The first warm days often inspire a top-to-bottom cleaning. With pets in the house, a little extra thought goes a long way. Dogs and cats live close to the floor, walk across freshly cleaned surfaces and groom their paws and fur, so what you clean with and how you clean both matter.
Read labels and follow directions
Many household cleaners are safe when used as directed and allowed to dry, but can be harmful if pets lick wet surfaces, drink from buckets or walk through residue. Products containing bleach, ammonia, strong acids or alkalis, and some disinfectants can irritate skin, eyes, mouths and airways. Concentrated products are more dangerous than diluted ones.
- Read product labels for warnings about pets and ventilation.
- Dilute exactly as directed.
- Keep pets out of rooms until surfaces are dry and fumes have cleared.
- Never mix cleaning products. Some combinations, such as bleach and ammonia, can release dangerous gases.
- Store cleaners in closed cabinets, ideally with childproof latches for curious dogs.
Products marketed as natural or pet-friendly are not automatically safe. Some essential oils, for example, can be harmful to cats and dogs, especially when concentrated or diffused. Ask your vet before using essential oil products around pets.
Simple swaps
- Use warm water and mild, unscented dish soap for many everyday jobs.
- Clean pet bowls daily with hot, soapy water and rinse well.
- Use an enzymatic cleaner made for pet messes on urine and vomit spots.
- Choose fragrance-free products when possible, especially near litter boxes and pet beds.
Watch the extras
Spring cleaning often involves more than spray bottles.
- Open windows: Make sure screens are secure. Cats can push through loose screens and fall.
- Buckets: Do not leave mop buckets or cleaning solutions where pets can drink from them.
- Clutter piles: Bags of donations or trash can contain hazards such as batteries, medications, string or small objects.
- Moving furniture: Check that cats have not hidden inside recliners, closets, drawers or appliances before closing or moving them.
- Air fresheners and candles: Strong scents can bother pets with sensitive airways. Use sparingly and keep flames out of reach.
Clean the pet gear too
Spring is a great time to wash pet beds, blankets and soft toys, scrub litter boxes, clean leashes and collars and toss worn or broken toys. Follow care labels, and use unscented detergent when possible. Wash the litter box with mild soap and water rather than harsh chemicals, which can leave odors cats dislike.
If exposure happens
If your pet licks or drinks a cleaning product, walks through a concentrated spill or shows drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, coughing or eye irritation after cleaning, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away. Have the product container ready so you can describe the ingredients. Do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
A clean home can be a safe home for pets with a few precautions. This article is general information only.
