4 DIY Homemade Cleaners That Are Safe For Dogs

You may not realize it but the products you use to keep your house clean could be dangerous, or even toxic, for your dog. Many commercial cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can be hazardous for your dog if he inhales or ingests them. If you are concerned about the health and safety of your dog, consider switching to some of these all-natural, DIY cleaning products:

Baking Soda

The same ingredient that you use in your favorite recipe for cookies is a valuable cleaning product. Baking soda can be used as an odor absorber or made into a mildly abrasive paste for scrubbing away at stubborn stains. Clean your dog’s food and water bowls by making a thick paste from equal parts water, baking soda and salt. Apply the paste using a sponge or washcloth, scrubbing in a gentle circular motion, then rinse with warm water. You can also use baking soda to create a deodorizer for your carpet – simply sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and let it set for 20 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. You can also use it to freshen and deodorize your dog’s coat!

Vinegar

Though it may not be the most pleasant-smelling ingredient, vinegar has a variety of uses in household cleaning applications. Try making your own all-purpose cleaner by combining 3 cups of hot water with 2 tablespoons each of baking soda and fresh lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle. Simply spray the mixture over soiled surfaces and wipe clean. You can also use vinegar to create a stain-remover for your carpet. For light stains, combine 2 tablespoons of salt with ½ cup distilled white vinegar then use a clean rag soaked in the solution to blot at the stain. For heavier stains, combine 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of borax with ½ cup white vinegar and apply using the same method.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This ingredient is particularly beneficial for use in treating urine stains because it helps to break down uric crystals. When combined with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide can be used to create a powerful (but all-natural) deodorizing carpet cleaner. First, blot the stain with paper towel then sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over it. Next, combine ½ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and pour the solution onto the stain over the baking soda. Using a clean cloth or scrub brush, scrub at the stain then let it sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming the area thoroughly. For tough or set-in stains, you may need to repeat the process.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is an incredibly effective and all-natural cleaning product because it has antibacterial properties and its acidity helps it to cut through grease. Run your dishwasher with a packet of lemon-flavored drink powder to remove stains or combine a little lemon juice with coarse salt to make a scrub for wooden cutting boards, sinks, and metal pans. You can also use fresh lemon juice to spot-clean areas with greasy or grimy buildup such as cabinet door pulls or faucets.

Save your money and get rid of all those harsh commercial cleaning products in your home. It’s better for your pets (and for your wallet) to make your own DIY cleaning products using ingredients you already have on hand.