Pets are cherished members of our families, deserving of a nurturing environment that prioritizes their health. Whether it's the dog food in the bowl, or the dinner off the floor, it’s important to be aware of what our dogs consume. Did you know that something as simple as the products you use in your house can have an effect on your furry friend? Amidst the vast range of choices in household cleaning products, the quest to discern which are the healthiest for your pets can be a challenge.
This guide shares practical methods, products and ingredients needed to navigate the realm of cleaning solutions, ensuring they are not only effective for our homes but also safe and compatible with the well-being of our furry companions.
Understanding Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
"Pet-safe" cleaning products effectively clean and sanitize living spaces while being devoid of harmful chemicals and ingredients that could adversely affect the health and well-being of pets. By utilizing these products, pet owners can maintain a pristine home while safeguarding the health and comfort of their pets.
How to Determine if Cleaning Products are Pet-Friendly
Reading product labels and understanding ingredient lists is the place to start. To discern whether a cleaning product is truly safe for your pet, a few key steps can be taken. Start by carefully examining product labels for language that speaks to "pet-safe," "non-toxic," or "animal-friendly." Look for recognizable certifications from reputable organizations specializing in animal welfare like the cruelty-free logo from Leaping Bunny. It's equally important to avoid products with strong artificial fragrances, as these can trigger discomfort and respiratory issues in pets. Opting for natural and eco-friendly options or crafting your own cleaning solutions from pet-safe ingredients can offer more visibility into the products.
By avoiding these common ingredients, you can ensure that the cleaning products you choose not only effectively clean your home, but also support your pet's well-being.
Common Harmful Ingredients to Avoid
When looking for cleaning products that are safe for both your home and your furry companions, being informed about harmful ingredients is crucial. Avoiding these harmful substances can help you create a healthier living environment.
- Ammonia, often found in glass and window cleaners, can cause irritation to pets' respiratory systems.
- Bleach, a powerful disinfectant, can be toxic when ingested or when fumes are inhaled.
- Glycol ethers, present in many multipurpose cleaners, can affect pets' nervous systems.
- Formaldehyde, a preservative found in some cleaning products, is a known irritant and allergen. By carefully reading product labels and avoiding these harmful ingredients, you can contribute to a safer and more pet-friendly cleaning routine.
- Phenols, this corrosive chemical poses a risk to skin and eye health. Inhaling phenols can also lead to lung damage.
- Phthalates, often used for fragrance, have been linked to health issues in both pets and humans.
- Certain Essential Oils, while lavender and peppermint are pet-safe, you do need to be careful with strong herbal oils like tea tree and eucalyptus, especially when they are used without dilution.
- Chlorine, while effective as a disinfectant, chlorine exposure can have adverse effects on pets' skin, eyes, and respiratory systems.
Natural Alternatives
Using these natural alternatives not only promotes a pet-safe environment but also minimizes exposure to harsh chemicals, creating a cleaner and healthier home for both you and your beloved pets.
- Vinegar, Citric Acid or Alcohol: A versatile cleaning agent that effectively tackles dirt, grime, and odors. Mix with water to create a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner.
- Baking Soda: Acts as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer. Sprinkle on surfaces, scrub, and rinse for a pet-friendly clean.
- Lemon Juice: Its natural acidity helps break down grease and stains. Mix with water to create a refreshing cleaning solution.
- Castile Soap or Coconut Surfactants: A plant-based soap that can be diluted for various cleaning purposes, from floors to dishes.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Diluted hydrogen peroxide can help disinfect surfaces. Test on a small area first, as it can bleach some materials.
- Essential Oils (Pet-Safe): Certain essential oils like lavender, rosemary, citrus and chamomile can provide a pleasant scent and antibacterial properties. Always ensure the oils diluted to be safe for your pets.
- Olive Oil: Great for polishing wood surfaces. Mix with vinegar for an effective and safe furniture polish.
- Cornstarch: Effective for cleaning windows and glass surfaces, leaving them streak-free.
- Salt: An abrasive cleaner that can help tackle tough stains and scrub surfaces.
- Coconut Oil: Useful for removing sticky residues and adding shine to surfaces.
Better Basics as a Pet Safe Cleaning Brand
At Better Basics, we use the highest standards of natural and eco-friendly cleaning ingredients. This extends beyond ourselves and includes ensuring a safe and clean environment for our furry friends.
Our products focus on plant-powered soaps and cleaning products designed to eliminate plastic from your home, and get the job done the "clean" way. We don’t use any petroleum products or toxic chemicals in any of our products. All are produced with the most natural, earth-friendly ingredients like coconut-derived soaps, aloe vera, olive oil and essential oils.
The FDA and Health Canada do not currently have standards for toxic chemicals in personal care products, so we followed the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" ingredients. Our products contain no: PABA, parabens, DEA (or DEA related ingredients), SLS, artificial fragrances, dyes, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, petrolatum, siloxanes, BHA/BHT, Triclosan, Dibutyl phathalate, PEG compounds. Additionally, our products are certified cruelty-free and not tested on animals!
Conclusion: Prioritizing Pet-Friendly Cleanliness
To create a home that's as clean as it is nurturing for our furry friends, it's important to use safe and suitable cleaning products. By understanding harmful ingredients, considering certifications, and exploring natural alternatives, we've empowered ourselves to make informed choices. Embracing the need for cleanliness and pet safety not only ensures the longevity of their health but also strengthens the bond we share with our animal companions.