Our precious pets are family members. We love and care for them as we do our human relatives, and in return, they offer unconditional love and acceptance. They are bundles of love and joy!
Taking care of pets is a pleasant task, for the most part. At times, they are responsible for epic messes that make it hard to smile about as we’re scrubbing carpets, washing walls, and disposing of unsightly treasures we’d rather not talk about. Finding a cleanser that works for you and your furry friend is not an easy task; non-toxic ingredients, soft cloths, and sponges are best for this type of work, as you don’t know what your pet will get into as you’re trying to clean up after them.
Safe Alternatives for Cleaning and Pet Care
Everything from floor cleaners and sink scrubs to carpet shampoos and all-purpose blends helps to take the guesswork out of keeping a clean home. Unfortunately, some of these products are laden with chemical and toxic ingredients that can cause serious harm to your pets. Your pet comes in contact with freshly cleaned surfaces all the time, and they are able to inhale, ingest, and even absorb toxins through their skin and paws while moving around.
A number of household cleaning products contain potentially life-threatening ingredients, and should under no circumstances be used around your pet to clean your home. Products that contain the following chemicals should be avoided at all costs.
Ammonia
Ammonia damages the respiratory system of both cats and dogs and can cause irritation to the eyes and nasal passages. Vinegar does an excellent job of cutting through grease and providing an all-natural clean, free from irritants that cause damage to the lungs, nose, and throat.
Chlorine Bleach
While an effective cleanser for killing germs and bacteria, chlorine bleach is one of the most toxic chemicals included in cleaning products of today. Bleach can do damage to the skin, eyes, and throat of your pet, and it may even corrode mucous membranes if fumes or liquid come in contact with them.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol can be toxic and even lethal in small doses. It causes central nervous system suppression and lactic acidosis. If your pet does recover from exposure to this chemical, the effects are far-reaching and likely permanent.
Benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium chloride is toxic to both cats and dogs. Exposure results in uncontrolled salivation, oral sores, muscle weakness and vomiting. It will damage eye tissue and may cause permanent kidney damage if large doses are ingested.
Fragrances
Individual ingredients found in fragrances may be allergenic, toxic to the brain and nervous system, and even hormone-disrupting. Choosing fragrance-free formulas with all-natural ingredients is the best option for both you and your pet.
Phenols
Commonly found in brand-name household products like Lysol and PineSol, phenols are extremely dangerous to animals. They can cause liver and kidney damage even when pets are exposed to small doses.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known cancer-causing chemical. Cleansers add formaldehyde as a shelf-life preserver so their chemical compounds break down slowly over time. Keep an eye out for ingredients such as diazolidinyl urea, lmidazolidinyl urea, and DMDM hydantoin when choosing pet-safe products for your home.
Committing To Pet Safe Cleaning
Even products that contain none of the above-listed ingredients pose some degree of risk to your pets, as they are constantly in contact with cleaned floors, furniture, and other fixtures in your home. By law, the EPA is only required to disclose ingredients on labels that are of “known concern”, giving a large swath of leeway for those questionable ingredients that haven’t been as vigorously tested. It is almost impossible to list the many compounds that go into making a simple household cleanser, particularly if a manufacturer has not committed to disclosing a full ingredient list for customers.
Your pet is naturally curious; they may be tempted to smell or swallow products that are being used, particularly those that are within easy reach. Minimize risk of exposure to traditional chemicals by:
- Isolating pets in an uncleaned room
- Ventilating cleaned areas
- Allowing surfaces to dry
- Storing chemicals out of reach
Look for these pet-safe products as you strive to maintain a clean, safe home for everyone.
Pet Stain and Odor Eliminators
Most cleaning products that deal with pet stains and odors take into account that pets will come into close content with them. Look for products that use ingredients such as essential oils and baking soda to absorb and deal with odor and stain removal.
Floor Cleaners
Pet-friendly floor cleaners are largely plant-based, and they can be used safely on a number of floor surfaces. They should be gentle enough for everyday use, and they are suitable for both pets and humans. Enjoy a streak-free shine and no residue on all types of flooring.
Glass Cleaners
Distilled water and vinegar is the best natural alternative for cleaning windows, and there are a number of plant-based solutions that closely mimic its natural composition. This type of cleanser is perfect for wiping off wet noses and little paws from patio doors and picture windows, where your pet loves to perch.
All Purpose Cleaners
All-purpose cleaners can tackle a number of odd jobs around the house. Everything from kitchen countertops to bathroom shower stalls is easily wiped clean from debris, residue, and bacteria that can make you and your pet sick. All-natural all-purpose cleaners contain ingredients such as diluted peroxide, essential oils, and small concentrations of alcohol to wipe clean the grimiest, greasy surface, making it look brand new again.
General, One-Size-Fits-All Cleaning
One of the best all-natural, pet-friendly cleaners for your home is castile soap. Concentrated, organic and biodegradable formulas can be used to not only clean your home but provide your pet with a healthy bath alternative to other pet shampoos. Castile soap works for general use around the house, from laundry to floors and sinks, all without leaving a grimy, oily residue.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Your pets spend a large amount of time sprawled out on carpets and furniture; you’ll need your textiles to be fresh and clean so as not to contaminate and irritate your pet’s sensitive skin. A number of pet-friendly, natural options exist for removing stains and odors while providing a thorough clean that your pet can easily snuggle into.
Steam Cleaning
There is no denying that the power of a hot steam clean reaches places where other cleansers don’t go. Completely natural and pure, steam cleaning leaves no residue or chemical aftermath behind. No matter who comes in contact with a steam-cleaned surface, there is no danger of contamination from residue.
Tackling Jobs So You Don’t Have To!
Dealing with mold, debris, and other messes don’t have to be on you. Pur360 is a team of committed, knowledgeable professionals who know how to clean safely. Using a unique, patented process and advanced sanitization techniques, we’ll tackle any mess in your home safely and effectively. All natural products and methods are completely safe for pets and humans alike, and we stand behind all of our work! The safety of your loved ones and pets is of utmost concern to us; call us today to schedule your next big cleaning chore!
