Many homes in Ottawa have pets. Whether it’s a dog that loves the snow or a cat that lounges near the radiator all winter, animals bring a bit of extra joy, and mess. By late January, indoor spaces start to show signs of the season. Salt gets tracked in, paws leave wet prints by the door, and fur builds up fast, especially when pets spend more time indoors.
For those of us trying to keep up with cleaning while sharing space with pets, hiring a house cleaning service in Ottawa can make a big difference. A good service won’t just tidy around the edges. It should help keep things comfortable and safe for both people and pets, even during the messier winter months. Let’s take a look at what seasonal cleaning looks like when animals are part of the household.
What Pet Owners Should Expect From a Winter Cleaning Routine
Winter in Ottawa brings snow, slush, and cold air, and for pet owners, it brings more cleanup. Dogs come inside wet, cats start shedding more, and salt seems to find its way into every corner.
• Entryways get the worst of it. Wet paws leave behind dirt and melting slush, and if your pet wears a coat or boots, those need a spot to dry
• Floors take a beating. Salt and moisture can damage wood or tile if they’re not wiped up regularly
• Air feels stuffy. Closed windows and running heaters mean more dust, dander, and trapped smells
Cleaners who understand pets will adjust their routines this time of year. That might include wiping extra around baseboards and doors, using soft vacuums on fur-heavy furniture, or freshening rooms without strong scents. Products matter too, what’s safe for paws and noses is different from standard cleaners. During winter, when it’s too cold to open windows, the air inside starts to feel stale and heavy. Using the right cleaning products helps cut down odours without irritating pets.
When dogs and cats spend more time cooped up indoors, more fur collects on furniture, stairs, and spare blankets. Knowing which parts of the home need more attention in colder months helps keep cleaning visits focused where they’re most useful.
How to Prep Your Home and Pets for Cleaning Days
When you bring cleaners into a home with animals, things run smoother with a bit of planning. Part of that is helping pets stay calm when someone new is in the house. The other part is helping the cleaner move around without missing messes in pet-heavy areas.
• Put away food dishes and water bowls so they’re not knocked over
• If your pet is nervous or protective, consider keeping them in a closed room or crate
• Leave out instructions or notes about key spots, like favourite pet bedding areas or trouble zones with lots of fur
Some pets like to greet every guest and follow them around. Others hide until it’s over. Either way, having a routine helps lower their stress and allows the same cleaner to get comfortable with your animals over time. Cleaners who see the same pets often tend to learn their patterns too. That trust builds up quietly, and it often makes each visit easier than the last.
Cleaners may appreciate knowing if your dog is likely to bark at the vacuum or if there are any gates that need to be latched behind them. Basic details like that don’t take long to share but can save both you and your cleaner a bit of trouble. Everyone benefits from a plan that keeps pets safe and predictable.
Products and Tools That Work Well Around Animals
Homes with pets need a different approach to cleaning, especially when it comes to supplies. Some pets have sensitive skin or breathing issues, and strong smells or heavy chemicals can make them uncomfortable.
• Look for scent-free or low-fragrance options, especially if your pet tends to sneeze or itch around cleaning sprays
• If your animal is allergy-prone, ask about plant-based or hypoallergenic product choices
• Avoid cleaning with bleach or strong ammonia where pets eat, walk, or nap
Natural isn’t always better, but clear ingredients make it easier to avoid trouble. Cleaners who are used to working in pet homes usually know how to avoid overpowering smells or slick surfaces that paws might slip on.
Certain tools work better too. Microfibre cloths grab loose fur off couches and chairs without leaving fuzz behind. Vacuums with HEPA filters reduce airborne dander and fine dust. Steam works well on solid surfaces and doesn’t leave strong residue behind, which is nice for dogs and cats that lick floors or drag their toys across them.
Our cleaners use pet-safe, plant-based products that are effective while still being gentle, a choice we make to ensure indoor environments are healthier for families and their furry companions. Our services include customized cleaning plans, allowing us to give special attention to areas where pets spend the most time, such as couches, pet beds, and carpets.
Some surfaces trap more fur or odour than others. Talk about stairs, rugs, or heavy throws that need regular attention. Cleaners who know where fur gathers are quicker to get to the root of the mess.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a House Cleaning Service in Ottawa
When you’re looking for a house cleaning service in Ottawa that works well in homes with pets, it helps to ask the right questions before getting started. We’ve seen how small differences in care make a big impact for both animals and people.
• Ask how they handle scheduling, and if they’re open to mid-day visits while you’re out with your dog
• Check what products they usually bring, and if scent-free or pet-friendly options are available
• Find out who will be coming each time. Some animals are more relaxed with the same familiar person
• Share any must-clean areas where your pet sleeps, eats, or sheds most
Details like these let you match with a cleaner whose habits align with yours. Service should feel like support, not another thing to manage midweek. Cleaners who are comfortable around animals can adjust when things don’t go to plan, a surprise accident, barking dog, or a last-minute request.
Even a quick chat before the first visit helps set expectations and avoid misunderstandings. If you’ve ever had a cleaner avoid your pet room or forget to dust the crate area, you know how small gaps like that throw things off.
Cleaning That Welcomes Pets Home
A clean home makes cold months cozier. When everything’s tidy, it’s easier to relax indoors with your pet while winter does its thing outside. Pet-aware cleaners help keep fur, dirt, and dander under control, and they work in a way that fits into your daily life.
The right cleaning routine should feel seamless. When cleaners understand winter habits and handle animals with care, you notice it in the little things. Floors stay fresher, air feels lighter, and your pets are less stressed during visits. All of it adds up to a home that looks good and feels right, even in the heart of winter.
Keeping your home comfortable for both you and your furry companions can feel like a challenge during Ottawa’s toughest months. We make it easier by using safe products and simple routines that genuinely improve your home environment. Our cleaners are flexible and attentive, taking special care in houses with pets that require a gentle touch. To learn more about booking a reliable house cleaning service in Ottawa, reach out to The Glebe Clean Inc. today.
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