home with Pets 

Struggling to get your home free of pet hair before selling? Maybe you share your home with a dog, a cat, and even a rabbit, and getting rid of their remnants seems like an impossible task. Don’t worry! Our tips, created in collaboration with the experts at Pet Valu, are here to help pet owners navigate the cleaning process when selling their homes. No matter how many furry companions you have!  

With our tips and tricks, you’ll be able to freshen up your space and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. From choosing the best cleaners to staying ahead of pet fur, you can keep your home spotless, smelling good, and ready for showings at a moment’s notice!

Use Enzyme-Based Cleaners  

Let’s face it, pet accidents happen, and when they do, your first instinct is probably to grab some paper towels, plus the nearest all-purpose cleaner. While that might seem sufficient, it often doesn’t fully eliminate the bacteria left behind, and the odours that linger long after the mess has been mopped up. If you have a pet that’s prone to frequent accidents (like puppies or older cats), it’s a good idea to invest in an enzyme-based cleaner.  

Unlike regular cleaners that often just mask the smell, enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in pet waste, helping to eliminate both the offending odor and its source – the bacteria. This is key to keeping your home smelling fresh, especially if it’s on the market!  

Boost Air Quality with a HEPA Filter 

Air filters became very popular during COVID, and they’ve stuck around for good reason. Today, they’re considered essential for maintaining a clean home. Air filters work by capturing airborne pollutants. Air purifying methods include physical barriers, absorption, and electrostatic attraction depending on your filter. The most recommended filter would be a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filters), which is among the most effective on the market. HEPA filters trap 99.97% of airborne particles including dust, bacteria and pet dander.  

HEPA filters can also give your HVAC system a break by catching particles before they reach the main system. Some HEPA filters are even designed to be integrated directly into your home’s HVAC unit.  

During peak shedding seasons, it’s recommended to change your filters every one to two months to keep things running smoothly. If you’re preparing to sell your home, clean air can be just as important as clean floors. A HEPA filter can help reduce pet odors and allergens, creating a fresher, more attractive environment for potential buyers. 

Clean More Frequently with Multiple Pets 

Some people are perfectly happy with one dog. Others figure their pup needs a furry friend. Some might even dream of raising an entire litter. No judgment! Just make sure to check your local laws about how many pets (and what types) you’re allowed to have in your home.

Fun fact: In the Oak Bay neighbourhood in Victoria, you can be fined up to $100 for a noisy parrot! For a noisy parrot… For a noisy parrot…. You get the picture.  

No matter how many pets you have, or how exotic they may be, staying on top of shedding can be a full-time job. One helpful tip when you’re prepping your home to sell is to limit your pets’ access to certain areas of the house. That doesn’t mean confining them to a single room, but being strategic can make cleanup much easier. It also keeps your home ready to show.  

Pet hair and dander can accumulate quickly on soft surfaces like couches, rugs and curtains. If your pets do have access to these areas, make it a habit to vacuum frequently. Use lint rollers and spot clean as needed. Clean, fur-free furniture and fresh-smelling rooms will go a long way in helping potential buyers focus on your home’s best features, not on your pets’ presence. Experts recommend vacuuming twice a week if you have pets that shed. If your pet is a heavy shedder, daily vacuuming may be necessary.  

Reduce Shedding by Brushing Your Pet Regularly 

Being proactive and brushing your pet helps get ahead of shedding. You’ll get rid of all that loose hair before it even reaches the floor. Depending on your pet’s breed and coat type, grooming needs can vary significantly. Some pets require daily brushing, others weekly, and a few lucky homeowners may barely notice shedding at all. From long-haired cats and short-coated dogs to so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds (yes, they shed too!), pet hair is a common issue for pet owners looking to keep a clean home.  

In today’s competitive real estate market, first impressions matter to buyers who may not have pets themselves. A home that smells fresh, looks well-maintained, and is free of pet hair helps buyers see the value of your property. Staying on top of pet shedding is a small task that can make a big difference when selling your home. 

Prevent Muddy Paws from the Floor 

Spring can be a beautiful and messy time for pet owners. If you’re trying to keep your home looking clean while preparing for a noon showing, the last thing you want is muddy paw prints on your floors.  

Before letting your dog back inside after a run in the yard, use paw cleaning tools or even a damp towel to wipe their paws thoroughly. You can even take it a step further by teaching them to wipe their own paws at the door! With a bit of patience and training, you can create a designated spot by the door with a mat or towel. There, your dog can learn to wipe off their paws before coming inside. 

A cleaner home means fewer lingering smells, less visible dirt, and an overall more inviting environment for potential buyers. By staying on top of these details, you’re also protecting your floors and increasing the chances of a quicker sale and maybe even a better offer. 

A Clean House is a Happy (And Sellable) House! 

These 5 essential spring cleaning tips when selling a home with pets are designed to make your home spotless and inviting. Buyers are not just looking at walls, windows and furnishings. They’re trying to feel a connection and vibe. The goal is for them to walk in, take a deep breath, and feel right at home. Pet dander, hair and odors can quickly turn that positive vibe into a negative one. This creates a barrier between your home and potential buyers.  

Your buyer pool is likely to come from a diverse background. For example, some may have allergies or asthma. For them, pet dander can be more than just an inconvenience. It can be a real health concern. If a potential buyer walks into a home filled with pet fur and lingering dander, their first impression will probably be less than ideal. Worse, if they’re serious about the property but struggle with allergens, they may decide they need a deep clean before even considering a move-in. This added hassle can cause delays in the sales process or push buyers to look elsewhere.  

The goal is to remove any potential obstacles to your sale. Whether that’s the lingering smell of pet accidents or the sight of fur on your furniture, a little attention on your part can make a big difference. Need further assistance? A REMAX agent can help answer your questions related to buying and selling a home with pets. Help yourself by helping your home stand out and encourage buyers to imagine themselves living there, pet-free or not. With these simple tips, you’ll ensure your home is buyer-friendly, giving you the best chance to make a quick and successful sale.