Here at Veterinarious, we’re big fans of pets (thanks, Captain obvious!). We’re also fans of a clean house. Put the two together, and you better believe we’re big fans of pet friendly cleaners.
Why? In 2018, the ASPCA listed household products at the #6 toxin pets ingest. There are a ton of nasties in many products on the store shelf – nasties that can really do a number on your animal’s (and your own) health.
These are just a few of the common ingredients in typical household cleaning products – all of which pollute the air inside your home with toxic fumes and irritate your pets (or worse!):
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Formaldehyde (common in general household cleaners)
- Perchloroethylene (common in carpet and rug cleaners)
- Phenols (common in cleaners with “sol” in the name)
- Phthalates (common in scented products, like air fresheners)
It’s time to take back your cleaning routine using a few things you’ve probably already got in your kitchen cupboards!
5 DIY Pet Friendly Cleaners
All of these pet friendly cleaners have been tested by the team at Veterinarious. We use a few simple ingredients that won’t put your pet at risk. The bonus? They’re better for the environment and easier on the wallet, plus, they’re really easy to make.
1. Pet Safe All Purpose Cleaner
Countertops, cupboards, even the bathtub; there’s an easy solution to all the different cleaners you’d need to accomplish these tasks.
In an empty spray bottle, mix:
- 3 cups hot water
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
Spray on, wipe off, smell that lemony freshness.
2. Pet Friendly Floor Cleaner
Think about how much time your pet spends on the floor. Pretty much all the time, right? So, do you really want them lazing around in chemicals? No, didn’t think so. With this recipe, there’s no need to worry about them giving the floor a good lick (or 10) or about them walking all over it then grooming their paws.
In your mop bucket, mix:
- 1 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 liter of water
Mop away – there’s no need to rinse. Make a big batch, store it, and just give it a shake before you use it. This recipe is good for hardwood floors, ceramic tile, linoleum or vinyl.
3. Pet Safe Glass Cleaner
We know that glass tends to be one of the hardest surfaces to clean – and those streaks! A simple mixture of lemon juice and water will do the trick.
In a spray bottle, mix:
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 liters of water
Shake well, then spray on your glass surfaces. Wipe with a lint-free cloth or rag and bask in that natural shine!
4. Pet Safe Super Scrub
If you’re looking for something with a little more oomph, this should do the trick. This simple mixture that will scrub away stuck-on grime.
In a bowl, stir together:
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp warm water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Mix it together until it forms a thick paste. You can add more vinegar if you need a little more liquid. Use a sponge or rag and scrub those tough spots using a circular motion. Rinse well with warm water.
We’ve even found this works great as a natural “Goo Gone” to remove sticker residue!!
5. Pet Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Does your dog or cat drink from the toilet bowl? You know for a fact they’re not the only ones. Tons of pets do this. And if you’re cleaning with some chemical based cleaner, this is a really risky habit!
Mix together:
- 2 cups of white distilled vinegar
- 2 cups of lukewarm water
- 4 tablespoons of baking soda
Use your toilet brush to get those tougher spots and then let it sit for 10 minutes. Never worry about the bathroom drinker ever again!
Go green with your cleaning routine and keep your pets (and your whole family) safe!
The Veterinarious team is made up of pet owners, pet lovers, and pet experts from around the globe! We’ve banded together to create a community of like-minded pet people to give you the latest research and health advice for your beloved beast!