Safe Floor Cleaners for Dogs

The last thing any dog owner wants to learn is that something he did caused harm to a pet. You do everything you can to make sure your dogs' food, toys and environment are clean and safe. Using floor cleaners that are safe for your dog is one way you can make sure he leads a happy and healthy life.

  1. Steam

    • It should come as no surprise that water is safe to use as a cleaner around dogs. The challenge lies in using water to clean floors effectively. One way is to turn it into steam. There are many steam cleaners on the market specifically made to clean hard flooring. The steam generated from these cleaners disinfects the surface and loosens dirt, which is then wiped away by a pad attached to the cleaner head.

    Soap

    • According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, soap is a safe and effective floor cleaner to use around dogs as long as the detergent is rinsed completely from the floor before allowing a dog access to the area. Soap residue can irritate the skin of some dogs, and ingesting soap can lead to stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Vinegar and Water

    • Using vinegar as a household cleaner has become popular as people gain awareness of the environmental effect of commercial cleaning solutions. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center, a solution of vinegar and water is perfectly safe to use as a floor cleaner around pets, including dogs.

    Swiffer Wet Jet

    • Every now and then, an alarming email surfaces on the Internet saying Swiffer Wet Jet contains substances that are toxic to pets. However, Proctor & Gamble (the makers of the Swiffer Wet Jet) and the ASPCA have debunked these claims. According to the ASPCA, Swiffer Wet Jet is safe to use around dogs and other pets when used as directed.

    Other Cleaners

    • You may be surprised to learn that almost every floor cleaner is safe to use around your pet. According to the ASPCA, the key to safely using these products is to follow the label instructions exactly. Let surfaces dry before allowing your dog to walk on the cleaned floor and rinse the cleaning agents as recommended to keep your home clean and your dog safe.