I was going to follow my first post with information on reading dog food nutrition labels. Then my cat decided to make a mess that had me muttering a few explitives. The kind of mess that makes you recoil and feel pity for your fur baby because you know it wasn't pleasant for them either. During the clean up process, I was so thankful for my "go-to" products. So it got me thinking that I ought to share those with my followers!
Most of my "go-to" pet-friendly cleaning products are homemade. As a lesson in frugality, I try to make my own cleaners 90% of the time. Not to mention some of the chemicals in the store bought cleaners make me nervous. The possibility of leaving caustic residue on surfaces that my pets touch is just nerve-wracking! At first my husband was concerned and thought I was turning into a "hippie granola factory" (his words, not mine). After doing a bunch of online research and some trial & error...I had two SIMPLE winning recipes that cover every day cleaning tasks.
Glass Cleaner ( Floors Too!)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) *optional*
1/2 cup water
10-20 drops essential oil of choice- I do 20 drops of lavender, orange, or lemon so that it tones down the vinegar smell. Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle for cleaning glass. Or put mixture in a spray mop to clean floors. I recommend omitting the alcohol when it will be used on wood floors or linoleum as it could damage coatings/finishes.
Multi-Purpose (any hard surface; great for soapscum bathrooms & greasy kitchens)
2 cups water 1/4 cup Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap- Unscented Baby Mild
10-20 drops essestial oil of choice- I prefer refreshing scents like: scotch pine, rosemary, or eucalyptus
First, fill spray bottle with water . Then add the liquid castile soap and essential oil. Swirl around gently to mix. IF YOU REVERSE THIS PROCESS, THEN YOU WILL HAVE TONS OF BUBBLES. I also half this recipe and use it in a recycled foaming pump bottle for hand soap!
I try to support local businesses whenever possible, but essential oils can be expensive at the specialty shops!! Being super frugal, I purchase essential oils online at Nature's Oil because they have great products at the absolute best pricing (even with shipping!).
Also, Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap is getting much easier to find! I've found it in Lynchburg at Auburnlea Corner Market, Health Nut, Anderson's Food Market, The Fresh Market, & Walgreens. It is almost always on sale at one of these locations.
Here are the two store bought pet cleaning items that are irreplaceable;
1. Simple Solution Triple Oxy Power Stain & Odor Remover
Use this cleaner for carpeting, upholstery, & mattresses. I have yet to find a case where it discolors fabric, but it is prudent to test a spot first. The gel goes on the stain and water from a sponge or rag is used to activate the hydrogen peroxide. Since the water is absorbed into the carpet or upholstery it gets to the stuff that goes below the surface. Forget and trash the Resolve carpet/upholstery cleaner! This $9 bottle has saved our futon matress, pillow top mattress, car seats, car upholstery, area rugs, comforters, and dining chair cushions!
2. Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover
Use this enzyme powered cleaner wherever there is pet urine, feces, vomit, or blood involved. The enzymatic cleaner does wonders for destroying urine odor, therefore helping to prevent accidents in the same spot. I also put a capful in the washing machine when doing pet bedding or towels. If you have a kennel or crate this would be the best thing to use when washing the floor or tray. Whether you are a new or seasoned pet-parent, now you can tackle any mess with pet-friendly cleaners that WORK! I encourage you to try the homemade versions. Not only are they safe around the pets, but they will save you a bunch of money!
