If you’re an animal lover and also looking to keep your space clean, you might be wondering what cleaning products and practices are safe for both humans and animals. Luckily, there are many products and methods you can use that won’t harm your furry friends. From pet-friendly, safe cleaning products to eco-friendly methods, there are plenty of ways to ensure your space is clean without risking the health of your animals. Read on to learn more about the best cleaning products and practices that are safe for both humans and animals.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid?
Commercial cleaners use both traditional chemical and environmentally friendly products, which are available in most stores. With a little elbow grease, you can achieve the same results. Pets' react differently to substances and may react negatively to even "natural" ingredients. Some essential oils, for instance, are perfectly safe for humans, but can be toxic to dogs. You should always check the labels of cleaning products and avoid the following:
Ammonia
Benzalkonium chloride
Chlorine Bleach
Formaldehyde
Fragrances
Glycol ethers
Phenols
Inhaling or ingesting these substances may cause irritation or severe damage to the internal organs. Some, such as formaldehyde, may even cause cancer. It is important to keep in mind that some ingredients are too common and therefore more difficult to avoid. An example here is sodium lauryl sulphate, a foaming agent that can substitute for plant oils.
The Natural Way
Let's go natural!
It is important to be aware of additives and other ingredients, which may change the chemical structure of a harmless substance into something harmful for animals. Make DIY cleaning products using these ingredients if you want to be certain they are animal-safe. Examples include: It is possible to kill bacteria and fungi with distilled white vinegar or lemon juice, although the former is more potent than the latter. If you are working with more delicate materials or surfaces, you can use lemon juice. There is no better deodorizer than baking soda. Baking soda is also a mild abrasive, so you can use it to polish stained tiles, sinks, pots, and pans. Using baking soda as a degreaser for pots and pans is also a good idea. The best bleach alternative is hydrogen peroxide. Ingestion still poses a risk to humans and animals, but it does not emit harmful fumes like chlorine. Using these three ingredients alone, you can already make a number of products such as all-purpose cleaners, stain removers, and drain cleaners.
Keeping Pets Out Of Harm's Way
The most effective way to keep your pet out of harm's way during cleaning time is to remove him or her from the room for the duration of your cleaning. Alternatively, try to find someone you know and trust that can sit with your pet for a few hours. Otherwise, invest in some portable fencing to create a safe area for them. If you're using any chemicals, rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow everything to dry completely before reintroducing your pets to that area. In addition, you may want to invest in training your pets, especially if they are trainable, such as dogs or cats.
Properly store and dispose of cleaning supplies
Even when you're not cleaning, your pet can be in danger if your products aren't stored properly. They might knock over containers or chew on boxes and get anything wet or into their mouths. A better idea would be to store your cleaning supplies in a lockable cabinet or place certain things higher up so pets won't be able to reach them. It is also advisable to make sure to get rid of your dirty, used, or expired cleaning supplies and dispose of them properly.
Ask The Experts - Veterinarian
Last but certainly not least, it's reasonable to consult with your vet about which products to use when cleaning pet-friendly home surfaces. Keep in mind that pets rely on you for their health and safety. Always be vigilant when engaging in activities like cleaning so your animal companions are always in safe and good shape.
