September 4, 2014
Green Cleaning and Your Pets: What’s Safe?
If your pets are like mine, they aren’t just ‘a dog’ or ‘a cat;’ they are part of your family. Maybe you watched them grow from birth, or your local shelter. No matter how you came to know them, they are now and forever more your companions. They don’t judge you, lean on your every word, and enjoy every moment of free time you have to give them. It’s for that reason you want only the best for them. You feed them high-quality food, choose safe toys, and limit treat in order to ensure their health and safety. However, have you given any thought to their environment?
Pets are just like us when it comes to cleaning ingredients: chemicals can hurt and even kill them. Their sensitivities go even further though, as some ‘green’ cleaning tactics are actually uncomfortable or harmful for them as well.
So, what should you do? What should you buy? Where should you turn? We have the answer you’re looking for.
Your Pets and Green Cleaning
- Avoid Essential Oils– Essentials oils may be pleasing to us, but cats and dogs have a stronger sense of smell than we do. This means that these scents, even when added by us to home-made green cleaning products, can irritate them or even cause them to become ill. The same can be said of store-bought products that use essential oils, like candles, shampoos, soaps, and cleaners.
- Watch for Child Labels– If a product says “keep away from children,” but still states that it is natural and ‘green,’ don’t buy it when you have pets. These products typically have ingredients that can be harmful, and if they can hurt your child, they can hurt your dog or cat.
- Go Simple– Keep in mind that your pets aren’t as tall as you. They spend most of their lives close to the floor. They may even try to lick up the crumbs you spill before you notice. Because of this, it’s important to keep your floors safe, as well as clean. Do this by sticking to simple methods of cleaning. For hard surfaces, white vinegar and hot water and clean and disinfect. On carpet, baking soda and white vinegar can lift stains and take care of many pet-related issues.
- Club Soda– Has your puppy had an accident on your rug or carpet? Don’t reach for the bottle of chemicals. Instead, grab some club soda. After you remove the offense or blot the liquid, scrub the area with club soda. Let this dry, then sprinkle on baking soda. Vacuum the baking soda up after an hour.
Rely on Greenapple House Cleaning
At Greenapple House Cleaning, we know how important your pets are to you. Luckily, our home cleaning techniques are such that you don’t have to worry about the safety of your pets. We take care of that problem for you. We use only natural, effective home cleaning agents and tools to keep your home clean and odor-free.
Rely on us to take care of your entirely family- even the four legged members.
