The Best Cleaning Products for Pet-Friendly Homes
As an owner of 2 dogs myself, Harvard and Emory, this is definitely something that is always on my mind when choosing what product to buy. My wife and I do not have children, so our fur-kids are essentially our children, and we definitely want to make sure they are living within safe conditions – especially when I think about how they are always licking the floor around my stove, close to us while we are spraying countertops to clean, when we wash their beds, etc. Cleaning your home is a must (well, at least for a Type A person like myself), and while I want to make sure it is clean and beautiful, it’s important to consider the safety of your furry friends when choosing which cleaning products to use, and it’s also important for us as humans too. Unfortunately, many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful or toxic to animals if ingested or inhaled. So, what are the best cleaning products for pet-friendly homes? Lets find out!
Natural Remedies
Here are some home remedy options to consider:
- Vinegar and water. This simple and natural solution is great for cleaning a variety of surfaces and is safe for use around animals. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean countertops, floors, and other surfaces.
- Baking soda and water. Baking soda is another safe and natural option for cleaning around animals. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste, and use it to scrub surfaces and remove stains.
- Castile soap. Castile soap is a natural, plant-based soap made from ingredients like olive oil and coconut oil. It’s gentle and safe for use around animals, and can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including floors, countertops, and even pet bedding.
- Lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean countertops, floors, and other surfaces. Just be sure to keep your pets away from any surfaces that have been treated with lemon juice until they are completely dry.
- Essential oils. Essential oils like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil have natural cleaning and disinfectant properties. They can be used to make your own cleaning products, but be sure to dilute them with water or a carrier oil before using them around animals. Some essential oils can be toxic to animals if ingested, so it’s important to use caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Trusted Brands
And here are some companies I personally use and choose to buy from when purchasing cleaning supplies:
- Better Life – I first saw this brand on SharkTank and fell in love with their model as soon as I saw their demo compared against the leading big box cleaning brands. They are naturally scented, are derived from plants, have biodegradable ingredients, and are Leaping Bunny Certified, I mean, can you say more? They have a huge line of cleaning products to tackle any surface in your home.
- Seventh Generation – This company sells a variety of natural cleaning supplies for your home, including dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaners. Many of their products are made primarily of plants and have natural scents thanks to essential oils.
- Method – I have recently started getting more into this company and I am loving it. Method makes a ton of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, including all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, and bathroom cleaners. Many of their products are also made primarily of plants and have natural scents thanks to essential oils. I have especially been loving their mango ginger laundry detergent – it lasts for a while and gets my clothes and dog beds clean.
It’s also important to keep in mind that while these natural and company-made cleaning options may be safer for use around animals, they may not be as effective at removing tough stains or killing germs as traditional cleaning products. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a product that contains chemicals – but I would definitely try and limit your use if you are truly trying to create an environment that is not only safe for your pets but also for yourself and any other people living in your home. If you do need to use a chemical cleaning product, be sure to keep your pets away from the treated area until it is completely dry and ventilate the area well.
Cleaning Products for Pet-Friendly Homes: Wrap-Up
Opting for natural and safe options can help ensure the health and safety of your pets while still keeping your home clean and fresh. Have you used any of these options before or have another brand I may have missed that you love? Let me know in the comments below!