Nothing’s better than coming home after a hard day to a clean house. But sometimes, you can walk in on your dog making a mess. Whether it’s digging up the houseplants or relieving themselves on the carpets, even the most trained dogs have accidents now and then. And it’s important to clean up as soon as possible. But remember, some items may cause irritation and all kinds of troubles for your pet.
Keep reading to find out which common household items are toxic to dogs and their alternative dog-safe cleaners to keep those surfaces squeaky clean without the worry.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS SAFE FOR CLEANING
Use vinegar instead of chemical bleach
Pee on the floor is a nuisance to many, and a common frustration among new pet owners. But bleaching products with chlorine, ammonia, formaldehyde, and glycol could increase the chances of your pet getting cancer and liver damage. Likewise, exposure to bleach could easily irritate their fur, skin, and paws.
Vinegar is a good alternative for these situations. The acetic acid content is good at neutralizing bacteria and other harmful compounds. Just put some in a spray bottle and you’re good to go. The smell might not be the best, but it’s sure to go away once the solution is dry.
Using vegetable oil or salt instead of insecticide
It’s common for bugs to sneak around the kitchen, but the spray you may be using could enter your dog’s respiratory system. As a rule of thumb, if it’s meant to kill anything, keep it as far away from your pets as possible. This is where a mix of vegetable oil and soap could help. A cup of oil to a spoon of dish soap mixed with a little water should do the trick. Otherwise, simply mixing salt and water in a spray bottle could prove to be an effective dog-safe cleaner.
Use hydrogen peroxide in place of carpet cleaners
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the safest options you have if you need a deeper clean on heavy surfaces. This compound splits into water and oxygen once used and is very helpful in removing pee stains. Do take note, though, that this is a very mild bleach and too much might change the colors of your furniture.
Use baking soda instead of toilet cleaners
Dogs sometimes sneak into the bathroom for a drink when water isn’t readily available. This could put them at risk of ingesting harmful chemicals through the water. A 1:2 ratio of baking soda to vinegar easily cleans the drains just as well. Plus, you’ll get to relive your high school science fair volcano! Let this mixture do its work for a while, then scrub away, and finish with some hot water.
Use oranges and lemons in place of scented oils
Certain essential oils are toxic to pets and can range from simple irritants to lethal in large doses. It’s best to only keep them in places where you’re certain that your pet will not be around. This includes diffusers, sprays, balms, or anything that may come into contact with them. Their noses are so much more sensitive than ours and are more likely to feel uncomfortable.
Citrus fruits, on the other hand, serve as natural fragrances to uplift the ambiance of your home. Not only are they good cleaners, but they also make for great incense or potpourri. Dry some orange peels and chuck them into your fireplace or in a bowl to burn and enjoy the smells!
NON-TOXIC FLOOR CLEANING PRODUCTS
6. Bean & Lily Pet-Safe Floor Cleaner
Bean & Lily Pet-Safe Floor Cleaner has a plant-based formula and is safe for all hard floors. Its chemicals are gentle on the skin and paws, and safe enough to withstand all the licking and crumb munching your pup is doing in your home.
7. Eco-Me Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
Eco-Me Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner is a pet-safe cleaning product that breaks down dirt, grime, and grease without harmful chemicals and toxins like sulfates and bleach. It has a herbal mint scent that is effective at masking odor and giving the air a fresh scent. There is also an unscented version if you prefer a non-fragrant variant.
NON-TOXIC CARPET CLEANERS FOR PETS
8. Puracy Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo
Another one from the Puracy family of products, because they get it right and smell good doing it. Use this pet-safe shampoo on carpets, furniture—anything your dog can and will pee on.
9. Clean & Green Pet-Safe Carpet Cleaner
Clean & Green Pet-Safe Carpet Cleaner is a non-toxic, all-natural cleaner. It eliminates germs and the need to scrub, soak, or rinse. You can use it to spot-treat carpets, furniture, or concrete. This product is so eco-friendly, even the container is recyclable.
NON-TOXIC ALL-PURPOSE CLEANING PRODUCTS
10. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Non-Toxic Cleaner for Pets
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Non-Toxic Cleaner for Pets is part of all-natural, concentrated soaps steadily becoming a household name all over the country. It is made from plants and essential oils and is highly concentrated; you only need a couple of drops in warm water to create a potent stain cleaner.
11. Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover
Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover is an enzyme-based cleaner that eliminates bad smells without the use of toxins. In addition to cleaning, the chemicals in this product are not harmful to rivers, streams, or oceans. You can also use it as a laundry addition with your regular detergent for that extra clean.
12. Angry Orange Natural Non-Toxic Cleaning Product for Pets
Angry Orange Natural Non-Toxic Cleaning Product for Pets is a ‘tried and tested’ product for serious animal stains and smells. It utilizes orange peel oil which is a natural, non-toxic, and pet-safe disinfectant. This versatile product can be sprinkled on your lawn, or mixed with water then used as a spray for any surface.
13. Skout’s Honor Professional Strength Pet Stain and Odor Remover
Skout’s Honor Professional Strength Pet Stain and Odor Remover is a no-mix, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaner that you can use on furniture, clothes, rugs, and other surfaces.
14. Sunny & Honey Non-Toxic Enzyme Cleaner
You can use Sunny & Honey Non-Toxic Enzyme Cleaner on pretty much any surface in your house. It’s also an enzyme-based cleaner that will not harm your pets. Trivia: This company donates 10% of its profits to animal shelters.
15. Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner is an unscented and all-purpose cleaner that can be applied to both hard surfaces and soft upholstery. It is made from corn and coconut oil and soap bark. Spray it on and wipe it down with a towel.
16. Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Non-Toxic Odor and Stain Remover
Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Non-Toxic Odor and Stain Remover is formulated for pet stains and other dirt on all surfaces. It also uses enzymes to eat the bacteria and odor particles. It’s chlorine-free and color-safe guaranteed. Not impressed? Rocco & Roxie will give a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
NON-TOXIC LAUNDRY CLEANERS FOR PETS
17. Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent is a trusted and eco-friendly brand of non-toxic detergent that can be used to wash and clean pet beds, blankets, harnesses, and clothes.
18. Better Life Natural Dryer Sheets
Better Life Natural Dryer Sheets does not contain bleach, scent, and toxins, which makes it safe to use to keep you and your dog fuzz and static-free.
There’s no need to worry about not being able to clean your house anymore without harming your pet! Now that you know which household items are toxic to dogs and their dog-safe cleaner alternatives, you’re going to be fine! Read here for more cleaning and dog grooming tips.
