There is no denying that we love, love, love our fur-babies. They are an important part of the family and require many things. Blankets, bedding, toys, and for some clothing. These items will begin to smell a little funky over time and get really dirty. This will mean a good washing on a regular basis. The natural oils in their skin and any dirt they bring in from the outside world will cause issues as well. The question many pet owners have is, is it OK to use regular laundry detergent on pets items? This post will address this question and offer tips on how to pick the right pet laundry detergent for your fur-baby. As always, consider our Raleigh laundromat for all types of laundry services, including washing and drying pet accessories and beds.
Raleigh Laundromat Talks Pet Laundry Detergenet!
The first thing to consider when it comes to laundering your pets’ items is to choose a gentle laundry detergent. Just like we humans, our pets may also need a detergent that is fragrance free or even unscented. You may also want to look for one that is dye-free or clear. It is natural for us to not only want our pets’ blankets and bedding to be as clean as possible but we also want them to smell good as well. The problem is many dogs and cats as well or allergic to the chemicals that are found in most detergents. These allergies will manifest as irritated and itchy skin and sometimes these conditions can become chronic.
Common areas where you will see these conditions are on the skin and ears, under the front legs or between the poles, and around your pet’s face. Know that even chewing on toys or having contact with backpacks or clothing even worn by you can also cause these reactions. You will see symptoms that will include face rubbing, obsessive leaking, chronic ear infections, bald patches, skin rashes, head shaking, and possibly blister lesions. Since some skin irritations can also come from the food you will want to check with your vet to see what your fur-baby is allergic to.
A good laundry detergent to use on your pets items would be one that has been formulated for babies. These detergents are often the most gentle and have fewer chemicals than other detergents. Never use a laundry detergent that is concentrated or that is made to deep clean laundry. You may also choose to make your own laundry detergent there are many great recipes out there for putting your own together. Add a 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle to soften without using a chemically laden softener. Essential oils on a dryer ball or cloth in the dryer will add a great smell without those chemicals as well.
Of course, we want to do what is right for our pets so taking the time to find the right detergent and then keeping them and their items as clean as possible will help. If you are being run ragged, just attempting to keep up with all your extra laundry. Give Laundry Express a try! We offer state of the art machine for washing and drying your clothes. We also offer laundry services that include dry cleaning, wash-dry-fold, and stain removal! Don’t get behind on your family’s laundry. We are here to help! Visit our Raleigh laundromat soon!