Photo by Maryam Tello on Unsplash
Messes happen. For most of us, they usually happen right after we’ve finished cleaning. Those of us with pets know that all too well. While we might not mind the fur on our clothes or our couch or the hair stuck to the seats in our car, we have to be a lot more careful when we book a pet-friendly rental car. Most rental car companies in Pennsylvania charge a cleaning fee when a vehicle is returned with excessive pet hair or dirt.
Avoid those extra fees by following these 10 simple tips for ensuring your rental car is clean when you return it.
1. Brush your pet, if applicable.
Before hitting the road, groom your pet if you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or another furkid who tends to shed. Brushing your pet will help you get rid of the excess hair or fur, so less will get on the seats and you’ll have much less to vacuum later on. Win-win.
2. Use a pet carrier.
Some pet parents believe using an enclosed carrier is the safest way for pets to travel. A carrier also helps ensure your pet doesn’t inadvertently make a mess, whether by getting fur or hair on the seat or having an accident.
Placement of the carrier is also important to your pet’s safety. Do not place the carrier on the front seat floor, which could be disastrous in an emergency or if the airbag goes off. If you prefer the carrier on the ground, put it on the floor behind the driver or the passenger seat. However, you might find it easier to secure the carrier in the back seat with a seat belt.
3. Opt for a pet hammock or car seat.
If you’re not a fan of keeping your pet enclosed in a carrier, you have several other options. A pet hammock fits in the back seat and allows your pet to stretch out and relax during your journey. Since it covers the seat, the hammock also helps keep the fur/hair from getting on the upholstery.
A car seat is another viable option. Typically available in various sizes, it allows your pet to sit up, move around, and look out of the window. You can also purchase one that doesn’t take up the entire back seat, so there’s room for another passenger.
4. Put a towel or blanket on the seat.
One of the simplest ways to keep fur/hair off of the seats is to put a large towel or blanket down. Use one that is large enough to cover the entire seat and the back. Keep in mind, though, that fur/hair can also fly around so you’ll likely have to wipe off the doors, dashboard, and other interior areas before returning the car.
5. Make frequent stops.
Just like we need to stop to stretch our legs and have a bathroom break, our pets do, too. If you’re traveling a long distance, stop frequently for both you and your pet.
6. Use baking soda to prevent pet smells.
Our pets have a distinct smell that most of us never notice because we’re so used to it. For people who don’t have pets, though, the smells can be irritating. Car rental companies in Pennsylvania don’t like them either. One of the best and easiest ways to remove pet odors from a car is to sprinkle baking soda on the floors and/or the seat, let it sit for at least an hour, and then vacuum it.
7. Deal with accidents/stains as soon as possible.
Even if you make frequent stops, pets have accidents. A natural and effective way to remove both stains and odor is to use a vinegar/water mix. Get a spray bottle (you can find one at any dollar store) and add half white vinegar and half water. Spray the urine or stain, let the solution sit for at least a few minutes, and then blot the area with a rag or a paper towel. Do this well before you turn in your car so the material has time to dry.
Warning: Before you use baking soda, vinegar, or any type of cleaning solution on the car, test it on a small area to ensure it doesn’t make the stain worse or discolor the material.
8. Try a lint brush.
Those of us with pets who shed probably have more lint brushes than we can count. A lint brush is an easy way to clean fur/hair from your rental car, and it’s relatively inexpensive.
9. Clean as you go.
Rather than waiting to do all of the cleaning before you return your rental vehicle, work on it as you go. That way, you won’t have as much to do before you return it.
10. Thoroughly vacuum before returning.
If you don’t have a portable vacuum, head to your favorite car wash. Some even offer free vacuuming with a wash.
Some of these tips can also apply when you book a ride through Uber Pet or Lyft pet ride. The key to avoiding extra fees is to make sure you return your rental vehicle in the same condition as it was when you picked it up. Don’t forget to ensure the gas tank is filled as much as it was originally, too.
