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Pets bring so much joy into our lives — but also a lot of pet messes, dirt and germs! They are a part of your family, and you want to do what is best for them, but many pet owners are unaware of how hazardous common cleaning products are to pet health. How do you clean and get rid of tough stains, including carpet stains, without harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients that could harm your precious pup? Switching to natural, pet-friendly cleaning products can make a big difference to your dog’s health as well as your family’s, while still being effective.
Chemicals to Avoid
First, it is critical to know what products and ingredients are not safe for your dog, and clear out the most hazardous household products. Always read the labels of any products and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Alcohol, ammonia, benzalkonium chloride, bleach, chlorine, formaldehyde, glycol ethers, isopropyl alcohol, phenols and phthalates are dangerous if pets ingest them. Even if not swallowed, they cause skin burns, eye damage and respiratory damage. Ammonia in particular is damaging to the respiratory system, while chlorine bleach is a harsh irritant to skin and eyes and corrosive to mucous membranes. Some are carcinogenic.
Be aware that formaldehyde is not specifically an ingredient but is released by common cleaners containing preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea.
Synthetic fragrances, or artificial fragrances, are also hazardous to your pup. Even a milder form may be irritating. Individual fragrance ingredients aren’t required to be listed but may be allergenic, toxic, or carcinogenic. Choose fragrance-free household cleaners instead of an unscented cleaner; fragrance-free means no perfumes are added, while unscented products have added chemicals to cover any scent.
Be sure to dispose of any cleaner containers securely; if your pet chews on one, it could result in a toxic exposure. If your dog is experiencing severe vomiting, or you suspect your pet may have been exposed to a toxin, call a veterinarian immediately.
Pet Safe Cleaning
Look for the best pet-safe cleaning products, such as an enzyme based cleaner, and ones labelled all natural, cruelty free, and chlorine free. Be careful, even products without these hazardous ingredients can still have irritating chemicals, and labels can be deceiving. Companies only have to include active disinfecting chemicals, and chemicals of known concern on labelling, so it can be hard to know what exactly is in them.
Even with safer products, always keep cleaning supplies safely away from your pet’s reach. When mopping floors, since pets are nearer floors to inhale chemicals and may even lick them, choose floor cleaners carefully. Keep pets away from areas being cleaned until everything has dried; ensure the room is well-ventilated. Avoid continuously-dispensing toilet cleaners, especially if your dog is prone to drink from the toilet bowl.
Don’t forget to use pet-safe laundry detergents on their blankets and beds.
Pet Safe Cleaners and DIY Options
Choose products with plant based ingredients or plant based enzymes, or try a cleaning product from safer brands like Seventh Generation or Nature’s Miracle. A biodegradable formula is best. You can also try one of these DIY pet safe cleaners.
You can add essential oils to homemade cleaning solutions, but check to ensure they are pet safe; citrus oils are common but aren’t good for cats. Natural products aren’t always safe.
Vinegar
White vinegar is easy, safe, and cheap. Dilute with water (50/50) in a spray bottle for a quick and easy cleaning routine. It’s an excellent all-purpose cleaner for multiple surfaces including glass surfaces. It kills bacteria and mold and will replace your best disinfecting products.
Baking Soda
This is great on countertops and sinks, especially as an abrasive scrubber — add just enough water to make a paste. It removes small carpet pet stains and other marks. It is also a great odour eliminator. Combined with vinegar, it’ll clear clogged drains and remove grease.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Peroxide bleaches but isn’t as hazardous as chlorine, especially since it breaks down into water and oxygen, although it’s dangerous if ingested. It is antiseptic and antifungal, killing mold and odours. For an effective bathroom cleaner that’s good on soap scum, use a quarter cup of it, with one cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of liquid soap. For a carpet stain remover use equal parts water and vinegar with a little peroxide, apply to carpet fibres, then blot with a paper towel. It is excellent at removing tough stains.
Lemon
Lemon juice is milder than vinegar but is also antibacterial and antifungal; rub down surfaces with a lemon wedge and remove stains. Replace air fresheners by adding lemon peel to vinegar, then spritz.
Easy Solution to a Clean House
Let GPower make your life easier. We offer the best pet-friendly housekeeping services. Most importantly, our pet safe residential cleaning won’t harm your precious pup or other pets. We use cleaning products with pet safety in mind, because keeping them and your family healthy is our top priority. We keep your home safe by using high-quality, 100% natural, non-toxic, professional cleaning products, so book with us today.