Allow 3 minutes to read. 🧽
We never thought we’d love Clorox wipes and Lysol spray so much. They’ve become our best friends as we (and the rest of the world) diligently wipe down our home and work surfaces multiple times a day. In this new era of COVID-19, cleaning has become a top priority, and we’re using products with strong ingredients. For those of you with pets in the home, keep in mind that many household cleaners can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you use these types of products, make sure to keep your pets in the other room while you clean. Keep all household cleaners out of pets’ reach, try to air out rooms after using cleaners, and don’t allow your pets to contact any wet residues left behind. Keep reading for a list of toxic ingredients to be aware of, and common cleaners that contain these ingredients.
Spoiler alert: pretty much every type of conventional household cleaner contains at least one of these ingredients. 😬
We never thought we’d love Clorox wipes and Lysol spray so much. They’ve become our best friends as we (and the rest of the world) diligently wipe down our home and work surfaces multiple times a day. In this new era of COVID-19, cleaning has become a top priority, and we’re using products with strong ingredients. For those of you with pets in the home, keep in mind that many household cleaners can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you use these types of products, make sure to keep your pets in the other room while you clean. Keep all household cleaners out of pets’ reach, try to air out rooms after using cleaners, and don’t allow your pets to contact any wet residues left behind. Keep reading for a list of toxic ingredients to be aware of, and common cleaners that contain these ingredients.
Spoiler alert: pretty much every type of conventional household cleaner contains at least one of these ingredients. 😬
Toxic Ingredients
Ammonia — This ingredient is present in several de-greasing formulas for ovens, glass, and stainless steel. Ammonia on its own is dangerous, but never mix it with bleach. This creates a poisonous gas that can be very dangerous for humans and pets.
Chlorine — This is a disinfectant found in detergent, some bleaches, disinfecting wipes and sprays, and toilet bowl cleaners. Don’t let your pets near surfaces that have been disinfected until those surfaces have dried, and never let your dog or cat drink out of the toilet bowl after it’s been cleaned! (Or when it’s dirty 🤢)
Glycol Ethers — These ingredients are common in carpet cleaners, spot removers, and glass cleaner. These are especially dangerous if fumes are inhaled by humans or pets. Use them in well-ventilated areas.
Hydrogen Peroxide — Found in non-chlorinated bleach, this product can induce vomiting in pets.
Chlorine — This is a disinfectant found in detergent, some bleaches, disinfecting wipes and sprays, and toilet bowl cleaners. Don’t let your pets near surfaces that have been disinfected until those surfaces have dried, and never let your dog or cat drink out of the toilet bowl after it’s been cleaned! (Or when it’s dirty 🤢)
Glycol Ethers — These ingredients are common in carpet cleaners, spot removers, and glass cleaner. These are especially dangerous if fumes are inhaled by humans or pets. Use them in well-ventilated areas.
Hydrogen Peroxide — Found in non-chlorinated bleach, this product can induce vomiting in pets.
Just a note — We are not telling you to stop using these products entirely. Many of the household cleaners that contain toxic ingredients are also the only cleaners that are effective at killing certain bacteria and/or viruses. Lysol and Clorox are both in high demand as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread. As long as cleaners containing toxic products are used and stored safely and responsibly, there’s no reason for pet owners to avoid them.
