Cleaning Products and Pets: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe

Updated August 2026

Cleaning products are part of everyday life, but ordinary household routines can expose pets to wet floors, concentrated detergents, open toilet bowls, cleaning buckets and products left within reach.

Dogs may investigate containers with their mouths. Cats can walk across a recently treated surface and later lick residue from their paws and coat. Puppies, kittens and small pets may be particularly vulnerable because they explore unfamiliar objects and cannot recognise a hazard label.

The safest approach is straightforward:

• Read the product instructions
• Use the product exactly as directed
• Keep pets away while cleaning
• Allow treated areas to dry fully
• Store products securely
• Contact your vet promptly if exposure may have occurred

This guide explains how to reduce everyday risks without claiming that every household product is dangerous or that every product labelled “natural” or “pet friendly” is automatically safe.

This article provides general safety information and does not replace veterinary advice. If you think your pet has swallowed, inhaled or come into contact with a potentially harmful product, contact your veterinary practice promptly.

Why cleaning products can be dangerous to pets

Cleaning products vary considerably.

Some are relatively mild when diluted and used correctly. Others are concentrated, corrosive or capable of causing serious injury.

The risk depends on factors including:

• The exact product
• Its ingredients
• Its concentration
• How much the pet encountered
• Whether it was swallowed, inhaled or touched the skin
• Whether it reached the eyes
• The pet’s species
• The pet’s size
• Existing health conditions
• How quickly veterinary advice is obtained

A pet may be exposed by:

• Chewing a container
• Biting a laundry or dishwasher capsule
• Drinking from a mop bucket
• Drinking from a treated toilet
• Walking across a wet floor
• Licking residue from paws or fur
• Investigating a spill
• Breathing fumes in a poorly ventilated room
• Entering a washing machine or tumble dryer
• Eating a used cleaning cloth or wipe
• Reaching products stored under a sink
• Drinking from a sink or bath containing cleaner

The fact that a product is sold for household use does not mean it is safe for a pet to swallow.

Cleaning products that need particular care

The following products should be stored securely and used according to their labels.

Bleach and disinfectants

Bleach and disinfectant products may irritate or burn the skin, eyes, mouth or digestive system.

When using them:

• Follow the dilution instructions exactly
• Keep pets outside the room
• Ventilate the area
• Do not leave buckets unattended
• Prevent access to treated water
• Allow floors and surfaces to dry
• Rinse surfaces only when the label instructs you to do so
• Close and store the container immediately

Never assume that adding extra product makes the cleaning more effective.

A stronger concentration may increase the risk to pets, people and the surface being cleaned.

Oven and drain cleaners

Many oven and drain products are designed to break down grease, food or blockages.

Some contain strongly alkaline or corrosive ingredients capable of causing serious burns.

Keep pets out of the room while these products are used.

Do not leave:

• An open oven door
• Removable oven shelves covered in cleaner
• A treated drain accessible
• Used cloths on the floor
• Product containers beside appliances
• A bucket containing the solution unattended

Follow the manufacturer’s ventilation and rinsing instructions.

Laundry detergents and capsules

Laundry products can be attractive to puppies and curious pets because capsules are small, soft and easy to bite.

Concentrated detergent can affect:

• The mouth
• The eyes
• The skin
• The digestive system
• Breathing if foam or liquid enters the airways

Store capsules and detergent:

• In their original container
• With the lid secured
• Inside a closed cupboard
• Away from pet food
• Away from washing baskets pets can access

Do not leave a capsule on top of the washing machine while preparing a load.

Clean spills immediately and keep pets away.

Dishwasher tablets and capsules

Dishwasher products are also concentrated.

Keep them:

• In the original packaging
• Inside a secure cupboard
• Away from feeding areas
• Out of reach while loading the machine

Close the dishwasher after inserting the product.

Do not allow a pet to lick detergent residue, used tablets or the inside of the dispenser.

Toilet cleaners and toilet blocks

Some dogs and cats drink from toilets.

After using a toilet cleaner:

• Keep the lid closed
• Close the bathroom door where necessary
• Do not allow pets access to treated water
• Follow the product’s instructions
• Store spare products securely

A toilet block can continue releasing cleaner into the water after the toilet has been flushed.

A pet should always have easy access to clean drinking water elsewhere.

Floor cleaners

Pets are close to the floor and may walk across a treated surface before it has dried.

They may then lick their paws.

When mopping:

1. Move pets to another secure room.
2. Follow the product instructions.
3. Use the correct dilution.
4. Do not leave the bucket accessible.
5. Allow the floor to dry completely.
6. Empty and rinse the bucket.
7. Store the product immediately.
8. Return pets only when the area is ready for normal use.

Be particularly careful with cats, who routinely groom their paws and coat.

Carpet and upholstery cleaners

Before using a carpet or upholstery product:

• Read the textile manufacturer’s instructions
• Check the product label
• Test it on a hidden area
• Keep pets away
• Ventilate the room
• Prevent licking
• Allow the item to dry completely
• Remove any powder or residue as directed

Do not assume a product is safe simply because it is intended for carpets in homes containing pets.

“Pet stain remover” may describe the purpose of the product rather than mean that it is safe to swallow.

For urine accidents, a suitable enzymatic cleaner may help break down the residue when it is compatible with the carpet or upholstery.

Read How to Remove Dog Urine From Carpet and Upholstery

Cleaning wipes

Used wipes may still contain cleaning product.

Dispose of them in a closed bin.

Do not leave them:

• On the floor
• Beside the toilet
• On a low table
• In an open waste bin
• Mixed with pet toys or bedding

Some dogs will chew a used wipe because it carries an interesting smell.

The wipe itself may also create a blockage if swallowed.

Cleaning sprays and aerosols

Avoid spraying a product directly beside your pet.

Move them from the room before spraying and follow the ventilation instructions.

A fine spray may reach:

• Food bowls
• Water bowls
• Beds
• Toys
• Open cages or enclosures
• Fish tanks
• A pet’s coat
• A pet’s eyes or airways

Remove or protect pet equipment before spraying nearby surfaces.

Air fresheners, diffusers and essential oils

Air fresheners and fragranced products are not necessary for a clean home.

Pets may be exposed through:

• Spills
• Chewed containers
• Oils on the skin or coat
• Direct contact with a diffuser
• Concentrated fragrance in a poorly ventilated room

Cats can be particularly sensitive to several household chemicals and essential oils.

Do not apply an essential oil to your pet or add one to their bedding, collar, food or drinking water unless your vet has specifically advised it.

Keep diffusers and refill bottles where pets cannot knock them over.

Never mix cleaning products

Do not mix household cleaning chemicals.

Combining products can create:

• Dangerous gases
• Harmful fumes
• Heat
• Splashes
• Corrosive mixtures
• A solution with unpredictable effects

In particular, never improvise by combining:

• Bleach and another cleaner
• Bleach and toilet cleaner
• Bleach and ammonia-based products
• Drain products
• Different disinfectants
• Commercial cleaners and homemade mixtures

Use one suitable product according to its instructions.

More chemicals do not necessarily produce a cleaner or safer result.

Does “pet safe” mean harmless?

No product should be treated as harmless simply because the label includes phrases such as:

• Pet friendly
• Natural
• Eco-friendly
• Non-toxic
• Plant based
• Chemical free
• Gentle
• Organic

These descriptions do not mean that the product is suitable for a pet to drink, chew or lick from their coat.

Always check:

• What the product is designed to clean
• Whether it needs diluting
• Whether rinsing is required
• How long pets must remain away
• Whether the room needs ventilation
• How it should be stored
• What to do after accidental exposure

Keep the packaging until the product has been used and disposed of.

The label gives your vet or poison adviser important information if something goes wrong.

Are vinegar, lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda safe?

These household ingredients are often described as natural alternatives.

They may be suitable for certain household jobs, but they are not universal cleaning products and should not automatically be treated as pet safe.

Consider:

• The surface being cleaned
• The concentration
• Whether the pet may lick the area
• Whether another product is already present
• Whether fumes or irritation are possible
• Whether the substance may damage the surface
• Whether the animal has respiratory, skin or digestive problems

Do not mix homemade cleaners with bleach or other commercial products.

Lemon juice and strongly scented citrus products may be unpleasant or irritating to pets and should not be used on an animal.

Bicarbonate of soda should not be left in accessible piles where a pet may eat it.

Vinegar should not be relied upon as a veterinary disinfectant or as a treatment for a pet’s skin, ears, paws or coat.

For routine household cleaning, use a product suitable for the surface and follow its instructions carefully.

A safer routine for cleaning floors

A simple routine reduces most avoidable exposure:

Before cleaning

• Put food and water bowls somewhere safe
• Remove pet toys
• Move beds and blankets
• Close the pet in another suitable room
• Read the label
• Open windows where appropriate
• Check the correct dilution

While cleaning

• Do not leave the container open
• Keep the bucket beside you
• Clean up splashes promptly
• Keep doors closed
• Do not allow pets to walk through the room
• Avoid spraying near cages, beds or feeding areas

After cleaning

• Follow any rinsing instructions
• Allow the surface to dry completely
• Empty and rinse the bucket
• Wash or dispose of cloths safely
• Store the product
• Replace bowls, beds and toys only when the room is ready
• Wash your hands

A safer kitchen-cleaning routine

Kitchen products can contaminate areas where pets eat or where food is prepared.

Before cleaning:

• Move pet bowls
• Put food away
• Remove feeding mats
• Keep pets outside the room
• Secure the bin

Pay particular attention to:

• Oven cleaner
• Hob cleaner
• Degreaser
• Dishwasher capsules
• Surface sprays
• Floor cleaner
• Bin-cleaning products

Afterwards:

• Follow the product’s rinsing instructions
• Allow surfaces to dry
• Wash pet bowls separately where appropriate
• Check the floor for dropped capsules or wipes
• Return feeding equipment only when safe

Do not clean a pet bowl with a strong household product unless its label specifically permits this use and it can be rinsed completely.

Ordinary washing-up liquid, warm water and thorough rinsing are often sufficient for routine bowl cleaning.

A safer bathroom-cleaning routine

Bathrooms often contain:

• Bleach
• Toilet cleaner
• Mould remover
• Drain cleaner
• Disinfectant
• Aerosol cleaner
• Laundry products
• Human medicines

Keep the toilet lid closed and do not allow pets to drink from:

• The toilet
• A cleaning bucket
• A bath containing cleaner
• A recently treated shower tray
• A sink containing cleaning solution

Do not leave bathroom cleaner soaking on a low surface while a pet has access to the room.

Human medicines and toiletries should also be kept securely out of reach.

Washing machines and tumble dryers

Cats may climb into washing machines and tumble dryers because they are warm, dark and quiet.

Small dogs and other pets may also investigate laundry piles or appliance doors.

Before using either appliance:

1. Check inside carefully.
2. Remove laundry item by item.
3. Confirm where your pets are.
4. Close the appliance door.
5. Check again before switching it on.

Do not leave appliance doors open when the machine is not being used if your cat is likely to climb inside.

Store capsules, powders and liquids away from the appliance rather than leaving them on top.

Cleaning pet bowls

Wash food and water bowls regularly.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before placing a bowl in a dishwasher.

A suitable method may include:

• Warm water
• Ordinary washing-up liquid
• A clean brush or sponge
• Thorough rinsing
• Complete drying

Use separate cleaning equipment for pet bowls where practical.

Replace bowls that are:

• Cracked
• Chipped
• Deeply scratched
• Rusting
• Difficult to clean properly

Do not leave disinfectant residue in a bowl.

Cleaning pet toys

Different toys need different cleaning methods.

Always check:

• The care label
• The material
• Whether electronic parts are present
• Whether stuffing can dry fully
• Whether the toy is already damaged

Washing will not make a damaged toy safe.

Discard a toy with:

• Loose stuffing
• A detached squeaker
• Split rubber
• Sharp edges
• Frayed rope
• Pieces that may be swallowed
• Mould
• A smell that does not disappear after cleaning

Read How to Clean Dog Toys Safely

Cleaning cages and small-animal enclosures

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals may spend much of their time inside or close to their enclosure.

Avoid exposing them to:

• Strong fumes
• Wet disinfectant
• Residue on bowls or bottles
• Aerosol sprays
• Damp bedding
• Fragranced products
• A newly treated enclosure that has not dried

Move the animal to a secure, suitable place while cleaning.

Use an enclosure-cleaning product appropriate for the species and follow its instructions.

Rinse where directed and allow everything to dry before replacing:

• Bedding
• Hay
• Food
• Water
• Toys
• The animal

Do not spray a cleaner into an occupied cage.

Cats and cleaning-product exposure

Cats deserve particular care because they groom themselves frequently.

A cat may walk across a damp floor and then swallow residue while licking their paws.

They may also investigate:

• Toilets
• Sinks
• Baths
• Buckets
• Open cupboards
• Washing machines
• Tumble dryers
• Used cloths
• Diffusers
• Recently treated surfaces

Keep cats away until surfaces are dry.

Store products inside a cupboard that the cat cannot open.

If your cat’s paws or coat may be contaminated, prevent licking where it is safe to do so and contact your vet for advice.

Read Cats Protection Guidance on Poisoning in Cats

Dogs and cleaning-product exposure

Dogs commonly investigate objects by sniffing, licking and chewing.

Puppies may be particularly attracted to:

• Laundry capsules
• Plastic bottles
• Cloths
• Sponges
• Toilet blocks
• Buckets
• Wipes
• Packaging

Keep cleaning products out of reach even when they have child-resistant closures.

A determined dog may chew through packaging or open a low cupboard.

Use a secure cupboard or suitable child lock where necessary.

Signs of possible cleaning-product exposure

Possible signs vary depending on the product and type of exposure.

They may include:

• Drooling
• Foaming at the mouth
• Pawing at the face
• Red or sore skin
• Red or painful eyes
• Mouth ulcers
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Refusing food
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Wobbliness
• Coughing
• Breathing difficulty
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Collapse

Do not wait for symptoms if you know or strongly suspect that your pet has encountered a potentially harmful product.

Some effects may be delayed.

What to do if your pet encounters a cleaning product

1. Remove your pet from the source

Move them away without putting yourself at risk.

Close the room or secure the remaining product.

2. Prevent further exposure

Where safe, stop your pet licking:

• Their paws
• Their coat
• The treated surface
• The damaged container
• Any vomit

Do not place your hands directly into a corrosive product.

3. Contact your vet

Call your veterinary practice promptly.

If it is closed, use its emergency service.

Tell them:

• Your pet’s species
• Their breed or type
• Their age
• Their approximate weight
• The exact product
• How exposure occurred
• How much may be involved
• When it happened
• Whether symptoms are present

4. Keep the packaging

Take the container, label or a clear photograph with you if veterinary treatment is required.

Do not expose yourself or anyone else to the product while handling it.

5. Follow professional instructions

Different substances require different responses.

Do not improvise treatment.

Do not make your pet vomit

Do not attempt to make your pet vomit at home.

Do not give:

• Salt water
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Mustard
• Oil
• Milk
• Human medication
• Food intended to “soak up” the product
• Another home remedy

Some cleaning products can burn the mouth and throat again as they come back up.

Vomiting may also allow foam, liquid or fumes to enter the lungs.

Only a veterinary professional should decide whether vomiting is appropriate.

Read Animal PoisonLine Guidance on Why You Should Not Induce Vomiting

Should you wash the product from the coat?

Contact your vet or Animal PoisonLine for instructions whenever possible.

The correct action depends on the substance.

General precautions include:

• Prevent licking
• Protect yourself with suitable gloves if advised
• Remove loose or excess material without spreading it
• Do not use paint remover, solvent or another chemical
• Do not apply an essential oil
• Do not scrub damaged skin
• Keep product away from the eyes and mouth

A vet or poison adviser may recommend rinsing or washing with an appropriate product, but follow their instructions because corrosive, oily and powdered substances may require different approaches.

Animal PoisonLine

Animal PoisonLine is operated by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service and provides 24-hour advice to pet owners.

Charges apply.

Telephone: 01202 509000

Visit Animal PoisonLine

If your pet has collapsed, is having seizures, is struggling to breathe or is otherwise seriously unwell, contact a veterinary practice immediately rather than delaying emergency treatment.

Preventing cleaning-product accidents

A short household check can prevent many emergencies.

Store products securely

Keep products:

• In their original containers
• With their labels attached
• With lids firmly closed
• Inside a secure cupboard
• Away from food
• Away from pet supplies
• Away from heat
• Away from children and animals

Do not pour a chemical into a drinking bottle, food container or unlabelled spray bottle.

Clean up spills immediately

Keep pets away while you deal with the spill.

Follow the product’s instructions for:

• Ventilation
• Protective equipment
• Absorption
• Rinsing
• Disposal

Secure bins

Used wipes, paper towels, empty capsules and contaminated packaging may still carry residue.

Use a closed bin that pets cannot open.

Check low cupboards

Do not assume a cupboard door will stop a curious pet.

Use a suitable lock where necessary.

Keep pet drinking water available

Pets are less likely to investigate toilets, buckets or sinks when clean drinking water is readily available, although access to hazardous liquids must still be prevented.

Tell carers where products are kept

When a dog walker, cat sitter or house sitter is caring for your pet, leave:

• Suitable cleaning supplies
• Clear instructions
• Products appropriate for your floors and furniture
• Protective gloves where needed
• Waste bags
• Emergency veterinary details

Point out surfaces that require specialist products.

Do not expect a sitter to guess whether a product is compatible with an expensive floor, worktop, rug or piece of furniture.

Read the Finchley Dog Walker Welcome Pack

Related pet-safety guides

These guides cover other common household and outdoor risks.

Poisoning and first aid

Dog Poisoning: What Owners Need to Know

Learn how to reduce common poisoning risks and what information your vet will need if something happens.

Dog Health and First Aid Guide

Prepare for common emergencies and understand when a dog needs urgent veterinary attention.

Cleaning around pets

How to Clean Dog Toys Safely

Check which toys can be washed, how to rinse them properly and when damaged toys should be replaced.

How to Remove Dog Urine From Carpet and Upholstery

Clean accidents without mixing unsafe chemicals or damaging flooring and furniture.

Household and garden hazards

Plants Poisonous to Dogs: A Practical UK Garden Guide

Identify common garden and houseplant risks and learn what to do after possible exposure.

Rock Salt and Grit: Winter Paw Safety

Understand the risks from treated winter pavements and why paws should be checked after walks.

Cat safety

Cat Care Advice Hub

Explore holiday care, household safety, feeding, enrichment and senior-cat advice.

Frequently asked questions

Are normal household cleaners poisonous to pets?

Some household cleaners can cause irritation, burns, vomiting, breathing problems or more serious effects.

Risk varies according to the product, dose and type of exposure.

Use every product according to its instructions and keep pets away while cleaning.

Is bleach safe around pets?

Bleach should be used only as directed.

Keep pets out of the area, use the correct dilution, ventilate where instructed and prevent access to buckets, treated water and wet surfaces.

Contact your vet if exposure occurs.

Can pets walk on a floor after it has been mopped?

Wait until the floor is completely dry and follow any additional instructions on the product label.

This helps prevent residue reaching paws and being swallowed during grooming.

Are pet-friendly cleaners completely safe?

No product should be treated as safe to drink or chew.

“Pet friendly” does not remove the need to follow the instructions, store it securely and keep pets away during use.

Is vinegar safe for cleaning around pets?

Vinegar may be suitable for some surfaces and uses, but it is not a universal cleaner or disinfectant.

Do not mix it with bleach or other cleaning products.

Do not apply it to your pet unless your vet advises you to do so.

Is bicarbonate of soda safe around pets?

It may be used for certain cleaning tasks, but pets should not be allowed to eat it or walk through loose powder.

Use only an appropriate amount and remove residue.

Can I use lemon juice as a pet-safe cleaner?

Lemon juice is not automatically safe simply because it is natural.

It may irritate pets, damage certain surfaces and should not be applied to an animal.

Are essential oils safe around dogs and cats?

Essential oils are highly concentrated.

Do not apply them to your pet, add them to bedding or use them as a treatment unless your vet has specifically advised it.

Keep oils and diffusers out of reach and clean spills promptly.

What should I do if my dog bites a laundry capsule?

Remove access to the product and contact your vet immediately.

Keep the packaging and do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional instructs you to do so.

What if my cat walks across a wet floor cleaner?

Prevent your cat from licking their paws and contact your vet for advice about the exact product.

Have the packaging available.

Should I wash cleaning product from my pet’s coat?

Ask your vet or Animal PoisonLine for instructions because the correct response depends on the substance.

Prevent licking and do not use solvents or another cleaning chemical on the animal.

Should I make my pet vomit after swallowing cleaner?

No.

Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home or give salt water.

Contact your vet or Animal PoisonLine.

Should I wait for symptoms?

No.

Contact your vet when you know or strongly suspect that a potentially harmful exposure has occurred.

Some symptoms can be delayed.

What information will my vet need?

Be ready to provide:

• The product name
• Ingredients where listed
• Your pet’s species and weight
• The amount involved
• The type of exposure
• The time it happened
• Current symptoms

Keep the packaging or take a clear photograph of the label.

Keep cleaning products away from curious paws

Most cleaning-product accidents are preventable.

Use the correct product, follow its label, keep pets out of the room and put everything away as soon as the job is finished.

Do not rely on words such as “natural” or “pet friendly” as a substitute for careful use.

If exposure occurs, contact your vet promptly and provide the exact product information.

Explore the Dog Health and First Aid Guide

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Important information

This guide provides general household-safety information.

It does not diagnose poisoning or replace advice from a veterinary professional or animal-poisoning specialist.

Do not give your pet human medication, induce vomiting or attempt a home treatment after possible chemical exposure.

Contact your veterinary practice or emergency veterinary provider promptly and follow their instructions.