Our Tips & Tricks

Practical Pet-Friendly Cleaning Tips

March 4, 2024

Introduction

As a pet owner, keeping my home clean while also keeping it safe for my furry friends is a top priority. Certain cleaning products and techniques can be harmful to pets, so I’ve learned some practical ways to effectively clean my home without putting my pets at risk. In this article, I’ll share the pet-friendly cleaning tips I’ve gathered over the years that help me efficiently clean every room while also creating a healthy environment for my pets.

Pet-Safe Cleaning Supplies

When it comes to cleaning supplies, the key is to avoid products with harsh chemicals that can be toxic to pets. Here are some pet-safe cleaning staples I always have on hand:

White vinegar – This natural cleaning powerhouse cuts through grease, removes stains, disinfects, and deodorizes without leaving behind toxic residues. I use it for everything from cleaning floors to descaling appliances.
Baking soda – Another versatile natural cleaner that can be used to deodorize carpets and litter boxes, scrub surfaces, and unclog drains. It’s non-toxic and pet-safe.
Hydrogen peroxide – At low concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can disinfect surfaces without harming pets. I use it to clean accidents on carpets and floors.
Natural laundry detergent – When washing pet items like beds and blankets, I choose plant-based detergents free of dyes, perfumes, and other harsh chemicals.
Natural pet shampoos – I wash my pets with natural oatmeal or aloe-based shampoos that won’t irritate their skin.

Avoid cleaning products with ingredients like ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde, which can be toxic. I also skip the artificial air fresheners and use natural options like essential oils instead.

Pet-Friendly Floor Cleaning Tips

Floors are magnets for pet messes, so they need regular cleaning. Here are my pet-friendly floor cleaning processes:

I always sweep floors first before mopping to remove pet hair, dirt, and debris. This prevents anything from getting smeared around in the mop water.
For tough spots and stains, I pre-treat them with a mix of warm water and vinegar before mopping. This natural solution gets floors clean without residue.
I use a microfiber mop to clean floors since they are more hygienic than sponge mops. They also rinse clean easily.
My go-to floor cleaning solution is simply warm water mixed with a small amount of natural liquid soap and vinegar. For a nice scent, I’ll add a few drops of pet-safe essential oil like lavender or lemon.
For accidental pet messes, I immediately blot up urine and soak up vomit. Then I use an enzyme cleaner formulated to completely break down organics and eliminate odors.

Regular mopping keeps my floors clean, while also avoiding potentially toxic chemicals that could stick to my pets’ paws.

Litter Box Cleaning Tips

Keeping litter boxes clean is an essential pet-friendly cleaning chore. Here are my tried and true litter box cleaning methods:

I scoop out solid waste from litter boxes twice per day. This helps control odors and keeps cats happy with a clean latrine.
Every 2-3 weeks, I dump out all litter, wash boxes with soap and hot water, rinse thoroughly, and let air dry before refilling with fresh litter. This helps reduce bacteria buildup.
I wear gloves during litter box cleaning to avoid germs. I wash my hands thoroughly afterwards.
To control odors between full litter changes, I sprinkle boxes with baking soda before adding litter. The baking soda absorbs odors.
I use natural clumping litter made from materials like wheat, pine, corn, or recycled paper. This avoids exposure to silica dust and chemicals from traditional clay litter.
I keep litter boxes in low-traffic areas of the home to maintain cleanliness. I also use mats under boxes to catch stray pieces of litter.

With proper scooping and regular scrub downs, I’m able to keep litter boxes clean and odor-free in a pet-friendly way.

Pet Bed and Bedding Cleaning Routines

Pet beds and bedding need washing to keep odors, dirt, and pet dander at bay. Here is how I safely clean these fabric items:

I wash pet beds, blankets, and cushions every 1-2 weeks. Pet beds with removable covers make washing even easier.
Before washing, I vacuum fabric thoroughly to remove lint and hair. This prevents clogged drains.
I use a gentle, pet-safe detergent formulated for animal items. The detergent needs to rinse out completely, leaving no residue that could irritate skin.
For tough odors, I soak bedding in an oxygenated cleaner before washing. This helps break down odors at their source.
I wash pet items on a gentle cycle in hot water to sanitize and remove allergens. Then I rinse twice on a cold cycle.
Once bedding is washed, I air dry it thoroughly to prevent mildew. I also periodically deep clean beds with a pet-safe upholstery cleaner.

With my cleaning methods, I can keep my pets’ beds and soft items fresh and free of irritants. A clean place to sleep keeps my furry friends healthy and comfortable.

Pet Odor Elimination Strategies

Despite my best cleaning efforts, pet odors can still crop up. Here are the techniques I rely on to fully eliminate unpleasant pet smells:

Find the source – I inspect all surfaces to locate the source of the odor. Sometimes it takes detective work to pinpoint where an accident occurred or what’s causing ongoing smells. Finding ground zero allows for targeted treatment.
Blot urines spills – For fresh urine accidents, I immediately blot up excess liquid. I use an enzymatic cleaner formulated to completely break down uric acid and proteins. This keeps odors from setting in. For droppings, I pick up solids then clean the area with an enzyme cleaner.
Clean and deodorize soft surfaces – For smells that have soaked into carpets, couches or pet beds, I sprinkle liberally with baking soda. After letting it sit for 15 minutes, I vacuum up the baking soda. This helps absorb odors trapped in fabrics.
Neutralize odors naturally – In musty rooms, I set out dishes of white vinegar, which absorbs ambient odors. Baking soda and activated charcoal can also neutralize smells naturally. I avoid fragranced sprays that just mask odors temporarily.
Change HVAC filters – Pet dander and hair can accumulate in HVAC systems and cause wafting smells. I change out my air filters monthly to keep my system clean.

With some detective work and strategic odor removal, I’m able to keep every room of my home smelling fresh.

Conclusion

Cleaning regularly while also protecting my pets is achievable with the right supplies and techniques tailored for pet owners. I’m able to keep my whole home fresh with pet-friendly cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and enzyme cleaners. Proper mopping, litter box maintenance, washing routines, and targeted odor removal also help me clean without exposing my pets to harm. With a few modifications, any pet owner can effectively clean their home from top to bottom while also prioritizing their furry companions’ health. Clean house, clean pets, happy home!