Something we don't always think about it pet-safe cleaning products. Our pets are so much more sensitive to smells and chemicals than us, so taking care in choosing products that are safe for them to breathe in and walk on is super important for long term health. It will help all members of our families remain healthier!
As always, there is no judgement! Sometimes we don't even think about these things because it is such a norm in our world. But when we know better, we can do better. It can be as simple as switching out your laundry detergent that you use on your pet's blanket and bedding or choosing a chemical-free floor cleaner or household cleaner. Or swapping out your glade plug-in for a non-toxic option!
Think about these scenarios:
- if you use chemical cleaners on your floors and your pet walks across the
floor, they are not only absorbing those chemicals through their paw pads, but
they also may be licking it off and ingesting as well.
- if you use those scented plug ins, your pet is so much more sensitive to
those, plus they are at nose level a lot of the time. Not only are they inhaling
the chemicals but many have been found to alter the hormones in both us
and our pets - causing mood changes, headaches, and more.
- if you use the chemical-ridden detergents on your pet's blankets, bedding
etc. your pet is inhaling those chemicals and absorbing them through their
skin. That smell that you think is "clean" is really not all that healthy for
you or your pets to be breathing in. The chemicals that are in there to produce
that long-lasting smell are detrimental to long-term health.
There are so many safer options on the market theses days for all of your usual cleaning supplies and home fragrances!
Here are some of my go-to favorites:
Laundry Essentials:
I've recently been loving Mrs. Meyer's brand.
Mrs. Meyer's Laundry Detergent - It is concentrated so you don't have to use a ton (there are about 64 loads per bottle) and the scent is subtle but still lasts a while.
I also really love the brand EverSpring that is found at Target, and who doesn't like an excuse to run to Target:)
Mrs. Meyer's Dryer Sheets - smells great and they reduce static better than other chemical-free options that I've tried.
Or if you like using dryer balls and your own therapeutic grade essential oils for different scents, these are great! I like to use Young Living Purification or Revive Tumble & Dry oils on these (and you only need a few drops, these bottles will last you a very long time!)
Household Cleaning Essentials:
FOR THE FLOORS:
Steam Mop: the easiest and quickest way to mop the floors in my opinion. I use my steam mop weekly on my tile and laminate floors. It comes with the washable mop pads which make sure easy clean up afterwards. I
like to add a couple drops of the Young Living Purification essential oil to the water before mopping to have add a nice clean smell (plus it helps repel pests!).
I have the model with a shorter power cord and it is a pain. I like this one with the longer cord and larger water reservoir which I think would be worth the extra $20 cost compared to what I paid for mine.
FOR COUNTERS, MESSES ON FLOORS (even carpet), BATHROOMS - Toilet, sinks, etc. :
My go-to will always be the Young Living Thieves cleaner. I have used it for many years and it is the best. It contains essential oils that kill bacteria, smells great, doesn't leave any residue, and works on just about everything. I've used it on fabric, countertops, bathrooms, everything. It comes as a concentrated solution, so you dilute it with purified water, preferably in a glass bottle and you're all set.
I have dabbled with other brands. Mrs. Meyer's is decent. I like the scent options, but it seems to leave a white film on my counters that I wasn't a fan of.
Recently, I ran out of my Thieves and couldn't get it right away so I've been trying out these cleaning tablets. I just put them in my glass spray bottle with purified water and it dissolves. I have liked these as well and have tested on just about everything except carpeting. I know myself, and will probably end up going back to the Thieves once I use these up though.
FOR DUSTING:
I keep this simple and just use a microfiber cloth. Sometimes I'll even just spray a little bit of my Thieves cleaner on it as well and wipe everything down.
Overall you can probably tell that I like simple, easy, effective, and chemical-free pet safe products. Start by just changing up one thing and go from there!
Instead of replacing your empty bottle with the same old chemical-ridden stuff, choose a health-conscious pet friendly option!
And lastly, instead of using those plug-ins to make your house smell nice. Try purchasing a cold diffuser with some pet-safe therapeutic-grade essential oils or some other options I've listed below. You can click on the picture of the product to shop:)
Diffuser Options:
Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil Options:
ONLY USE THERAPEUTIC GRADE, other brands have synthetic additives that can harm you and your pet. Not all essential oils are created equally.
Revive has a ton of options. They are therapeutic grade and have very similar blends to Young Living without the high price tag. I have found several of their blends to be almost identical to YL's. The one I have noticed not to be as close would be the Thieves oil (they call it Immunity Boost). They have their single oils as well, which would be the same as YL because it isn't a blend of multiple oils, it's just the
pure single oil (example, Lemon or Lavender).
NOTE: I diffuse REVIVE brand, but I have not used them topically on my pets nor have I used them internally as I have done with Young Living. Not to say they are not safe by any means, I just have more experience with YL in that realm and have mentors that have used them for YEARS.
Young Living is the brand that I was first introduced to. They are super clean & therapeutic grade. I have noticed their pricing go up over the years and I don't see it reflected in their overall
quality. This is why I did some research to find
another brand that I can trust and use, which is
Other Non-Toxic Options that smell great but without the synthetics:
I have recently been turned on to the brand Enviroscent. They make plug ins for the wall and also have fun non-toxic scented sticks. The scents are amazing, last a long time, and are chemical-free!
There are a variety of scents and they are completely non-toxic. I put two of the sticks in and it makes for cute decor and also smells really, really good. I have the lemon leaf & thyme in the kitchen which smells really clean and fresh and then another one in the living room with Lavender Tea & Honey scented sticks in it.
I have yet to try their plug ins, but that is next on my list. They would be great for adding near doorways, in the bathrooms, etc.
You're doing great Pet Parent!
Share any products that you enjoy using and are pet-friendly and non-toxic. I am always on the lookout for great new products to make life easier!
DISCLAIMER:
The information offered by The Balanced Companion is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace regular veterinary care. I strongly encourage you to seek the professional advice of a holistic veterinarian that supports your efforts to incorporate species appropriate nutrition and holistic lifestyle choices into your pet’s life. To locate a holistic integrative vet, please visit www.ahvma.org or ask me for a referral.
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