Kid and Pet Safe Spring Cleaning Tips

Published: March 08, 2018

The beginning of spring is upon us, and with that comes a need to make everything fresh and clean. But if you’ve got kids or pets in your home, you’re probably hesitant to get your cleaning on with harsh materials. Sure, bleach makes things clean. But it’s also poisonous to animals and humans alike. So what are you supposed to do to get your home ready for Spring? We’ve got some tips for conscious cleaning.

Choose Environmentally Conscious Cleaners

The most obvious way to keep your kids and pets safe from hazardous materials is to not have them in your house in the first place. There are many environmentally friendly cleaning products on the market, and with a little research (like reading this blog) you can be sure to choose something harmless for your little ones and furry friends. The Environmental Working Group website has a search tool that will decode the terminology on cleaners you currently have stored away. That way, you’ll know whether or not they could be a potential hazard to your family. They also have a complete list of safe cleaning supplies like everyday cleaners, all-natural laundry detergent, and dishwasher pods. Don’t be fooled by “Natural” and “Eco-Friendly” packaging either. Some companies will use that terminology as a marketing ploy when the material is still very harmful to animals and people. To be safe, you should always do a search to be 100% sure what you have in your cabinet is safe.

Dilute Household Cleaners

If you don’t want to get rid of your cleaners entirely, diluting them has been proven to make chemicals safer. Most household cleaners will still be just as effective when diluted with water, and they’ll even last longer. However, if you plan to keep household cleaners in your house, you should always store them in a higher cabinet that cannot be reached by animals or children. It’s also a good idea to always have a child-proof lock on that cabinet. Diluted cleaners can still be very harmful if ingested by a child or pet.

Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions

This may seem very Survivor-esque, but don’t scoff at making your own cleaning products just yet. The only way to truly understand what’s going into your cleaning products is for you to make them yourself. A quick Google search will lead you to countless DIY cleaning formulas. Everything from using lemon peels to clean your dishwasher to how to make your own all natural floor cleaners and polishes. You can find a list to get started on the Earth Easy website. These are green and non-toxic solutions