Keeping our homes clean is a top priority, especially for pet parents. However, ensuring the safety of our furry companions while maintaining a spotless floor requires careful consideration, particularly when it comes to cleaning products. Choosing the right Pet Safe Floor Cleaner is crucial for a healthy and happy home environment for both you and your pets. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about selecting the best and safest floor cleaners, ensuring your peace of mind and your pet’s well-being.
Harmful Cleaning Ingredients to Avoid for Pets
When it comes to pet safe floor cleaners, understanding which ingredients to avoid is just as important as knowing which products are safe. Many conventional floor cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets if ingested or even through skin contact. Pets, especially cats who groom themselves frequently, are more susceptible to these toxins.
According to Toby Schulz, CEO and co-founder of Maid2Match, certain ingredients should be strictly avoided in cleaning products used in homes with pets. These include:
- Ammonia: Highly irritating to respiratory systems and can cause burns.
- Bleach (Chlorine & Oxygen): Toxic if ingested and irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Oxygen bleach, while sometimes considered safer, can still be harmful, especially to cats.
- Phenols: Disrupt liver and kidney function and are highly toxic, especially to cats.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation.
- Strong Artificial Fragrances: Can irritate sensitive noses and respiratory systems, and often contain undisclosed chemicals.
- Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and irritant.
- Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors and potentially harmful.
- Benzalkonium Chloride: A common disinfectant that can be irritating and toxic if ingested.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to be aware of essential oils that are toxic to pets. While some essential oils are safe when diffused, many are harmful if ingested or applied topically. Toxic essential oils for pets include peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, and citrus-based oils. Always check the ingredient list carefully, especially if considering DIY pet safe floor cleaner recipes. Remember that cats and smaller pets are generally more sensitive to chemicals than dogs due to their size and metabolic differences.
Top Pet Safe Floor Cleaners on the Market
Finding a truly pet safe floor cleaner that is also effective can feel challenging. Fortunately, several excellent products are available that prioritize both cleanliness and pet safety. These cleaners are formulated to be gentle yet effective, ensuring your floors are spotless without posing a risk to your beloved animals.
Best Overall Pet Safe Floor Cleaner: Clorox EcoClean All-Purpose Cleaner
Clorox EcoClean All-Purpose Cleaner is a versatile and pet safe floor cleaner suitable for various surfaces, including floors, stainless steel, sealed granite, and more. Its formula is free from parabens, dyes, phthalates, phosphates, petroleum solvents, and SLES, making it a responsible choice for homes with pets. It’s effective for general cleaning and safe for use around food preparation areas.
Price: $4 at Amazon
Best Pet Safe Stain & Odor Remover: ECOS for Pets! Stain & Odor Remover
ECOS for Pets! Stain & Odor Remover is an excellent pet safe floor cleaner and odor eliminator that works on floors, fabrics, carpets, upholstery, and clothing. This all-in-one cleaner tackles pet messes effectively, removing stains and neutralizing odors from urine, vomit, and feces. ECOS is known for its commitment to green cleaning products, making this a reliable and environmentally conscious option.
Price: $9 at Chewy
Pet Safe Hardwood Floor Cleaners
Maintaining hardwood floors while ensuring pet safety requires specialized pet safe hardwood floor cleaners. These products are formulated to clean effectively without damaging the wood or harming your pets.
Top Choice for Hardwood Floors: Simple Solution Hard Floor Pet Stain and Odor Remover
Simple Solution Hard Floor Pet Stain and Odor Remover is designed specifically for hard floors, including hardwood, linoleum, stone, and brick. This pet safe floor cleaner effectively removes pet stains and odors without harsh chemicals. Its spray nozzle offers foam, mist, and stream settings for versatile application, making it ideal for quick clean-ups of pet accidents.
Price: $15 at Amazon
Pet Safe Tile Floor Cleaners
Tile floors are durable and easy to clean, but using the right pet safe tile cleaner ensures they remain gleaming and safe for your pets. Look for cleaners that are effective on tile and grout while being gentle and non-toxic.
Recommended Tile Cleaner: Nature’s Miracle Dual Action Hard Floor Stain & Odor Remover
Nature’s Miracle Dual Action Hard Floor Stain & Odor Remover is a highly recommended pet safe floor cleaner for tile, linoleum, vinyl, and sealed wood floors. It effectively tackles tough stains and neutralizes odors. Customer reviews praise its ability to remove urine, feces, and vomit without leaving residue or scent, even working on dried mucus on walls.
Price: $12 at Chewy
Alternative Tile Cleaner: Bona Pet System Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray, Dog Formulation
Bona Pet System Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray, Dog Formulation is specifically formulated for dog messes and is safe for both hardwood and tile floors. Containing hydrogen peroxide, this pet safe floor cleaner effectively cleans muddy paws and accidents, making it a reliable choice for dog owners.
Price: $11 at Amazon
Natural and Eco-Friendly Pet Safe Cleaners
For pet owners prioritizing natural and eco-friendly options, several natural pet safe floor cleaners are available. These cleaners utilize plant-based ingredients and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and ensure pet safety.
Vinegar-Based Natural Cleaner: Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner
Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner is an all-natural, vinegar-based pet safe floor cleaner with a lemon scent. Reviewers rave about its cleaning power, describing floors as “squeaky clean.” Its non-toxic formula is so safe that some pets are even known to lick the floor after cleaning, with no rinsing required.
Price: $14 at Chewy
Refillable and Sustainable Option: Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate is a natural pet safe floor cleaner made with 92% bio-based ingredients and packaged in recyclable materials. This concentrate reduces plastic waste and is free from triclosan, parabens, phthalates, phosphates, and dyes. It can be used with Grove’s reusable spray bottle for an even more sustainable cleaning routine.
Price: $8 at Grove Co.
Subscription-Based Natural Cleaner: Truly Free Everyday Cleaner
Truly Free Everyday Cleaner is a plant-based, all-purpose pet safe floor cleaner suitable for various surfaces. Offered through a subscription service with refillable packaging, it emphasizes safety for both humans and pets. Cleaning expert Maria Mooney from Truly Free highlights that products safe for humans are generally safe for pets, making this a trustworthy and convenient option.
Price: $17 at TrulyFree
DIY Pet Safe Floor Cleaner Recipes
Creating your own DIY pet safe floor cleaner is a cost-effective and simple way to ensure complete control over ingredients and minimize potential risks to your pets. Common household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can be very effective and safe for cleaning floors.
Simple Vinegar Solution
A basic and effective DIY pet safe floor cleaner can be made with apple cider vinegar, water, and lemon juice. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water and add a dash of lemon juice for scent and extra cleaning power. This solution is safe for tile, linoleum, sealed wood, and other hard flooring.
Baking Soda Paste for Stains
For tougher stains, baking soda can be used to create a gentle abrasive paste. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently and wipe clean. Ensure the surface is rinsed thoroughly after using baking soda to remove any residue.
Important Note: While DIY cleaners are generally safer, always ensure proper dilution and thorough rinsing to prevent ingestion by pets. Avoid using essential oils known to be toxic to pets in DIY recipes.
FAQs About Pet Safe Floor Cleaners
How to Store Cleaners Safely Around Pets?
Storing cleaning products safely is crucial to prevent accidental ingestion by pets. Even pet safe floor cleaners can cause issues if consumed in large quantities. Always store cleaners in cupboards, closets, or on shelves that are inaccessible to your pets. Be mindful of your pet’s habits and ensure they cannot reach or access cleaning supplies. Never leave cleaning products unattended while in use.
What’s Best for Cleaning Stubborn Pet Stains?
Many pet safe floor cleaners are effective for stain removal, but stubborn stains may require extra steps. Act quickly by blotting fresh stains with a paper towel. Allow your chosen pet safe floor cleaner to soak on the stain for a while before wiping. White vinegar and baking soda are also excellent for pre-treating stubborn stains before using a floor cleaner. For particularly tough stains, consider enzyme-based cleaners designed to break down organic matter.
Are Method and Bruce Floor Cleaners Pet Safe?
While Method products are marketed as non-toxic and eco-friendly, and Bruce floor cleaner caters to wood floors, always scrutinize the ingredient list of any floor cleaner before using it around pets. If you are uncertain about any ingredient, opting for a DIY solution or a product specifically labeled as pet safe is always a safer choice. Maria Mooney advises ensuring cleaning products are safe for humans as a general guideline for pet safety.
Is Swiffer WetJet Pet Safe?
The ASPCA has debunked rumors about Swiffer WetJet being inherently unsafe for pets, but it is not specifically marketed as a pet safe floor cleaner. To ensure safety, read the ingredient list of Swiffer WetJet solution carefully. Alternatively, Swiffer dry mops can be used with DIY pet safe floor cleaner solutions like vinegar and water, offering a customizable and safer cleaning approach.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Pet Safe Floor Cleaner
Selecting the right pet safe floor cleaner is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home without compromising the well-being of your pets. By understanding harmful ingredients to avoid, exploring recommended pet safe floor cleaner products, and considering natural and DIY options, you can confidently choose the best cleaning solutions for your needs. Prioritize pet-friendly formulations, always store cleaners safely, and enjoy a clean home alongside your happy, healthy pets.
