7 Natural Cleaning Tips for Pets That Actually Work

Baking soda is powerful natural product that can clean just about anything in your home. Not only can it be used to scrub your home and furniture, it’s also great to clean your pet with too. You can use baking soda to brush your pet’s teeth or to remove odour from their bed or litter box.

White vinegar is another popular non-toxic household staple that you can clean with. Whether that mess on the floor or carpet is your fault or your pet’s, white vinegar is good on minor spills and stains (add lemon juice and water) and heavier ones too (mix with salt and baking soda).

It’s quite easy to whip up some natural oatmeal shampoo to bathe your pet. Grind uncooked oatmeal (not instant oats) in a food processor and mix with baking soda and warm water. Feel free to add a few drops of your favourite essential oil in to leave them smelling fresh!

If you don’t have time for a full-on bathing session with your pet, baby powder mixed with baking soda acts as a super-effective natural dry shampoo. Sprinkle some on their fur and rub in. If you want to make your own baby powder, use arrowroot powder or organic cornstarch with some powdered herbs.

Remember to keep it natural when you launder things that your pet will come into contact with, like bedding, couch cushions, towels or their own toys, collars and bandanas. You can make your own natural laundry detergent with just a handful of pantry ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil. Here are some more natural cleaners you can make at home.

Try greasing your pet’s food bowl with a bit of olive oil so you can clean out the dried slobber and stubborn food scraps more easily. Olive oil is quite rich in antioxidants, so not only is it non-toxic, but it’s actually good for your pet’s brain and immune system.

One way to limit amount of cleaning you need to do when you’re a pet owner is just to be proactive. Brush your dog or cat regularly to limit shedding (and vacuuming), scoop and clean the litter box often, keep a towel at the front door to clean your pet’s paws and buy pet-friendly furniture that’ll stand up to your furry friends.