Natural Cleaners to Use in Pet-Friendly Homes

If you have pets, you know how sensitive they can be to certain stimuli. The use of store-bought cleaners can be problematic in pet-friendly homes due to the use of unknown chemicals that are not only dangerous to pets, but also to the environment. Cleaning products can cause irritation to the eyes and throat, and if accidentally consumed by an unsuspecting pet, could potentially be lethal. To keep your pet safe and healthy, consider switching to natural household cleaning products.. 

Read on to learn more about the benefits of DIY pet-friendly household cleaners.

What are Natural Cleaning Products?

You’ve probably heard of natural cleaning products before, but what are they really? In short, a natural cleaning product is one made from natural ingredients, and contains no artificially-made or synthetic ingredients. Also referred to as “green” cleaners, eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for pets typically include ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.

When comparing cleaning products, it’s important to understand the difference between cleaners and disinfectants. Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and soil, while disinfecting means killing bacteria and germs. In pet-friendly households, it’s essential to both clean and disinfectant to keep both people and pets from causing infection and/or spreading disease.

How to Make Natural Pet Safe Cleaners at Home

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups white vinegar
• Lemon rind

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. The longer you allow the lemon rind to sit before using the cleaner, the better it will infuse into the formula.

2. Scented All-Purpose Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup rubbing alcohol
• 1 tablespoon natural dish soap
• 10 drops of lemon, orange, or peppermint essential oil

Instructions: Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the solution onto surfaces and wipe clean with a reusable microfiber cloth.

3. Bathroom Cleaner

• 2 cups baking soda
• ½ cup liquid soap
• ½ cup warm water
• 4 tablespoons white distilled vinegar

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a container or jar. Use the paste to scrub showers, grout, and other bathroom surfaces.

4. Glass Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
• 2 drops orange essential oil

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. The rubbing alcohol helps the formula to evaporate quickly to prevent streaks and spots on glass.

5. Hardwood Cleaner

• 1 gallon warm water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 3 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a 2-gallon bucket. Dip a clean mop into the bucket and squeeze out any excess water. Clean hardwood floors, rewetting your mop occasionally.

6. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup liquid Castile soap
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• Lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions: Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. Use the natural cleaning spray and a toilet brush to scrub the toilet bowl clean.

7. Shower Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup baking soda

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spritz onto the shower surfaces and allow to sit for five minutes before wiping clean.

8. Heavy Duty Cleaning Scrub

• ½ cup Borax powder
• ½ lemon

Instructions: Dip half a lemon into the Borax powder and scrub rust stains on enamel or porcelain sinks or bathtubs. This homemade cleaning scrub is not safe for use on granite or marble.

Can I Buy Natural Cleaners in a Store?

While making your own DIY natural cleaners can help ensure that there are no harmful chemicals in your home, there are also some excellent natural cleaners on the market. Eco-friendly brands like Dr. Bronner, Truce, and Seventh Generation offer cleaners with natural ingredients that safely clean without leaving a carbon footprint.

When shopping for natural cleaning products that are safe for your pets, there are a few things you’ll want to look for. Start by looking for products with ecolabels to quickly identify products that are considered “greener.” However, it’s important to note that not all products that claim to be “green” or “eco-friendly” are actually free of harmful ingredients.

Benefits of Using Pet-Friendly Household Cleaning Products

Before switching to natural cleaners, consider the benefits it could have on your pets, family, home, and the environment as a whole. Some of the key benefits of using natural products include the following:

• Conserve Resources: Multi-use natural cleaning products can cut down on unnecessary waste as you will no longer need multiple products to clean each room of your home. A small amount of natural cleaner also goes a long way.
• Encounter Fewer Allergens: Traditional cleaning products often contain ingredients. such as sulfates and perfumes, that cause sinus or respiratory irritation. Natural cleaning products are less likely to contain allergens.
• Go Cruelty-Free: Eco-friendly cleaning products are cruelty-free and 100 percent vegan. This means that no animals are harmed via product testing.
• Stay Safe and Healthy: Conventional cleaning products can contain harsh ingredients that are hazardous to your health, potentially causing burns and other health problems. Natural products are typically safer for use in homes - especially homes with pets!
• Reduce Indoor Pollution: Routine use of conventional cleaning products can reduce air quality in the home. You can lessen this risk by choosing products with natural, organic formulas.

Natural and organic cleaning products are a great choice for homes with children and pets. They are also more suitable for individuals with certain health conditions and weakened immune systems. Best of all, you can make your own natural cleaners at home using simple, inexpensive ingredients.