Cleaning your home is essential for health and comfort—but if you have pets, it comes with a few extra responsibilities. Whether you’re doing a deep clean or hiring professionals, certain cleaning products and processes can be harmful to dogs, cats, and other animals. That’s why it’s important to take the right steps to protect your furry companions while keeping your space fresh and sanitary.
Here’s a helpful guide outlining protective measures for pet owners during a cleaning with pets, so your pets stay safe, happy, and stress-free.
🐾 1. Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Not all cleaners are created equal. Many standard products contain ammonia, bleach, phenols, and alcohols—all of which can be toxic to pets if inhaled or ingested.
✅ What to Do:
- Choose pet-safe, non-toxic cleaners labeled as safe for animals.
- Use natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
- Avoid strong disinfectants in areas where pets eat, sleep, or groom.
Pro Tip: Always check labels for warning signs like “keep away from pets,” and look for products certified by pet safety organizations.
🐾 2. Keep Pets in a Separate Room
During any major cleaning—especially involving sprays, vacuums, or steam—relocate pets to a secure, well-ventilated room away from the action.
✅ Benefits:
- Minimizes stress caused by loud noises and unfamiliar smells
- Prevents exposure to airborne chemicals
- Keeps pets from accidentally stepping in wet floors or ingesting cleaners
Provide toys, treats, or calming music to keep them relaxed while you clean.
🐾 3. Ventilate Your Home
Good airflow is critical during and after cleaning to disperse fumes and improve air quality for both humans and animals.
✅ What to Do:
- Open windows and doors
- Turn on fans or air purifiers
- Keep your home ventilated for at least 30–60 minutes after cleaning
This is especially important if you’re using strong products like oven or bathroom cleaners.
🐾 4. Store Cleaning Products Safely
Pets are naturally curious—especially when it comes to open cabinets or buckets of water.
✅ Safety Tips:
- Store all cleaning supplies in high or locked cabinets
- Never leave cleaning buckets or bottles unattended
- Immediately wipe up spills and rinse out empty containers
Even small amounts of cleaner residue can be dangerous if licked off paws or fur.
🐾 5. Clean Pet Areas with Extra Care
Food bowls, litter trays, bedding, and toys require frequent cleaning—but harsh chemicals should be avoided in these spots.
✅ Pet-Safe Cleaning:
- Use hot water and mild soap for bowls and litter trays
- Wash bedding with fragrance-free detergent
- Disinfect toys with diluted vinegar and rinse thoroughly
Avoid heavily scented sprays in pet areas to prevent skin irritation or respiratory issues.
🐾 6. Beware of Floor Cleaners
Pets spend a lot of time on the floor—and may lick their paws after walking on freshly cleaned surfaces.
✅ What to Do:
- Use pet-safe floor cleaners
- Rinse mopped floors with clean water after applying any product
- Keep pets off wet floors until they’re completely dry
Hardwood and tile cleaners, in particular, often contain solvents that can irritate your pet’s paws or stomach.
🐾 7. Consider Their Stress Levels
Vacuuming, steam cleaning, and moving furniture can cause anxiety in pets, especially cats and small dogs.
✅ How to Help:
- Introduce pets to the sound of the vacuum gradually
- Use calming sprays or pheromone diffusers if your pet is sensitive to noise
- Create a safe space with blankets and familiar items
If hiring professional cleaners, let them know you have pets so they can adapt their approach.
🐾 8. Avoid Essential Oils and Strong Fragrances
While you might love a lemon-fresh home, many essential oils (like tea tree, eucalyptus, and citrus) are toxic to pets.
✅ Safer Alternatives:
- Choose fragrance-free or naturally derived air fresheners
- Use baking soda to neutralize odors instead of masking them
- Always research oils or diffusers before use in pet-occupied areas
🐾 Final Thoughts
A clean home is a healthy home—but for pet owners, it’s important to strike the right balance between hygiene and safety. By choosing the right products, keeping pets away during cleaning, and using preventative measures, you can keep your space sparkling without compromising your pet’s health.
With just a little extra planning, cleaning day can be stress-free for you—and your four-legged friends.
