Did you know that several of the cleaning products that you most likely have in your home are toxic to pets, or at the very least can irritate both their skin and their respiratory systems? Luckily, most pet stores and online retailers keep pet-safe cleaning products in stock. In addition to these options, there are many very common household items that are extremely effective and ideal for pet-safe cleaning.
Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is a great disinfectant, and when it dries it is nontoxic. Simply dilute alcohol to remove dirt and stains from countertops and floors. To keep the solution safe for your pet, dilute 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 gallon of hot water.
Baking Soda
An extremely inexpensive product, baking soda can be used to scrub your tub, sink and kitchen floors. It even deodorizes as it cleans. Sprinkle it into your carpets to remove pet odors and use it to scrub out the kitty litter box.
Borax
Found in the laundry aisle, Borax can be used to get your pet bedding clean. It can also be used to scrub the tub and tiles in the bathroom, and it can even kill fleas.
Homemade Drain Cleaner
Commercial drain cleaners are highly toxic for both humans and pets. For a natural alternative, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar down your drain and cover it with a dinner plate. After a half an hour, pour hot water down the drain to see if the clog has dispersed. If not, you can try using a plunger. DO NOT attempt to use the natural method after using commercial cleaners, as the resulting fumes can be toxic.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is an excellent way to clean rugs and windows, and it even comes in handy for polishing some metals.
Mineral Oil
Get rid of your toxic wood polish and replace it with mineral oil. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a fresh smell, and just be careful to steer clear of open flames as mineral oil is flammable.
Salt
Great as a scouring powder, salt is completely pet friendly!
