Pet owners know the cleaning challenges a pet can create. Between shedding hair, pet dander and the occasional “accident,” pet owners have their work cut out for them. On top of that, with the dog days of summer upon us, animals may roam inside and out bringing a lot more than love into your home!

Cleaning experts at The Maids Home Services offer these tips for pet owners to keep their homes clean despite a messy pet.

• Animal allergens are sticky so you must damp wipe the walls and woodwork to remove it.
• To keep possible messy areas in check, put a place mat under animal food dishes.
• Use washable slipcovers over furniture pets prefer. Make sure to use water temperature greater that 130 degrees to kill allergens and other bacteria.
• If you allow pets on beds, bedding must be washed at the same high temperature at least every two weeks. Always wash sheets and slipcovers separately to keep hair from migrating to other fabrics.
• When it comes to removing pet hair from draperies, carpets and upholstery, the vacuum is not always your best weapon. Use a rubber latex glove, wet or dry, to do the job because hair will cling to it.
• Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration. This is especially important when reaching crevices where allergens get trapped, such as around baseboards and windowsills. If you are allergic to pet dander, wear a dust mask when you vacuum. In addition, check out vacuum attachments with rubber strips that have the same effect as the glove.
• In addition to vacuuming, it is important for pet owners to steam clean carpets and upholstery periodically.
• Forced-air heating and air-conditioning can spread allergens through the house so change filters frequently.

For more information, call your local office at 1-800-THE-MAIDS (843-6249) or visit www.maids.com.