You’re sitting on your comfy couch watching your dog roll around on the floor being the goofball that they are. Or maybe you’re throwing treats to your kitty and laughing as they try to catch it but end up missing and eating it off the floor instead. Unlike us, our pets are always in direct contact with the floors. They’re either licking them, rolling around on them, or simply sleeping on them so it’s important that we keep them as free from toxins as we possibly can. Since our pets spend most of their time indoors they are also inhaling the chemical fumes from the cleaners we use and this may lead to allergies, sensitivities and even skin irritations.
Most commercial cleaning products contain chemicals that are hazardous to your pet’s health as well as your own, so try to avoid cleansers with these dangerous ingredients:
- Perchloroethylene (PERC)
- Formaldehyde
- 2-Butoxyethanol
- Ammonia
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Chlorine
There are quite a few products that do a good job cleaning and are safe for your family however, they can be costly and harder to find. Instead here are some inexpensive recipes that are made with simple ingredients:
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
This is an all-purpose cleanser mixture that is great for counter tops, cabinet doors, sinks, and floors. In an empty spray bottle, mix:
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
2. Carpet Stain/Odor Remover
This is a major need for most households in our region especially if you have a puppy!
- First blot the stain with paper towels (if it is still wet)
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda
- Combine 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of dish washing liquid and pour over baking soda
- Scrub with a toothbrush or clean cloth
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before you vacuum the spot
If it’s a tough stain, you have to repeat this process a couple times before you finally get rid of it.
3. Glass Cleaner
Used on windows, mirrors, or any shiny surfaces. In an empty spray bottle, mix:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
Use newspapers or an old shirt to wipe the glass and avoid streaking.
4. Floor Cleaner
A simple substitute for the commercial floor cleansers can be made by adding 1 cup of white vinegar to a gallon of hot water. Don’t worry the smell of vinegar dissipates quickly. Just grab your mop and bucket and your floor will be clean in no time.
5. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
If your pet drinks out of the toilet bowl you definitely don’t want to be adding chemicals to the water.
- Add 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar in toilet bowl
- Let it sit for a few minutes
- Scrub with brush and rinse
Tips & Tricks
- The best thing for tough greases is lemon juice
- If you like your cleaners to have a scent, put some orange or lemon peel in vinegar for 24 hours before adding it to your solutions
- A simple substitute for commercial dish washing liquid can be made by mixing liquid soap with warm water and adding 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar
- Avoid using ammonia based products since the smell encourages dogs to pee on those spots
These are some easy solutions to get rid of a lot of the chemicals we use to clean our homes. Our pets deserve to live a healthier life and we can achieve that not only with healthier food but also healthier environment!
Sources: www.akc.org, topdogtips.com, eartheasy.com