How to Make Your Household Cleaners Safe and Pet Friendly

  Unless you have been on another planet over the last 20 years, you have heard the reports on the dangers of common household cleaners to your children and your pets.These are the cleaners that most of us have under the kitchen sink or bathroom sink. We need to realize that these products are made from chemicals, nothing natural. And when you subject yourself to using these chemicals and you get them on your skin or breathe in the fumes, you are risking your health and the health of your pets who live in the house with you. Dogs and cats come into contact with these products when they are sprayed, as the mist goes into the air and lands on the floor, perhaps in their food and water bowls. As it drifts to the floor, your pets walk through it and later lick their paws and ingest it. If you have small children in the house that play on the floor and put toys in their mouth, which all small children do, then they are at risk also.

Remember, all chemical products are toxic to children and pets and every product that you spray in the air lands on the floor.

Before chemical cleaners became so popular and main stream, many people used homemade cleaners, that housewives easily made at home, from products that they used regularly. They were not spending tons of money on poisonous cleaners with excessive packaging or containers that are classified as hazardous to dispose of. The next time you are in your favorite supermarket, take a good look at all the chemical products lining the supermarket shelves and the prices. They can really run up your grocery bill, and you are spending a lot of money to bring these dangerous products into your home.

There is an alternative. Read the labels. Try to find something with the words safe, natural or organic or non-toxic. That can be a challenge, but it is doable! Products labeled "environmentally friendly, earth friendly, or organic " are usually products that are soap based or plant based and do not contain any toxic chemicals. These types of cleaning products are available at natural food stores, health food stores or in the natural food section of your supermarket. If your favorite grocery store does not carry any of these products, maybe you could speak to the manager about stocking these items. I'm sure others would be interested, as well, so you would be doing every one a favor. Fortunately, natural products are becoming more in demand, as many people are trying to be "green". Stores are trying to meet the demand and that does help to make these products easier to find. Of course, these products may cost a little more, but they are safer to use and your health and the health of your pets is at stake.

Do not buy any products marked with the word "Danger" or a  skull and crossbones on the label. That is self explanatory! Most of these products contain corrosive agents. Bleaches, oven cleaners or anything that has a high acid or alkaline content can cause irritation to your skin as well as your pets skin. And they can damage the mucous membranes if they are lapped up or inhaled by your pets. This, of course, can be life threatening to your pets by causing ulceration or perforation of the GI tract. Think of the danger these products pose for your children! So, rather than to have to lock up all of your cleaning products, stop worrying about them and make your own. Much has been written about safer products--do research, read all labels before purchasing and make your home a safer place for all who live there. 

If you would like a few FREE, simple recipes for some basic homemade cleaners Sparrow Darling has them for you at http://www.dogsandothercompanions.com Look under pet friendly household cleaners. While you're there, check out the other informative articles about man's best friend.