Having pets can make your choices in cleaning supplies a bit limited. You don’t want your pets (or children, if you have any) to get into chemicals that can harm them. There are many ways to make homemade cleaning supplies without harsh chemicals, and it’s usually a lot cheaper than buying the chemical-filled brands. Many of these are made of edible items that you probably already have in your home, but remember that not every edible item is good for pets.
4 Pet Friendly Homemade Cleaning Supplies
All-Purpose Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup baking soda
1 gallon water
Mix well and store in a jug!
Mirror/Window cleaner
Make a paste out of vinegar and baking soda.
Rub on the mirror or window with a cloth. Then rub or polish off with old newspaper.
Carpet freshener
Essential oil fragrance of your choice (8 drops)
1 cup of cornstarch or baking soda
Allow mixture to dry, place in a bowl, then shake until it is clump free. Using your hand, sprinkle it onto the carpet and allow it to sit before vacuuming.
Furniture polish
1 cup lemon juice
1/2 white vinegar
3 tablespoons of water
Mix well in a spray bottle and use as wood polisher and when dusting.
Things you should NOT use in homemade cleaners:
:: Ammonia
:: Chlorine
:: Formaldehyde
:: Hydrochloric acid
:: Sodium hydroxide
:: Turpentine
:: Lemon peels- some animals actually have a sensitivity to them
These things can be used in homemade cleaners:
:: Baking soda
:: Beeswax
:: Distilled white vinegar
:: Hydrogen peroxide
:: Lemon juice
:: Sodium percarbonate
:: Honey
All Purpose Cleaner
When buying a product in the store, be sure to read the label. Check for the words “environmentally-friendly” or “organic” to indicate that they are plant based and contain non-toxic chemicals. Remember that even items with natural ingredients should be stored in containers and kept away from pets and children because over-consumption of these things can make anyone sick.
To learn more about pets and chemicals, visit the ASPCA’s website. For information on non-toxic cleaning products, visit www.naturalchemistry.com.
Thank you for this! I would much rather make mine than to spend the money on them at the store. By making them myself I know that the ingredients aren’t harmful.
Interesting to see what things put together clean what best. Very good information.
I love making my own cleaning solutions, so economical and so much better for my family
Wow – I hadn’t thought of this. I’ve been experimenting with DIY beauty supplies and really happy with the results – these cleaning supplies are the next thing I’d like to try!
I am going to use these because i have pets and i do not want to harm them with the harsh chemicals that are in cleaners these days.
Really liking these Pet Friendly Homemade Cleaning Supplies, makes me feel more confident using them around my animals, I always worry about this too.