16 Common Cleaning Products That Are Toxic for Your Pets
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Household cleaners are made for tough jobs around the house, but some are dangerous to pets, who are close to floors and surfaces that are sprayed, mopped and scrubbed. When our pets lick paws, sniff around or lay on just cleaned surfaces they can be exposed to residues and fumes that can harm them. That’s why it’s important to know what is and isn’t safe in a pet friendly home.
Here is a guide to 15 common cleaning products that may not be the best if you have pets in your home. You can swap these out with pet safe options to keep your space clean and your pets safe from harmful chemicals.
Phenol-Based Disinfectants
Phenols are highly toxic to pets, especially to cats. It can even cause vomiting, drooling, and worse if ingested, even just a small amount. When looking at ingredients lists, always check for phenols, and if you can, look for a pet friendly alternative.
Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners have the chemicals to dissolve hair and grease, but they’re strong enough to damage sensitive paws and noses. Curious pets can get severe chemical burns if they sniff around or drink from an exposed sink. For a natural drain clearing, avoid leaving toxic residue by trying hot water and baking soda.
Fresheners and Carpet Deodorizers
These are great for keeping carpets smelling fresh, but many of them have ingredients that can be toxic if your pets inhale it or lick it off of their paws. In fact, some pets may be allergic to these powders. If you don’t want to worry, consider using a natural deodorizer like baking soda to freshen up carpets.
Fabric Softeners
Like many laundry rooms, fabric softeners are a staple in many homes, but the ingredients that soften fabrics can irritate pets’ skin and cause digestive problems if ingested. Dryer sheets can pose similar problems. If your pet enjoys the feeling of fresh clothes on its fur, skip the softener.
Oven Cleaners
Most oven cleaners are filled with harsh chemicals to tackle baked on grease and grime. The fumes alone can be harmful, and if a pet comes into contact with the residue, it can burn or make the pet sick. Baking soda and vinegar combinations can be just as effective and certainly far less dangerous as natural oven cleaners.
Scented Candles and Air Fresheners
We adore how air fresheners and scented candles scent our homes, but they are bad for our pets. Synthetic fragrances contain some chemicals that can irritate a pet’s respiratory system and can poison a pet if consumed. If you have essential oil diffusers that are pet-safe, you can try using them or stick to unscented candles.
Furniture Polish
Furniture polish have chemicals that can be harmful to pets if they rub against polished furniture and then lick their fur. They may also cause allergic reactions in pets with sensitive skin. Instead, try a damp cloth or a little olive oil to polish wood gently without harsh chemicals.
Bleach
Household staple bleach is known for its disinfecting power, but it’s a big no no when you have pets. Bleach fumes can irritate their noses, eyes and respiratory systems. It can make pets vomit, drool, or worse. If you must use bleach, try to do so in well ventilated areas and keep pets out of the room until all surfaces are dry.
Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Ammonia is a powerful cleaning agent, used in glass and floor cleaners. But its intense fumes are dangerous to pets. Inhalation of ammonia can cause breathing difficulty and, if ingested, may cause chemical burns to the mouth or throat. Vinegar based solutions, however, can be a safer cleaning option.
Glycol Ethers Floor Cleaners
Floor cleaners often contain glycol ethers, but they are not great for pet friendly spaces. If pets walk on freshly mopped floors, they can pick up glycol residues on their paws and lick them, and may get their GI upset. Choose cleaners labeled “pet safe,” or a safer mix of vinegar and water.
Isopropyl Alcohol Window Cleaners
Isopropyl alcohol is in many window cleaners and can be harmful to pets if breathed in or ingested. But how does one make windows sparkle? You can do that with a diluted vinegar solution, which is just as effective but without the risk.
Hydrochloric Acid Bathroom Cleaners
Hydrochloric acid can be too powerful for a pet friendly home. If freshly cleaned surfaces come into contact with their skin or respiratory tracts, it can irritate pets’ skin and respiratory tracts. A gentler bathroom cleaner with natural ingredients is another way to make bath time safer for everyone.
Phosphates in Dishwashing Detergents
Some dishwashing detergents contain phosphates that can cause digestive upset in pets — especially if they are likely to drink from the sink or nibble on dishes left to air dry. If you can, choose phosphate free detergents or thoroughly rinse dishes as much as possible to reduce the risk.
Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Loaded with chemicals, toilet bowl cleaners can be a serious danger to pets, especially those that are fond of a sip from the bowl. Bleach and hydrochloric acid can burn a pet’s mouth and stomach. The risk can be minimized by keeping the toilet lid closed, or using a pet-safe cleaner.
Antibacterial Wipes
Antibacterial wipes might be an easy and fast way to clean, but the ingredients in them (phenols and alcohols) can irritate a pet’s eyes, skin, and digestive system. If you’re wiping down surfaces your pet might come into contact with, choose wipes designed for pet areas or use a damp cloth instead.
Artificial Fragrance in Laundry Detergents
Laundry detergent is not directly applied to surfaces your pet touches, but it can leave residues that can irritate sensitive skin and noses. Pets may react, with allergies or digestive upset, when they lick items washed in strongly scented detergents. Unscented, pet safe detergents can help make a big difference in sensitive pets.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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