Reducing Chemical Exposure in Homes with Pets

Reducing Chemical Exposure in Homes with Pets

Your pets mostly spend their days on the ground, sniffing around and exploring surfaces within your house. As a result, your pets face higher possibilities of being endangered by toxic house cleaners that form detrimental health threats. The positive thing here is that a healthy and clean environment for your pets doesn’t always entail compromising on cleanliness.

Knowing what types of household items can be dangerous as well as having knowledge of the methods of finding pet-safe alternatives can prove to be very helpful in your endeavour of keeping your house spotless without letting your pets come into contact with those hazardous items! 

Risks of Certain Cleaning Products Around Pets

Household cleaners may contain ingredients that can be harmful to your pets through inhalation, dermal contact, or ingestion. For example, an ammonia solution can irritate your pets’ lungs and eyes. Additionally, bleaching solutions may result in chemical burns on your pets’ noses and paws. Phenolic floor cleaners can be very toxic to cats due to the absence of certain enzymes.

Toilet bowl cleaners and garage drain cleaners may contain both hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide as ingredients. These ingredients may cause severe burning sensations on your pets since they tend to taste everything. Air fresheners and fabrics cleaners may comprise volatile organic compounds that tend to build inside your pet’s body.

The problem worsens when it is considered that pets have a regular routine of grooming. In that respect, they may consume whatever may be left on them as they walk on these surfaces. The size of these pets should also be put into consideration, since they may become endangered by very low levels of toxic substances.

Removing Harm Through Product Innovations like Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners form an outstanding alternative to the use of chemical cleaners. This is due to the fact that these enzyme cleaners act on natural proteins that can dissolve organic matter such as that found in pet stains. Bio-cleaning agents function on a certain mechanism. The nature of such an activity makes bio-cleaning agents very effective in eliminating pet stains without posing negative consequences on your environmental setting.

Unlike conventional cleaners that only conceal undesirable smells by adding fragrance to them, an enzyme cleaning spray removes the smell at a molecular level. This makes it very important for pet owners to clean with an enzyme cleaner, since undesirable scents that persist can attract pets to revisit the same spot.

Enzyme cleaners have several strengths. For instance, they can be used on surfaces that come into contact with pet stains. The enzyme cleaners can be used around pets since they are non-toxic. In that regard, they do not pose threats to pets. The nature of the cleaners can be considered harmless on surfaces that pets can walk on once they have been cleaned.

Cleaning Tips

First of all, it’s important to read labels on items that warn of being kept away from children and pets. Then look for cleaners that advertise as pet-safe cleaners. Homemade cleaners made from ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda may also work.

When cleaning, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air. Store all cleaning products in secure cabinets that your pets cannot access, even those marketed as natural or pet-friendly.

Plan your cleaning schedule such that it leaves enough drying time before your pets access these areas. For floor cleaning, you may consider using microfiber floor cleaners that use less detergent. In addition to that, it is important that you rinse your floors with normal water once you have cleaned them.

Think of getting a steam cleaner that can clean your carpets and furniture without needing to use chemicals. Since it’s hot enough, it can kill bacteria and eliminate dust mites. But once it cools down, it’s harmless to your pets.

Creating a Healthier Home Environment

All in all, keeping your pets away from harmful chemicals should not mean that you have to change your lifestyle completely. Using eco-friendly cleaning alternatives like enzyme cleaners and being very careful when cleaning your house can help ensure that your pets get the cleanest and freshest environment that is free of harmful chemicals. As a result of that, your pets will be appreciative of the efforts that you put towards providing them with the cleanest and safest environment!