October is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean before winter settles in. For pet owners in Lebanon, PA, this season also means tackling fur, dander, and other pet-related messes that might have accumulated over the summer. A thorough, seasonal clean not only keeps your home smelling fresh but also helps to keep allergens under control, ensuring a healthy environment for you and your pets. Here are some October deep cleaning tips and hacks specifically for pet owners to help you keep your home pet-friendly and spotless!

1. Invest in a High-Quality Vacuum Cleaner

Pet hair can be challenging to keep under control, especially on carpets and upholstery. Investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can make a huge difference in removing hair, dander, and dust, which can build up in the fall when windows are closed more often.

Hack: If your pet sheds heavily, consider a vacuum with pet-specific attachments. These attachments are designed to capture hair more effectively and can reach into furniture crevices where fur tends to gather.

2. Clean and Refresh Pet Beds

Pet beds can trap odors and bacteria, so a monthly deep clean is essential. October is a great time to thoroughly wash and refresh your pet’s bed.

• For machine-washable beds: Use a gentle detergent and a cup of white vinegar to neutralize odors. Follow up with a thorough rinse cycle to remove all soap.
• For non-machine-washable beds: Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the bed, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then vacuum it up to remove odors.

Pro Tip: Let pet beds air dry outside for a few hours on a sunny day; sunlight naturally eliminates bacteria and odors.

3. Wash and Organize Pet Toys

Pet toys can harbor germs and odors, especially after a summer of outdoor play. This October, give all pet toys a good wash to remove grime and bacteria.

• Plastic and rubber toys: Wash with hot, soapy water, or place them in the dishwasher for a deep clean.
• Fabric toys: Toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and let them air dry.

Hack: Use a mesh laundry bag for small toys to prevent them from getting lost in the wash!

4. Use Lint Rollers for Quick Hair Removal

Lint rollers are a pet owner's best friend when it comes to keeping furniture, bedding, and clothing free of hair. Keep a lint roller in high-traffic areas to quickly remove pet hair from upholstery and surfaces.

Hack: For large areas, use a rubber glove; dampen it slightly, then run your hand over surfaces, and the fur will stick to the glove!

5. Deodorize Carpets and Rugs Naturally

Pet odors tend to cling to carpets and rugs, which can make your home smell less than fresh. Deodorize your carpets naturally this fall with a simple baking soda treatment.

• Sprinkle baking soda generously over carpets and let it sit for 15–30 minutes to absorb odors.
• Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda, along with pet hair and dander.

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of pet-safe essential oil (like lavender or chamomile) to the baking soda to leave a fresh scent.

6. Wash Pet Feeding Areas

Pet feeding areas can become sticky and smelly, especially if there’s any spilled food or water. Deep clean pet bowls and mats in October to help keep your home smelling fresh.

• For bowls: Wash in hot, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher.
• For feeding mats: Use a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down the mat and remove odors and bacteria.

Hack: Keep a small mat under pet bowls to catch food spills and wash it weekly to prevent any buildup.

7. Freshen Upholstery and Curtains

Pets often spend time lounging on furniture, and upholstery can trap pet smells over time. Freshen up your furniture and curtains this October for a cleaner home environment.

• Vacuum upholstered furniture to remove pet hair and dander.
• Use a fabric-safe odor-neutralizing spray or a diluted vinegar solution on curtains to remove lingering odors.

Pro Tip: Use washable slipcovers on couches and chairs where pets often sit. Slipcovers are easy to clean and keep pet hair from embedding in the upholstery.

8. Groom Your Pets Regularly

Regular grooming is a crucial part of keeping your home clean if you have pets. Fall is the time when many pets shed their summer coats, so increase grooming to reduce the amount of hair in your home.

• Brush your pet regularly to remove loose fur and prevent matting.
• Bathing your pet at least once a month (or as recommended by your vet) can help reduce odors and shedding.

Hack: Brush your pet outside to prevent loose hair from settling indoors.

9. Check and Clean Air Filters

Pet hair and dander can clog air filters quickly, especially in fall when heating systems start running more often. Changing or cleaning your HVAC air filters regularly will help keep air in your home clean and free of allergens.

Pro Tip: Consider an air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap pet dander and dust, creating a healthier environment for you and your pets.

10. Wipe Down Baseboards and Walls

Pet fur and dander can accumulate on baseboards and even walls over time. As part of your October deep clean, wipe down baseboards and any spots where you notice pet hair collecting.

• Use a damp microfiber cloth to trap dust and pet hair without scattering it.
• For walls, a cloth lightly dampened with water or a pet-safe cleaning solution will remove any marks or fur.

Hack: Use dryer sheets on baseboards to prevent pet hair from sticking in the future—their anti-static properties help repel dust and hair!

While these October cleaning tips can help you stay on top of pet-related messes, sometimes it’s best to leave the deep cleaning to the pros. SOAA Cleaning Services in Lebanon, PA, specializes in pet-friendly cleaning solutions that keep your home fresh, allergen-free, and safe for all family members—two- and four-legged alike. Contact us today to schedule your October deep cleaning and give your home the refresh it needs before winter.