When you bring a cleaner into your home, you’re not just asking for sparkling counters and shiny floors. You’re trusting that your whole family is safe. And yes, that includes the four-legged ones who nap in sunspots and sneak snacks off the floor.

At Peel Good Cleaning, we believe that a clean home should never come at the cost of your pet’s health. That’s why we use non-toxic, pet-safe products for every job we do so you can enjoy a spotless space without worrying about what your pup or kitty might get into.

Let’s talk about why it matters, what to avoid, and what we use instead.

What Cleaning Products Are Toxic to Pets?

Most conventional cleaners are packed with ingredients that sound scientific and smell “clean” but can actually cause serious health issues for animals. Here’s a list of common culprits:

❌Ammonia

Found in glass and oven cleaners. This can cause respiratory irritation in pets, especially cats.

❌Bleach

Often found in disinfectants. Bleach is highly corrosive and can burn paws, irritate the eyes and lungs, and be deadly if ingested.

❌Phenols

Commonly found in pine-scented cleaners and multi-surface disinfectants. They’re especially toxic to cats and can affect liver function.

❌Hydrogen Peroxide in high concentrations

While a diluted version is sometimes used medically, high levels in cleaning agents can be harmful when licked or inhaled.

❌Artificial Fragrances and Dyes

These can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and breathing issues in pets.

❌Essential Oils even the “natural” ones

Some essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus oils can be toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin, particularly for cats.

What’s Safe to Use Around Pets?

Safe cleaning is still strong cleaning. At Peel Good Cleaning, we stick to natural, effective ingredients that get the job done without putting your pets at risk. Here are a few safe go-to’s:

✅White Vinegar

Great for cutting grease and neutralizing odors. When diluted, it’s a safe cleaner for most surfaces.

✅Baking Soda

A gentle abrasive and deodorizer that’s perfect for pet messes on carpets and fabric.

✅Castile Soap

A plant-based soap that’s effective but gentle enough for most surfaces and safe for pets.

✅Lemon Juice used carefully

Lemon juice can cut through grime, but we avoid it if pets are sensitive to citrus.

✅Pet-Safe Commercial Cleaners

We also use trusted, vet-approved brands that are specifically formulated to be safe around dogs and cats.

Pet-Toxic Cleaning Product Brands to Avoid

1. Clorox

Includes: Clorox Bleach, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Clorox Clean-Up.
Contains: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach), fragrances, and other harmful chemicals.
Danger: Respiratory distress, skin irritation, and toxic if licked off paws.

2. Lysol

Includes: Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner.
Contains: Phenols and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats).
Danger: Highly toxic to cats, can cause liver failure, respiratory problems.

3. Pine-Sol

Contains: Pine oil (a phenol derivative), fragrances.
Danger: Phenols are especially dangerous to cats and can be fatal if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

4. Mr. Clean Antibacterial Cleaner

Contains: Quats and strong surfactants.
Danger: Irritating to skin and lungs, harmful if ingested.

5. Scrubbing Bubbles

Includes: Bathroom and toilet cleaners.
Contains: Bleach, ammonia, and other corrosive agents.
Danger: Chemical burns, toxic fumes, especially dangerous in small spaces.

6. Fabuloso (Original Formula)

Contains: Fragrances, colorants, preservatives that can be irritating or toxic.
Danger: Not immediately deadly, but harmful over time, especially if pets walk on wet floors and groom themselves.

7. Swiffer WetJet (Cleaner Solution)

Contains: Solvents and surfactants.
Danger: While the company states it’s safe when used correctly, there have been reports of illness when pets walk on freshly cleaned surfaces and lick their paws.

8. Ajax and Comet (Powdered Cleansers)

Contains: Bleach and harsh abrasives.
Danger: Can cause digestive issues, mouth and paw irritation.

9. Kaboom Bathroom Cleaners

Contains: Bleach, surfactants, and dyes.
Danger: Strong fumes and residue can irritate pets’ respiratory systems and skin.

10. Resolve Carpet Cleaner

Contains: Fragrance, solvents, and surfactants.
Danger: Residue can remain in carpet fibers and be absorbed or ingested by pets.

Safer Alternatives

If you're looking for pet-safe cleaning brands, try these instead:

Better Life
Puracy
Branch Basics
Seventh Generation (Fragrance-Free)
Aunt Fannie's
ECOS
Force of Nature
Peel Good Cleaning 😄 (yep, we’re the safe option!)

Why Go Pet-Safe?

Healthier Pets

Toxic exposure can lead to vomiting, skin issues, neurological symptoms, and even long-term organ damage. A switch to non-toxic products removes those risks.

Peace of Mind

When your dog licks the floor or your cat climbs across the counter, you don’t have to panic.

A Fresher Home

Natural products smell fresh without being overpowering, and they’re better for you too.

Serving Homes with Pets in San Antonio, Helotes, and Boerne

Whether you’ve got a playful pup, a curious cat, or a whole zoo at home, we’re ready to help you keep things clean and calm. Our cleaners are trained to watch for pets, avoid unsafe products, and leave your space looking great without a trace of toxins.

FAQs

It depends on the cleaner. If you've used a pet-safe cleaning product, it's usually fine. However, if you’ve used toxic chemicals, it's best to wait until the floor is completely dry before letting your pet walk on it to avoid potential poisoning.
Look for labels that indicate the product is pet-safe or non-toxic. Avoid products with harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or synthetic fragrances. If in doubt, check the ingredients list or choose natural alternatives.
If your pet comes into contact with a toxic cleaner, immediately rinse the area with water. If ingested, contact your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline. Quick action can save your pet's life.
Yes, many homemade cleaners using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are safe for pets. However, ensure they’re diluted and avoid essential oils in homemade cleaners if you have pets, especially cats.

Toxic Chemicals and Brands to Avoid: A Guide to Keeping Your Home Safe for Pets