PROPERTY NEWS - As much as we love our animals, it can be hard to love the scent they leave behind in our homes. Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, warns homeowners that while we might get used to the smell over time, future buyers will not be as forgiving of the smell as we are.

"Unless your pets never set foot indoors, it is unavoidable that your home will develop a mild smell. However, homeowners should be careful not to allow this smell to become too overwhelming if they want to protect the investment value of their property," advises Goslett.

Below are his suggestions on how to avoid the smell of your furry loved ones from reaching the point of becoming an intolerable odour:

Keep pets away from carpets
"Unless you are willing to have your carpets professionally cleaned on a regular basis, and are willing to have the carpet replaced when it comes time to sell, it is advisable to keep pets out of rooms with fitted carpets.

Pet beds or loose mats can provide a soft and warm spot for your pet to sit on in rooms with tiles or hard wooden floors - just be sure to wash these regularly too," says Goslett.

Air your home regularly
"If your pet spends a lot of time indoors, it is advisable to leave windows and doors open to create a cross breeze that can blow away any lingering odours. Fans and air purifiers can also be helpful in this regard," Goslett suggests.

Treat it at the source
"It is always better to treat the cause than to try and deal with the effect. The majority of pet smells come from a pet's fur and saliva. Be sure that your pet is groomed regularly and that they have good dental care as well. Pet products, including pet food and toys, can also be the cause of unpleasant smells. Be sure to store these products in outdoor sheds or garages if possible," Goslett concludes.

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