Safe cleaning: Avoid these detergents if you have pets

If you share a home with your pets, deciding what cleaning products to use can be difficult. Many everyday products, including disinfectants, some fresheners, and scrubs, can contain dangerous ingredients that can be harmful to pets. Before cleaning your hardwood floors or wiping down your countertops, it’s crucial to understand the ingredients that could endanger your pets.

To protect your animals, these are just a few cleaners to avoid around pets.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a common ingredient that is used in glass and floor cleaning. Although great for cleaning, it should never be used in homes with pets. The fumes from the ammonia cleaner can be dangerous to pets, especially cats. More concerning, if these cleaners are combined with bleach, chloramine gas is produced, which can be fatal to both people and pets.

Bleach

Bleach is often used to clean areas around the home, but it can be dangerous to pets. Bleach can be highly corrosive, and both ingestion and inhalation can cause harm. Since most pets are curious, ingestion can be common and ingesting bleach may cause chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Inhalation of the fumes may cause respiratory issues. Some pets, such as cats and smaller dogs, are highly sensitive to the inhalation of even fumes from diluted bleach.

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Phenols

Used in disinfectants to stop the spread of germs and bacteria. While phenol is effective at cleaning, it is, however, toxic to cats and birds. Ingestion of these products may lead to liver failure and death.

Essential oils

Many pet owners believe that essential oils like eucalyptus and pine oil are safe, all-natural alternatives to commercial cleaners. But many of these essential oils are actually toxic to pets. Cats are especially sensitive animals and are affected more. Owners should be aware that reed diffusers with these products are dangerous and should read the labels.

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There are, however, a few natural cleaning products that are safe to use in homes with pets. Safe alternatives for home cleaning include diluted white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.

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