You can use multi-surface cleaners on any surface in your home, including stainless steel, glass, floors, countertops, and appliances. Puracy makes a multi-surface cleaner that’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and completely vegan. [2] X Research source If you can’t afford to stock up on commercial pet-safe cleaning supplies, you can also try making your own all-natural cleaner.
Cats spend a lot of time lying on the floor, so it’s important that the cleaner you choose be gentle on skin and paws. Plant-based floor cleaners can be applied to all hard flooring materials, including laminate, vinyl, tile, and genuine hardwood. [4] X Research source
It’s a good idea to keep your cat locked up in another room until your clean carpets have had time to dry, even if you’re using a pet-safe product. Ordinary carpet cleaners get their power from perchloroethylene, naphthalene, and ammonium hydroxide. These chemicals can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness, nausea, and lack of appetite to liver damage and even cancer. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Clean+Green Professional Strength Pet Odor Eliminator and Stain Remover, Eco Care Stain and Odor Remover, and similar enzymatic cleaners are effective on all the most stubborn organic messes—urine, feces, and food-related stains like wine, coffee, and grease. Though they’re perfectly safe for most tasks, some enzymes could still make your cat sick if ingested in large quantities. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Common Good and Seventh Generation laundry detergents are available in formulas all the way up to 4x concentration, meaning they’re strong enough to ensure that even the most well-worn garments come out looking brand new. [11] X Research source Pick up some chemical-free, non-static dryer sheets to throw in with your clean clothes when they’re ready to go in the dryer.
SpotAway and Nature’s Source glass cleaning products both come highly recommended by veterinarians. For the best value, buy your glass cleaner in a concentrated form and mix it with the recommended amount of water in a spray bottle. It will last longer and prove more cost effective that way.
You can also use liquid castile soap in place of the vinegar or lemon juice if your prefer. Just don’t use the two together—since one is an acid and the other is a base, they’ll end up canceling each other out. Squeeze in a few drops of your favorite essential oil (or a fresh-smelling blend) to make your homemade cleaner more fragrant. Your homemade all-purpose cleaner will be safe to use on all non-porous surfaces in your home, from floors and countertops to appliances and natural materials.
This combination of ingredients is also useful for coaxing standing stains out of carpets and rugs. You may need to apply your hydrogen peroxide solution more than once in order to remove every last trace of the stain or accompanying odor.
If your ingredients are limited, it’s possible to make a quick-and-easy solution using equal parts vinegar and water.
The exact proportions you use will depend on how much paste you need to clean a given area. A simple baking soda scrub can work wonders on dirty appliances, as well as marble and stone countertops, ceramic, stainless steel, and your cat’s food and water dishes. [16] X Research source
The high concentration of citric acid in fruit-flavored drink mixes is effective for busting up stains caused by hard water, rust, and a variety of other yucky substances. An added benefit of using powdered drink mix is that cats tend to dislike the scent of citrus, which means they won’t be tempted to drink out of the toilet while it’s soaking. [18] X Research source
While you’re at it, try out your oil polish on cutting boards and wood siding and accents. The acidic lemon juice will gently clean and disinfect, while the oil will act as a conditioner to preserve the strength and luster of the wood.
