Your dog probably loves when you ask if they would like to take a ride with you. Bringing your pooch along is excellent if you need companionship, but there is always a chance they will leave a mess. With that said, being prepared and cleaning right after your trip is the key to making things much simpler. We have compiled some tips that will make it possible for you to take your dog with you and leave the car clean enough not to horrify your human friends.
Keep Your Dog In One Particular Area
Using a crate or restraint for your dog will keep all of their fur and dirt in one place. This means it will be less hassle when it is time to clean up.
Purchase A Seat Cover
Invest in a cover that can be removed with ease from yourcarparts. You can use an old bed covering if you have it available. Whenever you leave the vehicle with your pet, take the cover with you so it can be washed for next time.
Make Plans
If you are a pet owner, you should take this into consideration when buying a car. Leather and vinyl seats are ideal since you can clean messes with ease. If you insist on fabric, treat it so it will be resistant to stains. Consider buying floor mats made of durable rubber to cover your carpet. This is a lifesaver if you have a dog that gets carsick often.
Clean Messes As Soon As Possible
Once you have gotten back from your outing, take the time to clean any messes right away. Vacuum, wipe the seats down, deodorize, and do anything else you need to do to make your vehicle look like a dog has never been there.
One trick to keep in mind is wiping things down with a moistened rubber glove. This is one of the easiest ways to remove any errant pet hair. You can do this around the house as well. Other items that can be used for hair removal include Velcro curlers and inflated balloons.
Remove Any Odors
In addition to dealing with pet hair all over the place, you may also have to worry about unpleasant smells. Once you vacuum the interior and wash the seat covers, it will help to reduce the smell. If you notice odors remaining for a while, try sprinkling baking soda on cloth seats and rugs. Allow it to settle overnight before vacuuming. There are also pet-safe shampoos that can be used on the carpets if you notice a lingering odor.
Following this advice will make it possible for you to spend time with your dog while on the road without there being any evidence of that. Keep this in mind if you want to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.