Pet-Safe Cleaning Products: Keeping Your Home Clean Without Harmful Chemicals
Is it possible to have a clean home and a safe pet? Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital says yes, without a doubt! With pet-safe cleaning products and smart choices, you can have a sparkling space and a happy pet.
Paws Off Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning a house with animals around, it’s best to start with knowing what cleaning products to avoid with pets. Some common household chemicals that are big no-nos include:
- Ammonia (window cleaner, drain cleaner, carpet cleaner)
- Bleach (multipurpose cleaner, drain cleaner, Clorox)
- Formaldehyde (Comet, Woolite)
- Phenols (Lysol)
- Isopropyl alcohol (electronics cleaners, hand sanitizer)
Keep in mind that many essential oils, while natural, can also be harmful to animals.
These can all be dangerous if licked or otherwise ingested. They can often also cause trouble when inhaled or put into contact with the skin. Toxicity can vary, but may include things like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, breathing trouble, rash, or worse.
If you think your pet may have had significant exposure to one of these chemicals, contact us right away or seek emergency care.
Pet-Safe Cleaning Products and Tips
Many common cleaning products aren’t so pet friendly. Pet-safe cleaning products are available, though, and with the help of our favorite tips, your home with be spick and span in no time at all.
- Make smart swaps: There are plenty of cleaning products that are safe for pets. Consider switching out your window cleaner for vinegar and water or baking soda to remove stains. You can also look for labeled pet-friendly commercial cleaners like bleach that is safe for pets.
- Clear the area: While your pet might want to be part of the cleaning action, it may be best to keep them in a different area of the home while you are cleaning. Most products are at highest risk of causing trouble when recently used. It is at this point when aerosolized droplets can be inhaled, or curious paws might traipse through a wet area.
- Choose wisely: When outfitting your home, consider your pets. Choose pet-friendly fabrics, floor and wall coverings, and upholstery to make your job easier. Consider throws or furniture covers that can be easily washed.
Having a pet doesn’t mean that you can’t have a clean home. By paying attention to the products that you use you can have the best of both worlds—a tidy space and a healthy pet!
