Pet safe cleaning products: thoughts from a pet owner and cleaning professional
I'm the proud owner of a 100% American Pitbull Terrier named Barry and we also run the top-rated house cleaning service in San Francisco. If you lived in the Bay Area, chances are you may have seen our vans zipping by with young Barry's picture--they grow up so fast!
So, I think I know a thing or two about keeping your home clean and safe for your furry friends. You might be wondering if it's even possible to have a sparkling clean home that's also pet-safe. Well, we definitely think so!
Why use pet-safe cleaning products?
Our furry friends have a knack for getting into everything around the house! They don't wear shoes or socks, so their paws touch almost every surface, exposing them to who knows what. They've probably sniffed, licked, and touched every nook and cranny. Some pets even sneak a drink from the toilet (the forbidden water fountain!). They might nap under your bed or between shelves that have been cleaned with chemicals, too.
What to look for when buying pet safe cleaning products?
When you're buying pet-safe cleaning products, the main thing to look out for is if they have certifications from environmental organizations on their labels. Getting these certifications means the products have gone through a lot of testing, and the companies making them have to meet strict rules to say their products are environmentally friendly. Two certifications we always look for are:
What cleaning products are pet safe?
Method
The guys who started Method Products once chugged a shot of their toilet bowl cleaner at a press conference in London to prove it wasn't toxic. If they were willing to drink it, it's gotta be safe for our pets too, right?
Simple Green
We're also big fans of Simple Green products - they're all eco-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Simple Green is really proud of their safety and environmental impact, and they even release product safety sheets for everything they sell.
Bona
Bona is a great option for cleaning your floors! They've been around for over 100 years and know how to make safe cleaning products. Plus, their products meet EPA standards and are mostly made from plant-based stuff.
Vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar and baking soda are awesome natural cleaning products. And don't worry, the amount you need for cleaning won't hurt your furry friends!
Is bleach a pet-safe cleaning product?
Bleach can be super harmful to pets. If it touches their skin or fur, it can cause irritation, especially on their paws since they might lick it off. But, the trick with bleach is all about diluting it properly — remember, the adage "the dose makes the poison" holds true. You might not know this, but lots of restaurants actually use bleach to clean their dishes. Even the USDA recommends using diluted bleach for cleaning utensils and countertops. So, if you really need to use bleach, make sure you dilute it a lot – just a capful per gallon of water should do it.
What are some signs you should switch to pet-safe cleaning products?
If you notice your furry friends acting a little off, it might be time to switch to pet-safe cleaning products. Keep an eye out for things like vomiting (and don't forget to check their food and water bowls!), red spots on their skin or belly, throwing up, tiredness, or excessive scratching and itching.
Remember, keeping your home clean is important, but keeping your furry friends safe is even more crucial! Opt for pet-safe cleaning products, and if you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, consult your vet immediately. 🐾