Whether you are house training a new puppy or have a sick or elderly dog, accidents happen. Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog or even be hazardous to his health. Here are some easy-to-make homemade solutions to help keep your house clean and your pooch safe.
Urine, Feces, Vomit, and Blood Stains
Accidents happen sooner or later, but combining baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a small amount of dish soap can create a deodorizing and safe fabric cleaner.
Sprinkle the stain with baking soda (which works great to remove odors), and pour a mixture of ½ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of dish soap on top. Gently scrub the stain and let sit for 10-15 minutes, then vacuum it up. You can repeat the process for tougher, set-in stains.
Floor and Surface Cleaner
A simple, safe, and easy mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 liter of water can be used on linoleum or vinyl, ceramic tile, and even wood floors. This mixture can be used just like other all-purpose cleaners and can even be stored between uses—no rinsing required. The vinegar and water mixture can also be used to clean fido’s toys and grooming tools.
Glass and Window Cleaner
Tired of finding your dog’s nose-prints all over your back door? Simply add 5 tablespoons of lemon juice to 2 liters of water to create a glass cleaner that doesn’t leave behind any harmful chemicals that could irritate your pup. Spray and wipe with a lint-free cloth or old cotton shirt.
Mild Scrub and Dog Deodorizer
Combine equal parts baking soda and water and a little salt to create a paste and use to scrub your dog’s bowls, stained sinks, or other grime around your home. Additionally, you can rub in a handful of baking soda on your dog’s dry coat to absorb any unpleasant odors. Baking soda is a safe and effective way to keep your pooch and his things fresh and clean.
Chemicals to Avoid
Common cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that not only linger on surfaces but also contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the air inside your home. If you do choose to purchase products at the store, avoid those that contain the following chemicals, which can be irritating and harmful to your dog:
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Formaldehyde
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Perchloroethylene
- Phenols
- Phthalates
Happy cleaning!