Are your cleaning products pet-safe? What every pet owner should know

We all want a clean and healthy home — but if you’re a pet parent, it’s important to consider how your cleaning habits might affect your furry family members.

Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be toxic to pets, even in small amounts. From floor cleaners to sprays, what’s safe for humans isn’t always safe for our animal companions. Here's what every pet owner needs to know about the hidden dangers lurking in the cleaning cupboard — and how to switch to safer alternatives.

Common toxic ingredients to watch out for

Certain ingredients found in household cleaning products can be extremely harmful to cats, dogs, and other pets. Some of the most dangerous include:

• Ammonia – Found in many glass and floor cleaners. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and can be toxic if inhaled or ingested in large doses
• Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) – Used in disinfectants and toilet cleaners. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, burns, and respiratory distress in pets
• Phthalates – Found in fragranced products. These can disrupt hormones and are especially harmful to cats
• Phenols – Found in some all-purpose cleaners and disinfectants. Toxic to cats and dogs, especially if absorbed through their paws
• Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen found in some air fresheners and disinfectants

Pets may walk across cleaned surfaces, groom themselves by licking their paws, and breathe in lingering vapours. That means even residual exposure from cleaning products can build up over time and potentially lead to serious health issues.

How to make your cleaning routine pet-safe

You don’t have to compromise on cleanliness to keep your pets safe. A few small changes can make a big difference:

• Choose plant-based, non-toxic cleaners

Opt for products made without harsh chemicals, especially those labelled pet-safe or non-toxic. The nimble cares cleaning range is made with naturally-derived, biodegradable ingredients — no bleach, no ammonia, no nasties. Totally safe for little ones and pets.

• Let surfaces dry before letting pets near

Even safe cleaners should be given time to dry before your pet walks on or licks the area, but if you are in a rush you can be confident that there are no harmful ingredients in nimble cares products.

• Ventilate after cleaning

Keep rooms well-ventilated after you clean to reduce airborne residue from sprays and liquids if they contain toxic chemicals.

• Avoid scented products

Artificial fragrances can be overwhelming and irritating to pets, especially cats. Fragrance-Free is always a safe bet.

The nimble cares promise: clean home, happy pets

At nimble cares, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a clean home and a safe environment for your loved ones — including your pets. Our plant-based antibacterial sprays and surface cleaners are tough on grime but gentle on paws and noses.

Your pets trust you to protect them — and that includes their exposure to household chemicals. By making the switch to non-toxic, pet-friendly products, you're not only creating a safer home but also showing your love through small, everyday choices.

Explore our pet-safe cleaning range at nimblecares.co.uk