Pets & Kids: Cleaning, Protection & Safety

Real homes have paw prints on the floor, toys everywhere, and mysterious stains. This hub is for making your home work for the whole family — furry members included.

Pet-Proofing by Room

Kitchen

• Secure trash cans (pets will get into them)
• Store toxic foods out of reach (chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol)
• Keep cleaning supplies in locked cabinets
• Block access to under-sink area

Living room

• Secure cords (chewing hazard)
• Anchor tall furniture
• Choose durable, cleanable fabrics
• Protect baseboards from scratching

Bathroom

• Keep toilet lid closed
• Store medications in cabinets
• Secure trash can
• Non-slip mats for older pets

Baby-Proofing Checklist

Crawling stage (6-12 months)

• Outlet covers on all unused outlets
• Cabinet locks on lower cabinets
• Gates at stairs (top and bottom)
• Anchor furniture to walls
• Remove choking hazards from floor level
• Cord covers or cord shorteners

Walking stage (12+ months)

• Door handle covers
• Stove knob covers
• Toilet locks
• Window guards or stops
• Corner guards on sharp furniture

Flooring & Cleaning Routines

Best flooring for pets

1. Luxury vinyl plank — waterproof, scratch-resistant
2. Tile — durable, easy to clean
3. Laminate — budget-friendly, holds up okay
4. Hardwood — beautiful but scratches easily

Weekly cleaning routine

• Vacuum high-traffic areas (daily if heavy shedding)
• Mop hard floors
• Wash pet bedding
• Wipe down kid-height surfaces
• Clean pet bowls

Stain & Odor Playbook

Pet urine on carpet

1. Blot (don’t rub) excess moisture
2. Apply enzyme cleaner (not ammonia-based)
3. Let sit 10-15 minutes
4. Blot again
5. Repeat if needed

Pet urine on hardwood

1. Wipe immediately
2. Apply enzyme cleaner
3. If stained, may need sanding and refinishing

General rule

Enzyme cleaners break down organic stains. Regular cleaners just mask the smell — pets can still smell it and will return to the same spot.

Storage That Works for Families

Entryway drop zone

• Hooks at kid height
• Shoe bins or cubbies
• Backpack storage
• Key/wallet tray

Toy storage rules

• Clear bins so kids can see contents
• Labels with pictures for pre-readers
• Rotate toys to reduce clutter
• “One in, one out” policy

Pet supply organization

• Dedicated cabinet or closet
• Food in airtight containers
• Leash hooks by door
• Cleaning supplies grouped together

Product Picks

Best for pet households

• Robot vacuums designed for pet hair
• Enzyme cleaners (Nature’s Miracle, Rocco & Roxie)
• Washable couch covers
• Scratch-resistant flooring

Best for kid households

• Washable paint
• Outlet covers that stay put
• Furniture anchors
• Cabinet locks that adults can open easily

Safety Reminders

⚠️ Furniture anchoring is critical — tip-overs kill children every year. Anchor all dressers, bookshelves, and TVs.

⚠️ Window cords are a strangulation hazard — retrofit with cordless blinds or cord cleats.

⚠️ Button batteries are extremely dangerous — keep devices with button batteries away from children; if swallowed, call poison control immediately.