Pet-Safe Cleaning Products for the Ultimate Spring Refresh

As we enter spring and the days get a little longer, it’s time for many to embark on the annual ritual of spring cleaning. But for pet parents, the task can come with its own set of challenges. With our four-legged friends roaming around the home, it’s crucial to ensure that the products we use to clean our homes are safe for them, as well as humans. With that in mind, let’s delve into the world of pet-safe cleaning products – what to look for, what to avoid, and how to ensure your home is sparkling clean without putting your pets at risk.

Always remember to read the labels and follow the instructions when using cleaning products around your pets.

How to choose pet-safe cleaning products

The amount of cleaning products available can be overwhelming, each boasting its own set of promises and benefits. But when it comes to our pets, not all products are created equal. So, how do you navigate the shelves to find the safest options?

First and foremost, educate yourself on the most toxic ingredients to your pets (see below) so that you’re informed and equipped with knowledge when it comes to doing your spring cleaning. Try to look beyond marketing gimmicks, and remember to check what is in each formula. 

Look for products specifically labelled as ‘pet-safe’ or ‘pet-friendly’. These are formulated with ingredients that are less likely to cause harm to your pets. Additionally, you can keep an eye out for products that have been certified by reputable organisations such as the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). These certifications indicate that the product has undergone testing to ensure it is safe for pets.

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Are ‘non-toxic’ and ‘pet-safe’ cleaning products the same thing?

While the terms ‘non-toxic’ and ‘pet-safe’ are often used interchangeably, there can be subtle differences between the two. Non-toxic products are those that are formulated without harmful chemicals that can be hazardous to human health when used as directed, but they may still contain ingredients that could be harmful to pets if ingested in large quantities. However, what’s safe for humans may not be safe for our pets.

Pet-safe cleaning products, on the other hand, are specifically designed to be safe for use around animals. This means that not only are they free from toxic chemicals, but they also avoid ingredients that could be harmful if ingested or inhaled by pets, even accidentally. 

Does pet-safe have to mean all natural?

While many pet parents prefer to use all-natural cleaning products, it’s essential to remember that not all synthetic ingredients are harmful to pets. The key is to look for products that have been specifically formulated and tested for pet safety, regardless of whether they contain natural or synthetic ingredients.

Additionally, just because a product is ‘all natural’, doesn’t mean that it is safe for pets. In fact, some ‘all-natural’ products can contain essential oils, most of which are poisonous to cats, and some of which, such as tea tree and pine oil, are toxic to dogs.   

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What ingredients to avoid for a pet-safe cleaning product

When choosing a pet-safe cleaning product, there are a few key ingredients to avoid. These include:

• Bleach: while it might be a powerful disinfectant, bleach can be extremely toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled. Look for bleach-free alternatives for a safer clean.

• Ammonia: another common ingredient in household cleaners, ammonia can cause irritation to pets’ eyes, nose and throat. Opt for ammonia-free products to protect your pets.

• Phthalates: these chemicals, often found in fragranced products, have been linked to kidney, liver and reproductive issues in pets. Choose unscented or naturally fragranced cleaners to minimise the risk.

• Phenols: found in some disinfectants and air fresheners, phenols can be toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled. Stick to phenol-free products for a safer home environment.

What to do if your pet ingests a cleaning solution

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a cleaning product, it’s essential to act quickly. First, remove your pet from the area and try to determine what they’ve ingested. Check the label of the cleaning product for any warning signs or instructions in case of accidental ingestion and then contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine immediately for guidance (£35-45 per call). 

Best pet-safe cleaning products

Our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Method Anti-Bac All Purpose Cleaner Spray

£4

Killing 99.9 percent of all bacteria, this Method all-purpose, anti-bacterial cleaner can be used on almost any surface, including flooring, kitchen counters, wood and stainless steel, whilst still getting rid of any leftover pet odours.

£4 at Sainsbury’s

Vetark Ark-Klens Ready To Use

£5.8

Ark-Klens is non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-staining and non-irritant, whilst also being effective enough to protect against bacteria (E coli, Salmonella), viruses (lipophilic and flu) and a range of fungi. The 3-in-1 veterinary disinfectant cleanser and deodoriser is safe enough even for cleaning animal housing, food dishes and drinking bowls.

£5.8 at Amazon

Pets at Home Multi-Purpose Pet Stain & Odour Remover Spray

£5

Kills 99.9 percent of bacteria whilst removing stains from dirt, urine and food. Ideal for soft furnishings and carpets, the Pets at Home own brand cleaner is also 100 percent mineral, biodegradable and vegan friendly.

£5 at Pets at Home

Simple Solution Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner Spray

£7.5

Simple Solution’s range of pet-friendly cleaners have been formulated especially for homes with pets. Proven to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs, this disinfectant gets to work straight away and lasts up to 24 hours on hard surfaces.

£7.5 at Amazon

PetLife Formula H Ready-to-Use Disinfectant Spray

£7.49

Formula H is a pet-safe, broad spectrum general purpose disinfectant effective against fungi, bacteria and viruses including ringworm, kennel cough and canine parvovirus. PetLife also sell larger sizes for dilution, to refill your spray.

£7.49 at PetLife

Dr. Beckmann Pet Stain and Odour Remover

£3

Wouldn’t it be convenient if our pets kept their accidents to hard surfaces? Reality is, they won’t, so you’ll need a gentle-yet-effective carpet and upholstery cleaner such as this Dr. Beckmann Pet Stain and Odour Remover.

£3 at Amazon

Delphis Multi-Surface Polish

£4

Of all the pet-safe cleaning products out there, finding a pet-safe polish has been the hardest challenge. Delphis’ plant-based, vegan and eco-friendly furnish polish is free from ammonia, phosphates, sodium hydroxide and more, but is safe to use on wood, laminate, chrome, veneer, stainless steel, glass and plastic.

£4 at Delphis

Dew Natural All-In-One Antibacterial Cleaner

£9.99

Dew Pet All-In-One can be used on both hard surfaces and carpets and upholstery, making it the ideal multi-purpose pet-safe cleaner. The All-In-One Antibacterial is hypoallergenic, non-irritant and vegan, whilst killing 99.9 percent of bacteria.

£9.99 at Dew

References:

• Toxicology Brief: Sodium hypochlorite bleach ingestion in two dogs

• Phenol toxicity in a dog 

• Companion animals get close to the toxic aspects of antropogenic world: cytotoxicity of phthalates and bisphenol A on dog testicular primary cells - PMC

• Animal inhalation studies on ammonia, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, dimethylamine, and ethanol - ScienceDirect

• Essential Oils Are Toxic to Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®