Pet-Friendly Cleaning: Maintaining Clean Homes with Furry Friends

Pets are much more than companions - they're family members that deserve love and care. The responsibility of owning a pet should not be overlooked, as it's your duty, as a pet owner, to provide a living space that's clean, odour-free, and free of toxins and harmful chemicals.

This sounds straightforward, but it's not so easy with the toxin-filled world that we're living in. Even the cleaning products you use might pose a serious threat to your pet's health, so it's important to know what kind of products are safe and not.

Let's explore the topic of pet-friendly cleaning a little further as we share some tips on maintaining a clean home for your furry friend.

Pets Can Make Cleaning More Challenging

Whether you have a dog, cat, fish or a bird, there are lots of challenges when it comes to ensuring they're living in a clean, safe space. These can include:

• Animal hair can easily lodge deep into carpet fibres, furniture, and electronic devices.
• Pet dander, which is a common allergen, poses risks to indoor air quality and human health.
• Accidents such as urine, vomit, and drool can stain surfaces and create lingering odours that are difficult to get rid of.
• Paw prints and scratches can damage floors and upholstery.
• Litter and bedding areas can turn into bacteria breeding grounds if they are not cleaned regularly.

Dangers of Common Cleaning Products

Lots of store-bought cleaning solutions include a variety of compounds, such as ammonia, that can be very toxic to pets. Inhalation or accidental ingestion can lead to vomiting, burns, respiratory issues, and even death.

Ingredients/Products to Avoid:

• Bleach-based products
• Aerosol sprays
• Products with synthetic fragrances
• Pine oil and phenol-based disinfectants

Pet-Safe Cleaning Substitutes

There are several non-toxic cleaning options that are pet-safe and just as effective. These include:

1. Enzyme cleaners break down organic stains and remove odours at the source, which is perfect for accidents.
2. White vinegar, when diluted with water, is an effective, reliable cleaner for many surfaces, from windowsills to countertops and hard floors.
3. Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that can be sprinkled on carpets and your pet's litter areas.
4. Castile soap is a light but effective solution that can be used for cleaning toys and food bowls.

Pet-Friendly Cleaning Routine

• Vacuum daily by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to catch allergens and hair, among other allergens.
• Groom pets regularly as brushing lowers fur shedding and is a good control for dander.
• Clean paws at the door and use pet-safe wipes to reduce dirty footprints.
• Wash your pet's bedding weekly with fragrance-free detergent and hot water to destroy microbes effectively.
• Clean toys and bowls regularly with hot soapy water or pet-safe sanitisers.

Getting Rid of Smells

Nasty smells come hand in hand with owning a pet. To manage them:

• Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and vacuum after 15 minutes.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters.
• Place bowls of activated charcoal around the home to absorb smells.
• Open windows for ventilation.

Signs Your Pet Can't Tolerate a Cleaning Product

You must assess the products you are using to clean your home if your pet shows symptoms such as skin irritation, coughing, or a rash. When in doubt, check in with your vet and switch to certified pet-safe brands.

Pet-Safe Cleaning Products

At Big Clean, we have a range of pet-friendly products, as we understand pet ownership doesn't mean compromising on cleanliness or the safety of our furry friends. By choosing our clearly pet-certified products and following our tips above, you can maintain a fresh, clean space where pets thrive.