8 DIY Homemade Cleaners that are Safe for Pets (2023)

FAQs

How do I make pet safe cleaner? ›

Make a thick paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice or vinegar. Using an old toothbrush or a cotton cloth, apply the paste to the stained surface. For tough stains, let it sit for five to ten minutes before scrubbing. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.

Yes. Vinegar used for cleaning is typically diluted and can be used in households with dogs. It is considered a natural cleaning product, and it may help to neutralize odors and remove pet stains. When using vinegar as a cleaning agent, ensure your dog is kept away from the products to avoid accidental ingestion.

You can use SupaClean as a steriliser for washing down and cleaning all surfaces, including utensils, feeding/drinking bowls etc, however, it's also a highly effective kennel disinfectant. It is safe to use around cats, dogs and other furry friends, so you won't harm your pets health by using this product.

Combine about 2 gallons of warm water and a couple spoonfuls of Borax powder in a cleaning bucket. After mopping, do a rinse wash and let dry. Combine a few tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 cup borax powder to create a paste. Use to scrub tough messes as well as rust stains on sinks.

"Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice to bathe your dog in rare circumstances, but it is not recommended as a regular shampoo." Your dog's skin can be sensitive to allergies, have different coat conditions, and even different pH levels than human skin, so this strong soap can be very irritating to their skin.

Cleaners with powerful odors that promise results should alert pet owners, particularly cat owners, to danger, experts say. The ingredients that make disinfectants effective make them toxic for companion animals: alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, chemical compounds that contain the word “phenol,” etc.

Yes! Vinegar is safe for your dog, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar is the healthiest option for your dog. Apple cider vinegar supports your dog's digestion and contains magnesium, potassium, and iron. It also helps break down fats and proteins.

It's a gas dangerous to pets and toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It can irritate the eyes and nasal membranes causing respiratory issues. If ingested orally, it can cause severe damage to a cat or dog's GI tissue.

Is baking soda toxic to dogs? ›

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), a common household product with numerous uses, can be harmful to pets if ingested in large quantities. Signs and symptoms of toxicity: Vomiting is most often the first clinical sign of toxicity.

If these chemicals are kept in a sealed container for a long time, it can cause a small explosion because the carbon dioxide will try to escape. So, while you can use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach on their own for cleaning purposes, we recommend that you avoid mixing them with vinegar.

To make your own flea and tick repellent, mix one part vinegar with one part water and spray it on your pet's fur. You can also add a few drops of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to help repel fleas and ticks from the inside out. Morgan recommends one teaspoon per quart of water.

Emmy award-winning veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber confirms that hydrogen peroxide is safe for cleaning small wounds on your dog. However, he adds that there is no medically known benefit to using hydrogen peroxide for dogs instead of water and soap when cleaning out smaller, less-serious wounds.

Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar

Combining them creates peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned. I have found the best results is when I use it to clean chrome shower and sink fixtures.

Baby shampoo is the best human shampoo for dogs option because they are much gentler than their adult-oriented counterparts, making them less harsh on your pup's skin and fur. You can use baby shampoo just like you would a traditional dog shampoo. However, it's still best to use a commercial dog shampoo when possible.

Castile soap is one of the gentlest soaps available that still works at all. Natural oils make it very light on the skin, both for you and for your fur baby. It's closer to 9 on the pH scale, making it even more alkaline than your dog's skin, but the slight difference isn't all that much.

What dish soap is non toxic to dogs? ›

Castile soap

It is natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and 100% safe for pets. In fact, you can even use it to wash your dog. Just be sure to use the non-scented variety as some essential oils can be irritating to your dog's skin.

Using a damp mop is a great idea because it picks up dog hair like nobody's business. Just be careful not to use too much water because it may damage the hardwood in the long run, Buying a microfiber duster. This tool picks up dog hair as effectively as the mop does and is even easier to use.

It's probably not a good idea to use a disinfecting wipe, like a Clorox Wipe or a Lysol Wipe, on your dog's paws. The same chemicals that do the disinfecting are harmful if ingested… like if the dog licks the paws after using that kind of wipe.

Can I use it to clean my dog? No, don't use Fabuloso to bathe your dog. The product contains chemicals that can irritate the skin. Even certain fragrances can cause skin irritation.

In reality, all cleaners are toxic to pets, some are worse than others. One of the active ingredients in Lysol is Phenol. Phenol is especially dangerous for cats- but can also be problematic for dogs. Cats can absorb phenol through the air, through their mouth by licking or through their skin.

Once a week, spray your dog's fur with the mixture. Although not scientifically proven to get rid of flea, the acidic taste of the vinegar may repel fleas and other parasites. If your dog dislikes being sprayed, dip a washcloth into the mixture and rub your dog's coat. There is no need to rinse your dog afterward.

While it is never a good idea to feed your dogs baking soda, accidental ingestion of small amounts should prove harmless. However, as with all things, it can get toxic if they consume large quantities.

Today, dogs don't eat lemons for good reason. “All citrus fruits contain essential oils and a chemical compound that are toxic to dogs. These are found in the plants, tree parts, the skin, and the pithy white parts,” Dempsey explains.

Citric acid is harmful to dogs, especially in large quantities. It can cause extreme stomach upset, and even vomiting and diarrhea. Lemons are high in citric acid. Though a single lick of lemon or lemon juice probably won't turn your dog's stomach, too much of it can make them feel very sick.

Murphy's oil soap is fairly safe to use around pets, in fact, it is recommended several places online as a bath soap for dogs (I'd be careful about that… ask your vet for his/her opinion). Your pet could become sick if they ingest Murphy's oil soap directly, or if they get it in their eyes or on their nose.

Is Windex safe for dogs? ›

Household cleaners: Most general purpose cleaners (e.g., Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns. Flea and tick spot-on products for dogs: Those that are pyrethroid based (e.g., Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant's, etc.)

Simple Green is Non-Toxic and Biodegradable

Simple Green products are also safe for both the environment and pets because they are non-toxic and biodegradable. Clean Conscience, Dog Friendly Magazine, and Green Cleaning Magazine endorsed Simple Green as an environmentally friendly product.

Vinegar is also an amazing natural cleaning option for more serious pet odors. Try using vinegar (diluted with a bit of water) in a spray bottle and spray on carpets or floors. Or use in combination with baking soda on cushions or bedding for an extra powerful, odor-eliminating punch.

Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts or have applied to their skin or fur. When it comes to selecting a brand, virgin coconut oil is best, as most of coconut oil's benefits have been observed with this type.

Is Honey Safe for Dogs? Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is also used as a sweetener in many foods and beverages.

Vinegar and peroxide work well in tandem because they both kill germs but in different ways. They make a good one-two punch because vinegar is good at killing some germs and hydrogen peroxide is better at killing others.

Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar

While these two chemicals can be used in succession as a cleaning duo, do not mix them together. “Combining these two creates peracetic acid or corrosive acid, an irritant that, in high concentrations, can harm the skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs,” says Bock.

At the top of the list? Citrus. Most dogs can't stand the taste and smell of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Here's why — plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage.

Vinegar will treat minor skin irritations, help to prevent ear infections and even make your dog smell better.

Why do dogs lick their feet and legs? ›

When you think of pets dedicated to self-grooming, dogs might not be the first animals that come to mind. However, dogs regularly lick their legs, paws, and tail to remove debris. This is a normal, healthy behavior and sign your furry friend wants to be clean (even if their antics suggest otherwise during bathtime!).

Use a pet-safe laundry detergent to wash the load and add in some pet hair dissolver to get rid of any leftover hairs. Avoid using fabric softener or any other products in the rinse cycle as this could irritate your pet.

Combine ¼ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon dish detergent, and 2 gallons hot water. Apply it either with a damp cloth or a wrung-out mop. After, go over it with fresh water, then allow to dry.

Add 1-2 cups white distilled vinegar. Soak your dog's feet for 5-10 minutes. There is no need to rinse, but make sure to dry your dog's paws completely. Repeat 3-5 times a week until the infection is cleared up.

If it has been more than 15 minutes after administration of the hydrogen peroxide and vomiting has not occurred, you may re-dose one more time. Do not continue to give your dog hydrogen peroxide if he is not vomiting. This could lead to an overdose and hydrogen peroxide toxicity.

When can Neosporin be used on dogs? If your pooch got into a scrape, chances are good that you can use a small amount of Neosporin to help prevent infection in the wound. Superficial injuries, such as scrapes, abrasions, and small cuts, may benefit from this trifecta of a topical antibiotic.

White Vinegar is the ultimate in natural dog urine cleaners. Blot up as much urine as you can, then completely soak the area with undiluted white vinegar.

6 Recipes of Homemade Dog Ear Cleaners - YouTube

All-purpose Floor Cleaner: Vinegar and Water

Simply combine 1 cup and 1 liter of water and mop your floors. There is no need to rinse but if you want to brighten and add a shine to the surface of your floor, after it dries mop it again with club soda.

Can I mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide? ›

Mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar creates peracetic acid, a corrosive acid that can harm the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. While it's okay to use the two in succession on a surface, don't ever mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in the same bottle.

Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors. Sprinkle it liberally on the damp area or even an old urine stain, and work the powder gently into the fibers of any fabric, rug or carpet. Let the baking soda sit overnight for maximum odor absorption, then vacuum it up to remove the smell completely.

No. Don't use hydrogen peroxide on your pup. This common household product can actually cause irritation to healthy skin cells. Ears contain very sensitive tissue, and extended use of hydrogen peroxide could eventually lead to damage of the ear itself.

Emmy award-winning veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber confirms that hydrogen peroxide is safe for cleaning small wounds on your dog. However, he adds that there is no medically known benefit to using hydrogen peroxide for dogs instead of water and soap when cleaning out smaller, less-serious wounds.

Antiseptic Tea Rinse.

Green tea is a natural antiseptic. It can be used to flush out all the ear mite debris—that crumbly brown/black stuff that clogs the puppy's ear canal. Steep a tablespoon of green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for three or four minutes and then strain it.

Pine Sol is a common all-purpose cleaner made by Clorox, meant for cleaning and disinfecting non-porous surfaces like counters, sinks, and floors. Pine-Sol is not safe for pets.

Vinegar is safe for your dog, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar is the healthiest option for your dog. Apple cider vinegar supports your dog's digestion and contains magnesium, potassium, and iron. It also helps break down fats and proteins.

What should you not mix with vinegar? ›

When baking soda is mixed with vinegar, something new is formed. The mixture quickly foams up with carbon dioxide gas. If enough vinegar is used, all of the baking soda can be made to react and disappear into the vinegar solution.

By reacting together, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce carbon dioxide and chemicals which are excellent in removing bleaches. And thus, they make a fantastic couple together!