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Choosing Pet Safe Cleaning Products
January 4, 2024
-
By
Sylvia Martinez
Did you know that the cleaner you’re using may be harming your pet?
For example, many common household cleaning products contain ammonia and bleach, both of which are toxic to animals.
Don’t worry, though, pet safe cleaning products do exist. If anything, you just have to be diligent when it comes to choosing a product.
What are the best commercial cleaning agents that are safe for pets? What about laundry detergent? For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over everything you need to know below!
Understanding Pet Safe Cleaning Products
The chemicals found within many common household cleaning agents (including those designed for pet messes) can cause severe vomiting and kidney damage if ingested or absorbed through skin contact by your pets.
In fact, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center saw a staggering increase of 65% in calls related to cleaning materials last year. This underlines the importance of using pet-safe household products.
Selecting Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products
When choosing pet-safe cleaning products, it’s essential to check the ingredients thoroughly as some may be harmful even if marketed as ‘pet-friendly’. If possible, choose one with plant-based ingredients.
Look out for harsh substances such as chlorine bleach and ammonia which are often hidden inside popular brands. The same goes for essential oils like tea tree oil.
If you spot any unsafe ingredients on a label, opt for natural alternatives instead like baking soda or white vinegar – they won’t compromise cleanliness but will still keep your house clean without risking your pet’s well-being.
Making Your Home Safer For Pets
To ensure complete protection from potential harm, make sure to store all cleaning supplies out of reach from curious paws.
You also want to keep surfaces dry after application until every trace has evaporated away; that way, there will be no residue left behind, which could pose a danger when licked off fur or paw pads.
Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Liquid Cleaning Products
Some cleaning items commonly used in households may have components that can be hazardous to animals if ingested, breathed in, or absorbed through the skin.
Chlorine Bleach and Ammonia
Bleaches containing chlorine or ammonia pose a significant threat. Both these chemicals can cause severe damage if swallowed by your pet leading to symptoms like drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea – even chemical burns inside their body.
Alcohols
Glycol ethers found in many sprays and solvents may lead to anemia or kidney damage over time.
Isopropyl alcohol used as a disinfectant could result in oral irritation and stomach issues if consumed directly by pets.
Preservatives
A preservative called DMDM hydantoin is another culprit causing potential allergic reactions. It releases formaldehyde, which might trigger respiratory distress among other things.
Finally, there’s benzalkonium chloride – frequently present in disinfectants & sanitizers – which is responsible for ulcers and paw pad injuries.
Pet Safe Alternatives for Cleaning
Rather than relying on harsh chemicals, you may want to opt for pet-safe alternatives to clean.
Take ACTIVE Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator, for example, it’s highly effective at eliminating stains and messes.
Step 1: Apply the Spray
Apply the ACTIVE Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray directly onto the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
Step 2: Blot the Stain
Using paper towels or a clean cloth, soak up as much liquid as possible from the stain.
Step 3: Remove the Remaining Solution
Using a shampoo vac, remove any remaining solution or foam.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator
- Paper towels or clean cloth
- Shampoo vac
For set-in stains, we recommend brushing the area with a soft-bristle brush before applying the stain.
ACTIVE Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator
Tough on stains and odors. Gentle on pets.
DIY Pet Safe Cleaners
Making your own pet-safe cleaners at home is not as tough as you might think. It’s all about finding the right ingredients that are effective yet harmless to our furry friends.
White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is one common household product that can double as a pet-safe floor cleaner; its acidic nature breaks down grime and dirt effectively while being non-toxic to pets when used properly.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Mop
Step 1:
Mix half a cup of white vinegar with one gallon of water.
Step 2:
Apply the vinegar solution onto the floor and mop the floors, starting from the outside of the room and moving toward the center.
Never use undiluted vinegar – it can cause discomfort if ingested by your pet.
Baking Soda: A Natural Carpet Shampoo Substitute
Baking soda – another pantry staple – works wonders on carpet stains and odors without harming your pet.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
Step 1:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain.
Step 2:
Let the baking soda sit for several hours before vacuuming it up.
If necessary, you can leave the baking soda on the stain overnight.
Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Safely
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide make a powerful cleaning duo. If misused, however, they can cause severe vomiting in pets.
The trick here is proper dilution and usage. When mixed correctly, these common household items become safe cleaning tools without posing a risk to your pets’ health.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Small bowl
- Damp cloth
Step 1:
Mix one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl
Step 2:
Apply the hydrogen peroxide paste to the stain and let it sit for several hours.
Step 3:
Wipe away the baking soda pasta using a damp cloth. Repeat the steps, if necessary.
Pet-Safe Options For Washing
Many traditional laundry detergents contain chemicals that may be harmful to your pet. Fortunately, there are pet-friendly options such as ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent, which is great for general washing or spot treating.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent
- Mesh laundry bags (optional)
Step 1:
Add your laundry to do the washing machine, using mesh bags if necessary.
Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent directly to the drum.
Step 3:
Run a wash cycle according to the instructions on the garment’s care tag label.
You can also wash your items by hand with ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent. Simply dissolve the detergent in some water, let it soak, then rinse clean with cool water.
Storing Cleaning Products Safely
Keeping cleaning products out of a pet’s reach is crucial. Even the most common household items can pose a threat. It’s not just about what you use; how and where you store these products matters too.
If ingested or even touched by curious paws, some ingredients could lead to skin irritation or severe vomiting. So, make sure all your cleaning sprays and other household products are stored safely away from prying noses and mouths.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Cleaning Products
Here’s what you want to do if your pet ingests a cleaning product.
Contacting Animal Poison Control Center
The first thing is to get in touch with an Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Act quickly and contact the APCC to get advice on what needs to be done. Remember, time is critical in these situations so don’t delay.
While reaching out for help, try to figure out what product your pet ingested. It’ll let the control center provide more accurate guidance.
You should also observe your pet for symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea as they could indicate poisoning. Any signs of skin irritation from contact with cleaning agents should also be noted down.
If possible and safe, remove any remaining substance from their mouth but avoid inducing vomiting unless directed by a professional; this might worsen the situation especially if corrosive substances like bleach or ammonia have been swallowed.
Choosing Pet Safe Cleaners – FAQs
What cleaners are safe to use around pets?
Pet-safe cleaners often contain natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and citrus extracts. Always check labels for pet-friendly mentions.
What is the best cleaning supply to use for dogs?
Dog-friendly wipes and sprays that are free from harsh chemicals work well. Use products specifically designed for dogs to ensure safety.
Is automatic toilet bowl cleaner safe for pets?
No, most automatic toilet bowl cleaners have harmful chemicals. Keep lids closed or opt for a pet-safe product if available.
How do you clean safely with pets?
Clean using non-toxic products, keep your animals out of cleaned areas until dry, store supplies out of reach, and ventilate rooms during cleaning.
Are essential oils safe for pets?
No, many essential oils such as tea tree oil are toxic to animals and should not be used around pets.
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Sylvia Martinez
Sylvia Martinez is a trusted pet expert who provides her insightful guides on pet care. With a deep understanding of the needs of various pets, she creates detailed resources to assist pet owners in nurturing their animals. Her commitment to promoting compassionate and informed pet care is evident in every guide she creates, making pet ownership a more joyful and informed experience.
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