Tracy Simmons

The last thing that pet owners want to do is put their furry friends and family members at risk. It is easy to overlook the chance that your favorite home cleaning products pose to dogs and cats, but the reality is that many of those products are toxic to animals. More than that, dogs and cats may be exposed to them in a different way than you are. For example, pets will come in direct contact with the stringent cleaning product you mop the floor with. They may ingest some of that product later when they clean their feet with their tongue. This is only one of many examples of how seemingly routine cleaning efforts can place your pets at risk. These are five common household cleaners you should avoid if you have pets at home.

Ammonia

Ammonia is an effective cleaning product because of its alkaline properties. However, it can harm an animal’s stomach, skin, and eyes. In some instances, it may even lead to death. Exposure can be in the form of contact, ingestion, and even inhalation. Keep in mind that a variety of products may contain ammonia. In addition to straight ammonia used as a cleaning product, oven cleaners, floor waxes, window cleaning products, and more may contain ammonia. Read the labels on your products, and opt for natural products that are safe to use in homes with pets.

Bleach‍

Bleach is also a preferred cleaner because it can kill mold and mildew, tackle some stains, and more. However, like ammonia, it can be toxic to pets if it is inhaled, ingested, or on their skin. In addition to the many bleach-based cleaning products that could be in your home, some of your laundry products could contain bleach. These products can all be exchanged for plant-based cleaners that are effective and safe for use around animals.

Phthalates

You may not be familiar with phthalates by name, but many of the products in your home could contain them. They are used as a fragrance in many cleaning products. They may also be found in toys, cosmetics, food, and more. When animals are exposed to them, these hormone disruptors can cause developmental delays, weight gain, and even cancer in some cases. Read product labels carefully so that you can rid your home of products that contain harmful phthalates.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a preservative with antibacterial properties so that it may be in some of your cleaning products. Often, however, it is found on labels under other names. These could include formalin, methanol, methylene glycol, and more. Exposure can lead to oral irritation when it is inhaled. It can also cause skin irritation and even cancer. Choose natural cleaning products that have antibacterial properties when disinfecting your home.

Glycol Ethers

Glycol ethers have grease-cutting properties. Unfortunately, they are found in everything from harsh chemical products to liquid soaps and natural cleaning products. Exposure can cause weight loss, eye and nose irritation, anemia, cancer, and more. Be aware that glycol ethers are commonly listed under different names. Some of these are 2-Ethoxyethanol, 2-Methoxyethanol, and 2-Butoxyethanol.

At The Elite Maids, our cleaning team is aware of the harmful effects that some cleaning products have on pets as well as adults and kids. When you schedule Elite home cleaning, you are assured that our maids will only use the best cleaning products for pet owners. Contact The Elite Maids today to learn more about our cleaning services and products