Pets are far more sensitive to fumes and artificial scents than we are. And because their bodies are so much smaller than ours (usually) they are more vulnerable to toxic substances as well. For these reasons, you need to make sure that the cleaning products you use around your home are pet-friendly and non-toxic.
Many ordinary cleaning products—like ammonia, bleach, and isopropyl alcohol—can be harmful to pets. And even some very familiar household brands contain toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, phthalates, phenols, and perchloroethylene. Homemade cleaning products are not always safe for pets, either.
Here’s how to choose safe, pet-friendly cleaning products for your home.
What Types of Cleaning Products Are Dangerous for Pets?
Many types of cleaning products—in fact, probably most of them—can be irritating and even toxic to pets. Ordinary things like bleach and carpet cleaner that people use without thinking twice can actually be very harmful. So whether you’re cleaning your house or cleaning up after your pet, it’s important to be careful about the products you use.
For example, you should never use bleach to clean your dog’s dishes or your cat’s litter box. Bleach residue can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset.
Many common floor and window cleaning solutions contain ammonia, which can irritate your pet’s eyes, skin, and throat. They don’t have to swallow it—the fumes alone are enough to cause respiratory distress.
And always read the ingredients before you use any upholstery cleaner or rug cleaner—these products often contain substances like perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene that can cause cancer as well as liver damage.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products:
- Look for “free and clear” products that don’t have any scents or dyes.
- Check the packaging for labels like “Safer Choice” or “Pet Safe.”
- Read the ingredients list just to make sure there’s nothing dangerous.
How to Make Pet-Safe Homemade Cleaners
If you’re having trouble finding pet-safe cleaning products or you’re looking for a more natural option, you can always try making your own. Baking soda and distilled white vinegar are two of the best natural, pet-friendly cleaning agents, and they’re easy to find.
A simple baking soda paste makes a great carpet cleaner, and it deodorizes, too! It’s also a much safer option for scrubbing your stove, as oven cleaners often have toxic ingredients. You can use a vinegar solution to sanitize floors, surfaces, and pet dishes. You can also use it to clean windows and mirrors for a streak-free shine that won’t irritate curious noses.
If you’re making a vinegar cleaner and you want to mask the smell of the vinegar, use lemon juice instead of lemon essential oil. Many types of essential oils are toxic to pets, and inhaling or ingesting them can make your pet sick.
Castile soap is another versatile option. This olive-oil based cleanser is all-natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, and—most importantly—it’s also safe for pets. You can use diluted Castile soap as a floor and surface cleaner, as a laundry detergent, and even as hand soap.
Friendly Veterinarians in Gilbert, Arizona
When it comes to finding pet-friendly cleaning products, you have to be very careful. If you have any concerns about which products are safe, ask us at your next appointment. The friendly vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic are always happy to answer your pet care questions. Contact us to schedule an exam today.
Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/11/25.