This article was previously published February 5, 2020, and was updated May 13, 2022

Keep it clean the safe, non-toxic way

Having a clean home is one of the best ways to protect your household from illness and allergies. However, using toxic chemicals to do the job is the equivalent of cutting off your nose to spite your face. Making the switch to non-toxic cleaning can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. That being said, our furry friends are often sensitive even to natural cleaning products. Here are the best pet-safe non-toxic cleaning methods we love.

Neem Oil for Floors

Neem oil is a vegetable-based oil derived from neem plants in India. This natural oil is frequently used as a non-toxic cleaning product, as well as a recommended ingredient when figuring out how to beat bed bugs. This natural cleaning product is a common ingredient in flea prevention shampoos in pets and is a safe alternative to tea tree oil.

Neem oil is a powerful pest deterrent, which makes it ideal for cleaning and polishing floors. When mixing potent natural cleaning products, dilute the oil with one liter of hot water to every 2 milliliters of neem oil. Be sure to keep your pets out of the area while it dries, and wipe up any excess with a cloth.

Vinegar for Surfaces

Vinegar is one of the most potent natural cleaners in the world and a must-have non-toxic cleaning product for pets. Vinegar can help offset mold growth, which makes it an excellent surface cleaner in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s non-toxic, and the pungent flavor will prevent your pets from wanting to lick it.

Mix vinegar with hot water at a ratio of one cup for every gallon, respectively. Vinegar is also a great cleaner for appliances that come in contact with food and beverages, such as a coffee pot or dishwasher. 

If your dog is struggling with training, vinegar is an effective spot treatment for urine, especially in carpets and rugs. Apply vinegar to the area, then add cornstarch after an hour so that you can vacuum it up.

Baking Soda Deodorizer

Baking soda is a tried and true odor eliminator and a non-toxic cleaning product for pets. You can sprinkle this on areas that have accumulated a pet smell, such as a litter box or dog bed. 

Baking soda is also a fantastic natural additive to the laundry to get pet smell out of fabric while boosting the cleansing effects of your detergent. 

Dish Soap and Baking Soda Stain Scrubber

For tough stains and spots, particularly around the stove and floor after cooking, sometimes you need a little elbow grease. Rather than rushing out and buying powerful chemicals, make a grime-fighting natural paste at home.

Mix baking soda and dish soap until it forms a paste and apply it to the area you want to clean. Let it sit for a while, then wipe off with a hot, wet cloth. You’ll be shocked at how effective this non-toxic cleaning product gets stains and hardened food residue off surfaces and dishes.

Lemon Juice and Water Window Cleaner

Window cleaners are typically rife with chemicals. When looking for non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for pets, look no further than the fridge.

Create a window cleaner with lemon juice and hot water. You can also make a streak-free spray version by soaking lemon peels in a blend of one-part alcohol to one-part distilled water. As dogs love to put their noses on glass and check out the world outside, it’s especially important to use a non-toxic window cleaner.

Cola Toilet Cleaner

If you have a pet who considers themselves a connoisseur of toilet water, then the harsh, toxic chemicals in toilet bowl cleaner should be avoided at all costs.

Instead, use soda as a dirt-fighting alternative. Cola is especially useful. Pour in a can, leave it for an hour, then give it a scrub with the toilet brush and flush away. The bubbles and acidity lift grime and remove stains better than chemical cleaners.

Using these pet-safe cleaning products will help keep your whole household healthy and safe.

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