Pet-Friendly Guide To Non-Toxic Cleaning

As pet owners, we invest so much of ourselves into their health and well-being. Research shows that 95% of Americans consider their pet to be a member of the family. Our animals depend on us to protect them from potentially harmful household chemicals.

Most Harmful Chemicals For Pets

Many of the most common household products contain chemicals that could be harmful to your pets and the environment. Since our pets are smaller than us, they can be more vulnerable to exposure to toxins in and around the home. Check the label and avoid using the following in areas that your pet comes in contact with:

• Ammonia

  Found in oven cleaners and window cleaning formulations Ammonia is an irritant to the mucous membranes.

• Bleach

  A toxic respiratory irritant Bleach can damage pets’ skin, eyes or other membranes. It can be found in all-purpose cleaners, automatic dishwashing detergents, tile scrubs, disinfecting wipes, toilet-bowl cleaners, laundry detergents and mildew removers. Bleach is a strong alkali (the opposite of an acid), which means it can erode paw pads if a pet walks through it, or can damage mouths and throats if ingested.

• Mothballs

  When used carelessly, mothballs pose a hidden health threat to pets. Mothballs typically contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both toxic substances.

• Formaldehyde

  Found in many new home furnishings, household cleaners and some construction materials. Formaldehyde is considered toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

• Phenols

  Typically found in cleaners with “sol” in the name, Phenol-based disinfectants, such as Lysol and Pine-Sol effectively kill bacteria and viruses, but are toxic to both dogs and cats.

Pet-Friendly Household Cleaning Solutions

Maintaining a home that is both clean and pet-friendly requires some additional work, but with the right preventative measures in place, the end result is a healthier home for our furry friends and our entire family.

• Baking Soda

  Odor absorbent: Baking soda is a natural odor absorbing product — sprinkle it on carpeting and wood floors to absorb pet accidents. Mild abrasive: Mix baking soda with equal parts hot water and salt to create a mild abrasive scrubbing product you can use for counter tops, sinks, etc. Just rinse when you’re done! Foaming cleanser: Use baking soda and lemon juice as a replacement for foaming cleansers for your bathroom and kitchen.

• White Vinegar

  Wood floor cleaner: White vinegar diluted with warm water makes a great pet friendly floor cleaner for wood surfaces. All-purpose cleaner: Dilute 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle to replace an all-purpose cleaner for surfaces. Tip: Add lemon juice if you don’t like the scent of vinegar. Window cleaner: Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water to use as a window cleaner. Carpet stain cleaner: To use as a carpet stain cleaner, combine 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of salt until the salt dissolves. Soak a wash rag with the solution to rub out the stain.

• Borax

  Heavy carpet stain cleaner: For heavy carpet stains, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of Borax until it’s all dissolved. Use a rag soaked in the solution to treat heavy stains. Laundry stain remover: Include some Borax in place of bleach into your laundry load to whiten your clothes.

• Mineral Oil

  Furniture polish: Add lemon juice to mineral oil for an all-natural furniture polish.

Pet-Friendly Cleaning Tips

Pets shed. It's what they do. To minimize the buildup up pet hair around the house vacuum and wipe down pet-frequented surfaces areas, like carpets, floors, and furniture. Be sure to get behind and underneath furniture and between couch cushions. Keep your pet's bedding fresh by spraying daily with an even mixture of vinegar and water and washing weekly in hot, soapy water. Use a non-toxic, mild detergent without dyes or perfumes, to avoid skin irritation for your pet. Vinegar is a great for this job. Read the instructions on the tag of your dog bed for the manufacturer’s recommendations for washing. If fleas are a problem, Karyn Bischoff, a toxicologist at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends having your carpets professionally steam cleaned. The high temperature exerted from the steam cleaner will kill both adults and eggs

Professional Pet-Friendly Cleaning

The cleaning professionals at NY Brite are animal lovers too! We take great care to ease anxiety and minimize the stress for our furry friends associated when a stranger enters their home with our pet-friendly home cleaning.