Let’s be real. Moving out can feel like wrangling cats—literally if you’re a pet owner. You’ve got boxes everywhere, deadlines looming, and furballs rolling around like tumbleweeds. Add the smell of pets or a surprise scratch mark, and you’ve got a whole new level of stress. But don’t sweat it. With a little elbow grease and some clever tips, you can leave your old place spotless—pet and landlord-approved.
Why Pet Owners Need to Go the Extra Mile
You love your pets, but landlords? Not so much. Pets leave behind hair, odours, stains, and sometimes souvenirs you didn’t know existed. Even if your furball is the perfect angel, the next tenant might have allergies or zero tolerance for pet hair. Going the extra mile on cleaning isn’t about perfection—it’s about being considerate and avoiding those pesky deductions from your security deposit.
Fur Everywhere: Tackling the Hairy Situation
Fur has a habit of appearing in places you didn’t think possible. Start with vacuuming—but not just the floors. Work over every surface: upholstery, corners, vents, baseboards, and under furniture. Use a vacuum with a pet-hair attachment for better results.
For stubborn spots like couches, a rubber glove works wonders. Just put it on, run your hand over the fabric, and watch the fur clump together like magic. Don’t forget curtains and blinds. Hair loves to hide where you’re least likely to look.
Pro tip: Use a lint roller on lampshades and other soft surfaces. It’s quick, easy, and oddly satisfying.
Eliminating That “Pet Smell”
Let’s face it. You might not notice the smell of pets, but someone new will. Start by washing all pet bedding, blankets, and toys. Air them out in the sun for a natural deodoriser if you can.
Next, tackle carpets and upholstery with a deep clean. Baking soda is your best friend here. Sprinkle it generously over carpets and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (if you can spare it). It absorbs odours like a champ. Vacuum it up, and you’re halfway there.
For more stubborn smells, consider steam cleaning. Many hardware stores rent out steam cleaners, which’re worth the effort when pets are involved.
Don’t forget air vents. A hidden dust and pet hair buildup can circulate odours throughout the space. Change filters and give vents a thorough wipe-down.
Addressing Stains: Because Accidents Happen
Pets are adorable, but they’re not perfect. Accidents leave stains that can become harder to remove over time. Don’t wait until moving day to tackle these.
For urine stains, act fast with an enzyme-based cleaner. Unlike regular detergents, enzyme cleaners break down the proteins in pet accidents, eliminating both the stain and the odour. They’re a lifesaver.
You might need a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for older stains. Test on a hidden spot first to avoid discolouring carpets.
Walls and Doors: Scratch Marks and Smudges
Claw marks on doors or wall smudges can stand out like a sore thumb. Sand down shallow scratches and touch up with paint if you can match the colour. For deeper scratches, wood filler or putty works wonders.
Walls are easier. A gentle cleanser can clean pet smudges and nose prints near windows or doors. Magic erasers are perfect for scuff marks without damaging paint.
Pro tip: Check corners and baseboards. Pets love to rub against them, and grime accumulates fast.
Floors: From Paws to Perfection
Your floors have seen it all—muddy paw prints, shedding fur, and the occasional snack dropped mid-chase. Start with a good sweep or vacuum, paying special attention to corners. Next, mop with a pet-safe cleaner.
For hardwood floors, use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches. A mix of vinegar and water can handle most messes without harming the finish. If you’ve got carpets, spot-treat stains and vacuum thoroughly. For stubborn areas, professional carpet cleaning might be your saving grace.
Cleaning Pet Zones
Pet bowls, crates, and litter boxes might not seem like a priority during move-out cleaning, but they matter. Scrub everything thoroughly with soap and hot water. If items look worse for wear, consider replacing them—it’s one less thing to pack.
Windows and Screens: Those Sneaky Spots
Pets love to watch the world go by, leaving nose prints and smudges behind. Wipe windows with a vinegar-water solution and finish with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine. Check screens for claw damage. Small holes can be patched with a screen repair kit—a small effort that makes a big difference.
The Final Sweep
Before you hand over the keys, do one final walkthrough. Start high and work your way down. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves. Wipe down counters, cabinets, and appliances. Sweep or vacuum last—it’s like the cherry on your cleaning sundae.
Move-out cleaning doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Break it into smaller tasks and tackle them one at a time. It’s all about leaving the space fresh and ready for its next chapter.
What About Professional Help?
Sometimes, it pays to call in the experts. Professional cleaning services know how to deal with pet-related messes—fur, stains, and odours included. If your deposit is online, hiring pros could be a smart investment. Plus, it saves you time and stress during an already hectic move.
Move-out cleaning for pet owners might seem like a tall order, but it’s doable with the right plan. And let’s be honest—your pets might not appreciate the effort, but your landlord (and your wallet) definitely will.
Maintaining Pet Hygiene Before the Move
Let’s be honest—your pet’s hygiene often determines how clean your home stays. Before moving day, give your furry friend a thorough grooming session. A quick bath, nail trim, and a brushing spree will minimize shedding and reduce odors that cling to furniture. If grooming at home feels overwhelming, a professional groomer can tackle it for you in no time.
While you’re at it, clean their collars, leashes, and favorite toys. Over time, these items absorb pet smells and grime that can transfer to the house. Soak them in warm, soapy water and rinse well. For tougher odors, add a dash of vinegar to the soak—it works wonders on stubborn smells.
Don’t overlook litter boxes and pet beds. Empty, scrub, and disinfect litter boxes thoroughly before packing them up. If they’re old or worn out, replacing them ensures you won’t carry lingering smells into your new home. For pet beds, toss the covers in the washing machine, or give the whole thing a deep clean if it’s washable.
A well-groomed pet and clean accessories make the move-out process smoother and help maintain all your hard work cleaning the house. Think of it as putting the cherry on top—you’ll leave behind a space that’s not only spotless but feels truly refreshed.
A Clean Goodbye
Moving out with pets doesn’t have to be chaotic. Think of it as leaving a clean slate behind. You’ve shared memories, laughter, and maybe a few chewed-up shoes, but now it’s time to pass the torch. With a little effort and these simple tips, you’ll leave the place better than you found it—and that’s something to be proud of.