Whether you save spring cleaning for spring or do deep cleaning sessions all year long, don’t forget about your pets. Not only do they contribute to some of the gunk and grime you’re cleaning off your stuff, but they also have their own stuff that needs to be cleaned, organized, and updated. From beds to bowls, litter boxes to the treat cabinet, medications to that stubborn spot on the couch, it’s helpful to know how to spring clean for our pets.

Pet-Safe Vs. Unsafe Cleaning Products

How to Clean your Dog or Cat Bed

First up, take a good look at your pet’s bed. There comes a time when it’s just seen too much soiling, chewing, and roughhousing to go on. If the washing machine can’t get it clean or it’s been torn or frayed beyond repair, it may be time to replace it. You don’t want your dog or cat chewing off any pieces or getting their heads stuck in a torn strip of trim.

Go for pet beds with a waterproof, washable cover. It’s important to remove as much pet hair and dirt as you can before washing, so give it a good once-over with the vacuum cleaner and then tackle that hair the vacuum missed. There are lots of pet hair removal tools on the market, and sometimes just wetting your hand and rubbing it over the bed does the trick.

Next, pretreat any stains or urine and feces spots with a quality enzymatic cleaner. Then use the sanitizer or extra hot setting on your washing machine to do the hard work (if the bed manufacturer’s directions say you can). Some beds may need to be washed on a cold or gentle cycle. Unscented, clean detergents are best to avoid respiratory and skin irritation. If your pet has sensitive skin, use an extra rinse cycle. If you want to use bleach and there’s no chance it will damage the bed, about ½ cup of bleach per load of laundry is generally recommended. Adjust accordingly based on the size of your load. Let the cover dry thoroughly before your dog or cat is allowed to use it.

Pet beds should ideally be cleaned every couple of weeks.

How to Clean Your Dog Crate

This may be something you do often if your crate gets a lot of use. Wipe the bars down with soapy water and vacuum the bottom of the crate. Then a good soak or scrub with very hot, soapy water, a rinse or wipe off, and drying is all you need. If you want deeper sanitizing, you can soak 10 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup bleach to one gallon of water followed by a thorough rinse. Rinsing is critical to make sure there is no bleach residue in the crate.

How to Clean Dog and Cat Toys

Wondering how to clean dog toys? Inspect toys and toss any that are damaged or too dirty to clean. If pieces are falling off or it’s just too gross to get clean, it’s time for a replacement. If a toy is in bad shape, it may be best bet to throw it out and get a new one. If it's a favorite toy, there are some things you can do to clean it.

For non-porous toys, a wipe down with a wet cloth may be enough. Let them dry before you give them back to your dog or cat. You may have soft toys that can be washed. Check the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Soaking hard toys in one part distilled white vinegar to one part water can also clean with some limited disinfection activity (thorough rinsing is still important here).

How to Clean Dog and Cat Bowls

Cleaning your pet’s food and water dishes should be part of your weekly routine. Spring cleaning is a good time to see how they’re holding up. If they have many scratches, particularly if they’re plastic, consider replacing them. Bacteria hides out in scratches and is tough to get rid of.

For regular deep cleaning, a good soak and scrub in very hot water and dish soap is usually sufficient. If you want to go a step beyond, you can use a mixture of ½ cup bleach to one gallon of water OR one part water to one part white distilled vinegar. DO NOT mix bleach and vinegar. Be sure to rinse very well.

How to Clean a Litter Box

Plastic litter boxes should be replaced every year (more often if you have multiple cats or it takes a lot of abuse from scratching and scooping). Stainless steel litter boxes don’t need replacing as often but still need a good cleaning every month or so.

To clean the litter box, remove all the old litter and fill the basin with very hot water and a little dish soap. If it’s in need of a more deep cleaning, you can add 1/2 cup of white vingar per gallon of hot water and let it soak. Then give it a thorough rinse. When dry, add fresh litter, and you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to clean your litter scoop the same way and wipe down the area around the litter box as well.

How to Clean Furniture and Upholstery with Pets

Vacuum furniture and upholstery often to remove pet hair, dander, and dirt. During spring cleaning, go for an extra thorough vacuum. Try lint rollers, rubber gloves, or dry sponges for stubborn hair. Wash removable covers if possible, and spot treat stains with manufacturer-recommended cleaners. Check for loose buttons or trim to keep your pet safe.

Pet hair can build up on couches and beds, so regular cleaning keeps your home fresh and your pet comfortable.

Check Expiration Dates and Toss Old Items

Spring cleaning is an ideal time to look at all your pet supplies and check expiration dates on things like:

• Medications
• Flea/tick/heartworm preventatives
• Supplements
• Treats
• Wet food
• Dry kibble

Don’t forget to check your emergency supplies as well. If you have extra pet food, water, and medications in your emergency kit, you may need to replace any that expired.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about freshening your home—it’s about creating a better environment for your pets. By learning how to clean dog bed, dog crate, dog toys, dog bowls, and how to deep clean litter box, you keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe. Take these steps each spring (and throughout the year) for a cleaner, more comfortable home for you and your furry friends.

Disclaimer: Different materials require different cleaning methods. Some may negatively react to bleach, vinegar, or being run through the washing machine with very hot water. Refer to the cleaning instructions that came with the item before using the methods above.