Cleaning products and pet accidents: a safer routine for pet homes

Clean the home without adding new risks

A home with pets gets cleaned often, and sooner or later there is an accident on the rug. The products that do this work sit where pets like to explore: under the sink, beside the washing machine, on the edge of the tub.

The good news comes first. ASPCA Poison Control’s guide to household products says most cleaning products are safe to use around dogs and cats as long as they are used according to the label. The same guide asks bird owners to get veterinary advice before cleaning near birds, because birds are extremely sensitive to fumes. The aim here is not to empty the cupboard but to store and use each product so paws and mouths stay away from it.

Know which products need the most care

Some household products deserve extra attention. The ASPCA guide and its article on corrosive household products describe these:

• Bleach. Swallowing undiluted bleach can injure the mouth and esophagus. The ASPCA says diluted bleach can be used on pet toys and kennels if they are thoroughly rinsed and the bleach smell has gone before the pet gets them back.
• Other strong acids and alkalis. The ASPCA lists toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, rust removers, some pool chemicals and the contents of alkaline batteries alongside bleach. Concentrated products can cause serious injury to the mouth, throat and stomach.
• Laundry products. Liquid detergent and detergent pods can irritate the mouth and throat, and the ASPCA notes that serious symptoms can occur in some cases. Dryer sheets and most fabric softeners contain cationic detergents that can cause severe chemical burns, and a swallowed dryer sheet can also cause a blockage. The ASPCA adds that cats appear especially sensitive to these ingredients.
• Vinegar and enzyme cleaners. The ASPCA says vinegar can upset the stomach but is not generally an issue if diluted, rinsed and allowed to dry, and that most enzyme-based cleaners tend to cause mild stomach upset, so let them dry before a pet goes back into the area.

Clean, then wait for it to dry

The ASPCA’s prevention advice is short. Store cleaning products and laundry supplies in secure cabinets your pets cannot get into. Clean up spills promptly, and never leave a product unattended where a curious pet could investigate it. Follow the product directions, and make sure treated surfaces are dry before pets have access.

Because some corrosive products give off irritating vapors, the ASPCA also suggests good ventilation and keeping pets away from treated areas. In practice that might mean closing the bathroom door while the toilet cleaner sits, or mopping while the dog is out on a walk. Put the bucket away as soon as you finish.

Clean up a fresh accident

Humane World for Animals’ guide to pet stains and odors gives clear steps for urine on carpet or upholstery. Soak up as much as you can with a thick layer of paper towels covered by a thick layer of newspaper, stand on the pad for about a minute, and repeat until the spot is barely damp. Then rinse the area with clean, cool water and blot it dry. Once it is clean, it suggests a high-quality pet odor neutralizer, and a carpet stain remover if a mark is still visible after the area is completely dry.

Two things to skip. Humane World warns that steam cleaners can permanently set urine stains and odors, and it advises against ammonia and vinegar, whose strong smells may encourage a pet to mark the same spot again. The Cornell Feline Health Center’s page on house soiling says the same about ammonia and vinegar for cats, and adds that odors must be neutralized, not just deodorized, and that cleaning works best soon after the accident.

For machine-washable bedding and throws, Humane World suggests adding baking soda to your usual detergent, air drying if you can, and washing again with an enzymatic cleaner if you can still see or smell the soiling.

Find old spots and stop repeat visits

Old accidents can dry almost invisibly. Humane World suggests using your nose and, if you have one, a black light, outlining soiled spots lightly with chalk. Cornell notes that cats will re-soil areas they have marked with their scent, which is why thorough cleaning matters for breaking the cycle.

After cleaning, Humane World recommends making the spot unattractive or unavailable for a while and making the right bathroom area appealing. For dogs, it suggests watching for signs your dog needs to go and calmly taking them outside. Our new dog guide covers early routines. For cats, Cornell notes that some cats refuse to use a box with any urine or feces in it, so keep it clean; our litter box guide covers placement.

Sort the cupboard and pack an accident kit

This is an original Housemates exercise. You need a bin bag and a cabinet your pet cannot open.

1. Empty the space under the sink, then the laundry shelf and bathroom cabinet.
2. Make three groups. Products in the ASPCA’s higher-care list (bleach, toilet and drain cleaners, rust removers, detergent pods, dryer sheets, fabric softener), everyday cleaners, and anything empty, unlabeled or no longer used. Dispose of the third group according to its label or your local rules.
3. Move the first group into the secure cabinet and keep lids closed.
4. Check the floor level. Kneel and look for loose pods, a dryer sheet behind the machine or an open bucket.
5. Pack the accident kit in a lidded box in the same secure cabinet: paper towels, old newspaper, a bowl for cool water, a pet odor neutralizer or enzymatic cleaner, chalk and, if you have one, a black light.
6. Tape a card inside the door with your veterinarian’s number and ASPCA Poison Control’s number, (888) 426-4435.

Add the kit check to your pet care checklist so it stays stocked.

When accidents are new or keep happening

Humane World says a pet having regular accidents should be checked by a veterinarian to rule out medical causes. Cornell says cats who are having problems using the litter box consistently should see a veterinarian, and notes that cats with medical conditions may not always act sick. Cornell also says punishment is ineffective and the anxiety it causes may make house soiling worse.

If your pet gets into a product

The ASPCA says that if you suspect your pet has chewed, licked or swallowed a corrosive product, seek veterinary care immediately, even if your pet seems normal, because effects can be delayed. Do not make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. For any suspected toxic exposure, the ASPCA asks you to contact your veterinarian or call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

This guide is a household planning aid. It does not replace advice from a veterinarian or cover every product in your home.