Living with pets: hair, odours and clean floors in Marbella
Dogs and cats in a Costa del Sol home: how to control hair, neutralise odours and keep sofas, beds and floors fresh in a warm, humid climate.
· 2 min read
Why pets are harder work on the coast
Warmth and humidity make pet odours linger and let hair and dander settle into fabrics. Many homes here also have tiled or marble floors with open terraces, so sand, pollen and pet hair travel indoors all year.
The aim is not a spotless home at every moment, but a routine small enough to keep up.
Hair: remove it before it spreads
A vacuum with a good filter is worth more than any gadget. Go over sofas, rugs and the spots where your pet sleeps at least a couple of times a week, and use the upholstery tool rather than only the floor head.
On hard floors, a dry microfibre mop collects hair without scattering it. Wet-mop afterwards, not before, otherwise you simply turn hair into damp clumps.
Odours: clean the source, don't mask it
Perfume only covers a smell. Wash pet bedding, blankets and removable sofa covers weekly at the temperature the label allows, and let them dry fully in the sun or air before putting them back.
For accidents on fabric or rugs, blot first, never rub. An enzyme-based pet cleaner breaks down the cause of the smell. Test it on a hidden corner first, especially on natural fibres, and avoid ammonia-based products, which can encourage a pet to return to the same spot.
Floors, stone and terraces
Marble and natural stone are sensitive to acids and strong cleaners, so use a pH-neutral product made for stone and wipe urine up quickly, as it can leave dull marks on polished surfaces. Wooden floors benefit from trimmed claws and a few rugs in the busiest corridors.
On the terrace, rinse pet areas often with water and a mild cleaner. Sun and heat make leftovers smell stronger within hours.
When a little help makes sense
Pet hair is repetitive work, and a periodic deep clean resets the home: behind furniture, under beds, around skirting boards and inside the corners that daily tidying misses. If you travel often, a clean before you return is a pleasant way to come back.
At Lavanda we can tailor a visit to your household and use gentle, natural products, so your pets and your floors are looked after.
