As we’re finishing up the year of 2024, here are my favorite pet-safe cleaning products for every part of the house I’ll be using for New Years spring cleaning! It’s time to reset the house for the new year with a full deep clean. Reducing clutter helps me start fresh for the new year. But, being a pet owner, there can be fur and odor to deal with. So, I want to share some of the cleaning products that both deep cleans fast and keeps the house staying clean, while keeping your home safe for your pets. Start 2025 right with me with a freshly clean house!
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As a dog owner, I’m constantly worrying about keeping my home clean while ensuring my furry companion stays healthy. It’s a delicate balance, isn’t it? We want sparkling floors and fresh-smelling furniture, but not at the expense of our dogs’ wellbeing That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching what cleaning products are safe for dogs, and I’m excited to share my findings with you!
Dogs explore their world through sniffing, licking, and walking barefoot on all surfaces. This means they’re much more vulnerable to harmful chemicals in cleaning products than we are. Using the wrong products could lead to skin irritations, respiratory issues, or even poisoning if ingested.
Why Standard Cleaning Products Can Be Dangerous
Many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can harm our four-legged friends:
- Bleach can cause upset stomach, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe burns if ingested
- Ammonia can irritate respiratory systems
- Formaldehyde is highly toxic
- Phthalates can disrupt hormonal balance
- Artificial fragrances often contain allergens
Even when we think our pets aren’t directly exposed, they can inhale fumes, walk through residue, or lick surfaces we’ve cleaned. Their smaller bodies process these toxins differently than ours do.
Natural Alternatives That Are Safe and Effective
The good news is that there are plenty of effective dog-safe cleaning products available! Here are some household staples you can feel good about using around your pets
1. Vinegar
Both white and apple cider vinegar contain acetic acid that effectively kills bacteria and microbes. Vinegar also has anti-fungal properties that help break down mold. While the smell might be strong initially, it fades quickly once dry. Your dog might wrinkle their nose at first, but vinegar is completely non-toxic to pets.
Pro tip: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner that’s great for windows, countertops, and floors.
2. Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is fantastic for neutralizing odors – something all dog owners appreciate! It’s mildly abrasive, making it perfect for scrubbing sinks and countertops without scratching surfaces. When combined with vinegar, it creates a powerful reaction that cuts through grease and can even unclog drains.
Pro tip: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to help eliminate pet odors.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice works similarly to vinegar but with a milder form. It’s excellent for removing coffee and tea stains. When combined with vinegar it intensifies the effectiveness at cleaning lime and calcium deposits and soap scum.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
This mild, oxygen-based bleach has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It’s effective at removing tough stains, killing mold, and even breaking down the odor-causing compounds in pet urine – a lifesaver for dog owners!
Commercial Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
If you prefer ready-made solutions, here are some commercial products that are both effective and safe for homes with dogs:
1. Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray
This versatile spray uses a plant-based formula that effectively breaks down grime and dirt left by pets. It’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and leaves behind a pleasant scent without harsh chemicals.
2. Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Made with plant-derived ingredients, this cleaner is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe environment even if your dog comes into direct contact with cleaned surfaces. The biodegradable formula also makes it environmentally friendly.
3. CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner and Pet-Safe Disinfectant
This product not only cleans but also disinfects, killing 99.9% of germs associated with pet messes. It’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t leave behind toxic residue, making it safe for all your pets. After use, it breaks down into simple saline!
4. Naturally It’s Clean Floor Enzyme Floor Cleaner
The unique plant-based enzyme formula in this cleaner breaks down organic messes like pet accidents or tracked-in mud while effectively neutralizing odors and stains. Being free from harsh chemicals and toxins, it’s safe even if your dog walks on freshly cleaned floors.
5. Bodhi Dog Natural Dog Odor Carpet Powder
This natural carpet powder works to neutralize odors rather than just masking them. Made from natural ingredients, it’s non-toxic and gentle, making it safe to use around pets while still effectively deodorizing your carpets.
6. Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner
This steam mop uses just water to clean and sanitize floors, eliminating up to 99.9% of common household bacteria without any chemicals. The microfiber pads are perfect for trapping pet hair and dander.
Tools for Managing Pet Hair and Dander
1. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Vacuum Cleaner
This powerful vacuum has amazing suction power to ensure thorough cleaning of surfaces covered in pet hair. Its mess-free dust cup has a hair spool inside that collects all the dog hair and prevents brushes from getting clogged.
2. Febreze Air Purifier
This purifier has a replaceable HEPA filter that traps up to 99% of airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. It helps eliminate those dirty dog odors without harming your family. The Febreze scent is optional, making it suitable for those with allergies too.
Best Practices for Cleaning Around Dogs
Even when using pet-safe products, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- Keep pets out of the room while cleaning to prevent them from inhaling any mist from sprays
- Open windows when possible to allow fumes to escape
- Rinse surfaces completely and wait until heavy odors are gone before allowing pets back into the space
- Change your clothes and wash hands after using stronger cleaners to prevent transfer to your pet’s fur or skin
- Store all cleaning products in secure cabinets where curious paws can’t reach them
- Wait until surfaces are completely dry before allowing your dog access to freshly cleaned areas
What About “Natural” Products?
Be cautious with products labeled as “natural” – this term isn’t strictly regulated. Some ingredients considered natural, including certain essential oils, can be highly toxic to animals. Even products labeled “pet safe” should be used with care. Always check the ingredients list and when in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog-Safe Cleaning Products
When shopping for pet-safe cleaners, keep these factors in mind:
- Ingredients: Look for natural, non-toxic ingredients and avoid bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde, phthalates, and artificial fragrances
- Certifications: Products with “Pet Safe” or “Pet Friendly” labels have usually undergone testing
- Non-irritating: Choose hypoallergenic or gentle formulas to protect your dog’s sensitive skin
- Residue-free: Ensure products don’t leave harmful residues that could be ingested
- Scent: Opt for unscented or lightly scented products as dogs can be sensitive to strong smells
- Packaging: Select products in sturdy, pet-proof containers
FAQ About Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Are pet-safe cleaners as effective as regular cleaners?
Yes, most pet-safe cleaners can be just as effective as regular cleaners when used properly. The effectiveness varies by product, so choose one that suits your specific cleaning needs.
Can I use pet-safe cleaners on all surfaces?
While many dog-safe cleaners are versatile, always read the instructions to determine if they’re suitable for specific surfaces. Some are formulated for particular areas like hardwood floors or carpets.
Is it safe to use these cleaners around food areas or pet feeding stations?
Most pet-safe cleaners are also food-safe, making them suitable for cleaning pet feeding areas. However, it’s still good practice to rinse or wipe down surfaces with clean water afterward to remove any residual cleaner, even if it’s non-toxic.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using vinegar and baking soda for years to clean my home, and I’ve found them just as effective as the harsh chemicals I used to rely on. My dog Buddy used to sneeze and scratch a lot after I’d clean the house, but since switching to pet-safe products, those symptoms have disappeared completely.
Last month, I tried the Method All-Purpose Cleaner for the first time, and I was amazed at how well it cut through the greasy paw prints on my kitchen floor! It smelled nice but wasn’t overpowering, and Buddy didn’t seem bothered by it at all.
Conclusion
Keeping a clean house while keeping your dog safe isn’t as challenging as it might seem. By making informed choices about the cleaning products you use, you can maintain a spotless home that’s also a healthy environment for your furry friend.
Remember, even when using pet-safe products, it’s always best to keep your dog away from freshly cleaned areas until everything is dry. And if you’re ever unsure about a product’s safety, consult with your veterinarian.
Have you tried any pet-safe cleaning products that worked particularly well? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Best Vacuums and Mops for Spring Cleaning
My mind gets cluttered in a cluttered space, so spring cleaning for me means a thorough reset. I vacuum and mop everywhere, especially those hidden spots where dirt and pet hair tend to accumulate. It’s a lot more detail-oriented than usual cleaning, but it’s worth it for that fresh, spring vibe. While doing that, I also reorganize the furniture and switch up the layout of the house for the year!
I recently picked up the Shark Cordless Hand Vaccuum, and it’s been a total game-changer! It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has great suction power, making it perfect for cleaning countertops and other small spaces where a traditional vacuum can’t reach. It’s become an essential tool in my cleaning routine—especially when I need to clean up small messes quickly. If you’re looking for something lightweight for quick and detailed clean-ups, this cordless vacuum is amazing.
Make sure you check your local Costco too – we got ours on sale there!
The Shark Steam and Scrub has been amazing for cleaning our tile and hardwood floors. It’s an all-in-one steam mop that not only sanitizes but also scrubs away dirt and grime. I love how easy it is to use, and it works like a charm in both the kitchen and bathrooms. Just a quick warning—don’t leave it standing on your floors after use because the heat could damage them. But other than that, it’s fantastic for keeping floors sparkling clean!
For those areas that don’t require the steam mop but still need to clean, the Swiffer PowerMop is my go-to. It’s super lightweight, and the mop head does a great job of picking up dirt and grime. It’s way more efficient than the traditional Swiffer WetJet, and it makes floor cleaning a breeze, especially when I’m short on time. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and effective mop, this one’s a winner.
Deep Clean Your Kitchen For New Years
Spring cleaning in the kitchen means going beyond just wiping down surfaces. I make sure to deep clean appliances and scrub out stubborn stains from cooking and recipe testing. I like to start by tackling the stovetop and oven with The Pink Stuff, then move on to disinfecting the countertops and wiping down the fridge with my Method Cleaning Spray. A deep clean also gives me the chance to go through my pantry and fridge, wiping down shelves and organizing ingredients. It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about resetting the space for the new year, keeping everything fresh and ready for new recipes.
I’ve been a huge fan of Scrub Daddy for a long time! These kitchen sponges are perfect for tackling stubborn baked-on stains, especially in the kitchen. Its texture allows it to clean without scratching surfaces, and it works wonders on pots and pans. I don’t have to scrub super hard to get rid of stuck-on food. Plus, it’s durable, so you can keep using it without it falling apart after just a few uses.
Method Cleaning Spray is my favorite go-to cleaner for around the house. It’s plant-based and biodegradable, so I feel good about using it. It smells amazing and is great at getting tough stains off my kitchen counters. Plus, it’s non-toxic, which is a huge plus with pets running around. Method’s eco-friendly formula is one of the best I’ve used, and I love how clean and fresh everything smells afterward.
We’ve been big fans of Bottle Bright bottle cleaning tablets for years. I get so lazy to wash my water bottles, so these have been life changing! These tablets clean the hard-to-reach stains at the bottom of your bottles, mugs, thermoses, and so much more. They eliminate weird smells and are super easy to use. Just fill your bottle with warm water, throw in a tablet and let it work its magic for about 15-30 minutes, then rinse it out. That’s it! For tougher stains and deeper cleans, you can leave it overnight. They’re also free of harsh chemicals, biodegradable and eco-friendly!
For deep cleaning needs, I love The Pink Stuff. Their wide range of bright pink cleaning products have gone viral for a reason – 99% natural ingredients, environmentally non-toxic, and not tested on animals! Their products are perfect for tough stains on pots, pans, cooktops, sinks, barbecues, and anything else in the kitchen that might have really stubborn stains to tackle.
If you’ve ever struggled with tough dish stains, then Dawn Power Wash is an absolute game-changer. I just spray it on my dishes and let it work its magic—no scrubbing needed. It makes cleaning dishes so much faster and easier, especially when you’re tackling greasy pots and pans. Dawn Power Wash saves me time getting rid of and preventing those stubborn stains.