The benefits of having a pet are endless.

They provide an unmatched element of love and companionship. Pets help to reduce stress, combat loneliness, inspire kindness and encourage physical activity. And while they are undeniably enriching, owners must still face a set of challenges when bringing one home to live. One of those challenges can be maintaining a clean and fresh home.

Just because we love and adore our furry friends, it doesn’t mean our houses have to smell like them!

Read on for twelve tips and tricks to help you.

1) Maintain a clean home

The first tip is fairly self-explanatory, however it’s more true than ever when you’ve invited animals to live at home with you. Consider dusting, vacuuming and mopping on a regular basis. Wash and wipe down fabrics weekly. These simple acts will actively combat pet hair, dander, and odor.

2) Groom your pet

Our pets are a lot like us and benefit greatly from a regular wash. Regularly bathing them, brushing their teeth, and combing their fur can have an instant impact on their health and naturally their smell. If you’re unable to keep up there are grooming services who live to help with this!

3) Dry them off thoroughly after a bath

If you wash your furry friend, be sure to dry them off completely before letting them run through the house. Wet fur, even washed, hosts a variety of smells that you want to keep at bay.

4) Wash their collars

What? Their collars? Yes, you heard us right! Think about it. Our friends wear their identification around all day long, 24 hours a day. Eventually, their most worn accessory may start to harbor negative smells. Give it a regular washing to ensure this doesn’t happen.

5) Wipe their paws at the door

If your pets go outside, greet them at the door before letting them come back in. Give them a quick wipe down so they don’t drag their adventures through the house.

6) Consider going carpet-free

If your living situation permits it, consider getting rid of your carpets! Without regular cleaning, and even with, they can easily fall victim to accidents and messes. Eliminating the carpet completely may make life with a pet instantly easier.

7) Add baking soda to litter boxes

With indoor cats, regular upkeep is important to maintain freshness. On top of regularly changing their litter, add a sprinkle of baking soda to their boxes, which will help neutralize odors.

8) Get an air purifier

Some daily options to freshen your living space include opening the windows, lighting candles, and perhaps investing in an air purifier. They work to do just what their name says, removing contaminants from the air and improving quality.

9) Use an essential oil diffuser

A way to instantly upgrade your space is an oil diffuser. They dispense essential oils into the air, creating a lovely atmosphere. Double-check which oils you use beforehand to make sure they are pet-friendly.

10) Freshen your space with an enzyme cleaner

Sprayable pet cleaners that contain enzymes help remove lingering odors in the home. The enzymes immediately work to break down tough stains and smells.

11) Paint your walls

With pets come pet dander, and you’re living with it whether you know it or not! It circulates in the air and attaches to every surface. To help combat odor consider giving your walls a fresh coat of paint.

12) Feed them a healthy diet

The kind of food your pet consumes will have a direct effect on your live-in relationship with them. Low-quality food can cause gastric distress in pets, as well as table scraps. Be mindful of what you feed them to keep them healthy, happy and odor-free.

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Source: Home Hacks ,Reader’s Digest