Pet Friendly Cleaning Products

The average home is filled with household cleaners which are toxic to both humans and pets. From bleach to air fresheners, these products may be releasing harmful substances into the air or be particularly dangerous for pets who innocently lick a recently cleaned floor or wall. Oven cleaners can release dangerous fumes into the air and sicken pets which are confined to the kitchen. For these reasons, it is vital to select products which are safe around pets. But are pet friendly products always as safe as they claim to be? Are eco friendly products also pet friendly?

Pet Friendly Cleansers - Separating Truth from Hype

There are many options out there so how do pet owners know which ones are most likely to be safe for their pets? Some brands that have been labeled as safe have actually been found to contain levels of toxins which are dangerous to pets, especially if misused or if the product directions aren't followed correctly. Bleach is often used to clean cages in animal shelters but any dog or cat which lapped up pure bleach could become quite ill or even die - so even a product often used around pets has the potential to cause illness, if left within reach of an animal.

Are Non-Toxic Pet Products Always Safe?

Another problem with pet friendly products is that whilst a few of them are non-toxic, they sometimes leave a residue or not clean as well as cleaners with toxic substances. These products may not perform as well as conventional (but more dangerous) pet products. For these reasons, it is vital that pet owners select products which are both safe and non-toxic.

When choosing pet friendly products, it is best to avoid those with fragrances. Products with chlorine should also be avoided, even if labeled pet friendly. One company which has gotten positive ratings and solid user results is the Microbest brand. They not only conform to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) requirements but have been used around pets with excellent results. All Microbest products are non-toxic, biodegradable and contain no phosphates. They have a proven track record of being safe and good for the environment. However, their products are limited to floor and glass cleaners, deodorizers and degreasers. For some pet owners, this may not be a wide enough range of products.

Pros and Cons of Various Pet Friendly Products

Earth Friendly products, 'Ecos', are also popular with pet owners. A major advantage of this brand is the information about how the product is made and the many reviews that can be found by pet owners in blogs and forums. The company adheres to the rules of the Household Product Cleaning Act. They have a specific Ecos laundry detergent made for pet owners and it works well. Other products from the company are safe around pets but the floor cleaners seem to leave a sticky residue, based on reports from some pet owner forums and sites. The company also offers a pet-safe skunk odor remover.

Another company with a strong reputation among pet owners is Seventh Generation. Whilst the company doesn't seem to have specific products aimed at pets, pet owners tend to assume that they are generally safe for all family members, whether human, canine, feline, etc.

Rather than blindly trusting that pet friendly products are indeed safe to use, pet owners need to be aware of specific chemicals which are generally unsafe to use around pets. If a product is labeled pet friendly but contains turpentine, tar or petroleum products, be wary. Avoid those products. As a general rule, go with a company which has been around for awhile. Even then, a pet friendly product may not leave the same shine or look on a floor, wall or mirror as one containing toxins. That may be the trade-off for safety.

Photo Credit: Becoming Green