Keeping your house clean is a priority for many, dog lovers included. Most houses have a variety of cleaners like Windex, Chlorox, and undoubtedly Pine-Sol for cleaning floors. If you have pets, you may have wondered if Pine-Sol is safe for my pet to be around? It is an important question whether you have a cat or a dog.
Pine-Sol is available in various scents such as Original, Sparkling Wave, Lavender Clean, Lemon Fresh, and Tropical Flowers. While it can make your house look clean and smell fresh, there are some safety concerns for both humans and pets.
What Is Pine-Sol?
Pine-Sol is a multipurpose household cleaning product used for cleaning grease and heavily soiled areas. When first invented in the 1920s, it mainly contained pine oil. The current composition of Pine-Sol features pine oil, benzoic acid, isopropyl alcohol, and sulfonic acids.
Is Pine-Sol Harmful To Humans?
While the ingredients included in Pine-Sol are not toxic when used as directed, they can cause skin irritation, allergies, respiratory concerns, and cancer, especially if ingested.
Is Pine-Sol Harmful To Pets?
If something can harm humans, it can also harm pets. When ingested in large amounts, Pine-Sol can be toxic to pets. The main ingredient in Pine-Sol is pine oil which is harmful to pets in many ways. It can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and digestive concerns.
When absorbed or ingested, pine oil can cause issues in the nervous system, the kidneys, and the liver. Cats and dogs are sensitive to pine oil and can experience issues after ingestion or absorption. Cats also lack an essential enzyme in their liver responsible for breaking down essential oils.
Isopropyl alcohol, one of Pine-Sol’s main cleaning agents, is also toxic to pets. Ingesting it can cause vomiting, disorientation, respiratory issues, and even seizures.
Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe
Pine-Sol can be harmful to pets, but only when ingested in a large amount. If you are wiping the floor with it, it is unlikely your pet will come into contact with it. However, knowing that it contains harmful ingredients, you should be extra careful. Use the following tips to keep your pet safe.
Dilution
Pine-Sol is a concentrate and, according to directions, should be diluted in water before use. The dilution ratio for Pine-Sol is one-fourth cup to one gallon of water. A convenient method for storing ready-to-use Pine-Sol is to purchase a few spray bottles and add the mixture.
Keep Out Of Pets’ Reach
Keep all cleaning products out of your pet’s reach. The best way to do that is to keep them in a locked cupboard your pet cannot access. Do not leave cleaning products on the countertops or tables where your pet can access them. If you have a particularly curious pet, you must be even more cautious. Some pets are intelligent or mischievous and may find ways to access cleaning products. Depending on these factors, take precautions accordingly.
Dispose of wipes or tissues you use immediately. If you are using a microfiber cloth, rinse it immediately. Ensure your garbage can is secure so curious pets can’t treat themselves to the buffet. It might seem like overplanning, but pet parents with smart animals know how persistent they can be.
No Distractions
If you are cleaning, you should only be cleaning. Let’s suppose you are cleaning and hear the doorbell ring. In the few minutes you’re distracted at the door, your pet might try to lick or drink the Pine-Sol solution. It is best to ensure that no such opportunities arise. If you are absent when your pet tries to drink the cleaning solution, you won’t know how much your pet consumes. Be careful while cleaning to prevent any spills. These can provide animals access to potentially dangerous materials.
Ventilation
The best way to use Pine-Sol is in a well-ventilated environment — ensuring that your pet does not absorb any solution accidentally.
No Pets While Cleaning
When cleaning with Pine-Sol, keep pets out of the room. Even in your presence, your pet will still walk over the floor wet with the solution. Dogs and cats whose paws and fur come in contact with the wet floor will eventually lick their paws and fur. It is best to keep pets out of the room while cleaning. When you finish cleaning, wait for surfaces to dry before letting your pets in the room. To ensure your pet doesn’t come into contact with Pine-Sol, you can rinse surfaces with water after wiping them down.
Switch To A Pet-Safe Cleaner
While using Pine-Sol won’t necessarily affect your pet, you can consider switching to a pet-safe cleaner if you want to avoid taking the risk. To reduce the chances of your pet coming in contact with harmful chemicals, you can make your cleaning products at home using ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and vodka — saving you money and keeping your pets safe.
Another option is to purchase a pet-safe household cleaner. Two great options would be:
Bean & Lily Floor Cleaner
The Bean & Lily Floor Cleaner is an excellent alternative to harsh cleaning tools like Pine-Sol. It is a plant-based solution that is safe for pets and environment-friendly. You can safely use this solution on all types of floors. The founders created and named the solution after their family dogs. Since it is a pH-neutral cleaner, it does not irritate. If you or your dog suffer from allergies, the subtle fragrance of this cleaner will not trigger allergies. To use the cleaner, squirt it undiluted onto any surface and wipe away.
In addition to this great floor cleaner, Bean & Lily offers a pet-safe surface cleaner, glass cleaner, and bathroom cleaner.
Better Life Floor Cleaner
Better Life is a well-known name, and their natural plant-based floor cleaner is a great option compared to Pine-Sol. With powerful plant-based cleaning ingredients, this floor-cleaner will leave any surface spotless. There are no harsh chemicals in this floor cleaner. Additionally, Better Life provides you with a full list of ingredients with sources so that you can ensure your pet’s safety.
This floor cleaner uses botanical extracts of bergamot, peppermint, and grapefruit for an all-natural yet powerful cleaning solution. Eco-friendly and pet-safe, you should consider switching to the Better Life floor cleaner if you have qualms about using Pine-Sol.
Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
Are you worried that natural cleaners may not be as effective when removing stains? The Rocco & Roxie Stain and Odor Eliminator might change your mind. This natural and powerful cleaning solution is tough on stains but gentle enough for the environment and your pets.
Instead of harsh chemicals, this spray contains natural enzymatic bacteria that feed on the source of odors and stains to break them down. You can use it on carpets, floors, clothing, and everywhere stains occur. Additionally, this product has a Seal of Approval from the Carpets and Rugs Institute (CRI), so it won’t damage your carpet.
What If Your Pet Ingests Pine-Sol
If you suspect your pet could have ingested Pine-Sol, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. If you cannot reach your vet, contact a local pet hospital so your pet can receive immediate help.
If you are unsure of your pet’s exposure to Pine-Sol, watch out for these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Drooling
- No appetite
- Respiratory issues
- Excessive thirst
Conclusion
Using Pine-Sol to clean the floors likely won’t cause any damage to your pet, but it is best to take precautions. It can be toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of their reach. You should consult your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has ingested Pine-Sol. If you want to avoid using Pine-Sol altogether, make your own cleaning solution or opt for a pet-safe formula.
