By Christine Satterfield

Tracked-In Messes

Outdoor messes can easily find their way indoors. Act fast to keep your home good as new.

1. Muddy Paw Prints: Playtime in melted snow may result in muddy paw prints. Have dogs first enter rooms with hard-surfaced floors so you can wipe up liquids. If all entryways are carpeted, stash towels outside the door to wipe and dry paws prior to entering the home.

Tip: Make sure you are stocked with carpet cleaning products if muddy paw prints do find their way to your carpet.

2. Accidents: During winter months, your dog may have a few accidents because of reluctance to brave the cold outdoors for a potty break. If an accident occurs, blot any liquid, then sprinkle with baking soda and let sit for a couple hours to help absorb liquid in the carpet pad. Vacuum. Then use a nontoxic carpet or upholstery stain remover according to the instructions.

Pet Hair Cleaning Tips

This can seem like a constant cleaning chore. Use one of the following methods to remove hair quickly and efficiently.

1. Lint Brush: To quickly remove hair from furniture, use a lint roller.

Tip: Clear adhesive tape can be used in place of a lint roller.

2. Rubber Glove: While most commonly used for washing dishes, these can be used to wipe away pet hair easily. This method is effective and reusable.

Removing Cat Dander

Cat dander not only makes a mess, it can aggravate allergies—especially during winter months. Try the following tips to reduce cat dander in your home.

1. Frequent Baths: To reduce cat dander, bathe your pet often. Use warm water, wash quickly and dry thoroughly with a towel to keep your cat as warm as possible.

Tip: Before bath time, close the door and use a hair dryer to warm the air in that room.

2. Vacuum Dander: Between washings, use the hose on your vacuum to remove cat dander before it covers your furniture.

Christine Satterfield blogs about all things cleaning at iDreamofClean.net and SpringCleaning 365. Her goal is to help you spend less time cleaning so you can spend more times with the ones you love.