5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Selling Your Home with Pets
Selling your home is an exciting journey—but it can feel overwhelming when you have pets. From shedding fur to lingering odors, our furry companions often leave behind more than just paw prints. If you’re preparing to list your home this spring, keeping it clean and fresh is crucial—especially when potential buyers are walking through.
Whether you live with a dog, a cat, or even a house-trained rabbit, we’ve teamed up with pet care experts to bring you 5 effective spring cleaning tips tailored to pet owners. These simple steps will help you create a spotless, inviting home that appeals to buyers—pet lovers or not.
1. Use Enzyme-Based Cleaners for Pet Accidents
Accidents happen, and while you may be used to quickly cleaning up with paper towels and an all-purpose spray, it’s not always enough. Regular cleaners often mask odors without eliminating the source, leaving behind bacteria and lingering smells.
Enzyme-based cleaners are a must-have when selling a home with pets. These specially formulated solutions break down proteins found in pet waste, completely removing both the bacteria and the odor. If your pet is prone to frequent accidents, especially puppies or older animals, switching to enzyme cleaners can make a huge difference in how your home smells during showings.
2. Boost Air Quality with a HEPA Filter
Air quality is often overlooked—but it can significantly impact a buyer’s first impression. Homes with pets may have higher levels of allergens, dander, and odors in the air. One of the best ways to combat this is by using a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter).
HEPA filters trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including pet dander, dust, and even bacteria. They help keep the air smelling fresh and reduce allergy triggers—important for visitors with sensitivities.
Tip: During heavy shedding seasons, change your HEPA filter every 1–2 months to maintain optimal air quality, especially if you're expecting frequent showings.
3. Clean More Frequently If You Have Multiple Pets
If you share your home with more than one pet, you already know how quickly fur and messes can pile up. Staying ahead of shedding is essential when your home is on the market.
Here are a few quick strategies:
• Limit pets’ access to certain rooms during the selling process.
• Vacuum frequently, especially soft surfaces like carpets, couches, and curtains.
• Use lint rollers and spot-cleaners for daily touch-ups.
Experts recommend vacuuming at least twice a week, or even daily if your pet is a heavy shedder. Clean, fur-free spaces allow buyers to focus on your home’s features—not the presence of pets.
4. Reduce Shedding with Regular Grooming
Brushing your pet regularly isn’t just good for their coat—it helps keep your home cleaner. Removing loose hair before it hits the floor can dramatically cut down on how often you need to vacuum.
Grooming frequency depends on your pet’s breed and coat type:
• Long-haired cats or dogs may need daily brushing.
• Short-haired or “hypoallergenic” breeds still shed and should be brushed weekly.
• Professional grooming every few weeks can also help reduce shedding and dander.
In a competitive market, small details like this can make a big impact. A home that’s clean, hair-free, and well-maintained is more likely to leave a lasting impression on buyers.
5. Keep Muddy Paws at the Door
Spring brings sunshine—and mud. The last thing you want before a showing is muddy paw prints across your floors.
Set up a designated paw-cleaning station by the door with:
• A washable mat
• A towel or paw-cleaning wipes
• Optional: Train your dog to wait and wipe before coming in!
This small habit reduces dirt and mess, protects your floors, and keeps your home showing-ready at all times. It also shows buyers that your home has been cared for and maintained, inside and out.
A Clean Home is a Market-Ready Home
Buyers today expect homes to feel clean, fresh, and move-in ready. Pet hair, dander, and odors can create a negative first impression—especially for those with allergies or sensitivities. By using these five cleaning strategies, you remove potential obstacles and help buyers see your home’s full value.
Remember: buyers are looking for more than just square footage or finishes. They’re imagining their future life in your space. A clean, pet-friendly presentation allows them to see your home’s potential—without distraction.
Need more advice on prepping your home for sale with pets? A trusted real estate professional can guide you through the process and help your home stand out in today’s market.
