DIY Green Cleaning Products Safe for Cats

by Kimberly Ripley

Overview

There are lots of products on the retail market that make cleaning our homes a breeze. However, upon reading the ingredients on these bottles and cans, how many of us have considered the safety of such products with regard to our feline friends? Anything that is used to clean a surface may possibly be ingested by your cat. Why not use cleaning products that won't harm cats, and do your bit to help the environment at the very same time?

Protect your cat and the environment, too, by using green cleaning products you make yourself.
Polishing

Instead of using a spray can full of furniture polish when cleaning furniture or wood floors, consider mixing up the following concoction. Not only will it leave your wood products clean and shiny and prevent your cat from becoming ill, you'll likely save money as well. Find a small jar with a screw-on lid. Wash and dry it thoroughly. Pour in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and add 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Screw the lid on the jar and shake to mix. Pour just a tiny amount of this onto a rag, sponge or sponge mop and clean wooden surfaces like furniture or floors.

Cleaning Bathroom Porcelain and Tile

Instead of using products laden with bleach or ammonia for cleaning your bathroom tile, sink, toilet and/or tub, make this simple cleaning solution that will remove both soap scum and mold. It will also help prevent the mold from returning. Purchase a reusable spray bottle. Pour in two cups of water and add two teaspoons of tea tree oil. Shake to mix. Spray onto your bathroom services and wipe away with a rag or sponge.
Multipurpose Cleaning

Replace items like all-purpose cleaners and window cleaner with green products like white vinegar, baking soda and water. For cleaning windows use straight vinegar for greasy or really dirty windows. For typical window cleaning, mix one part vinegar to four parts water and spray onto the windows. Polish with a paper towel or go yet a step further toward going green and recycle a piece of old newspaper. Newspaper works well for cleaning windows. Instead of products for scrubbing stove or countertops, which are both places many cats like to grace, make a simple paste of baking soda and water. Dab the paste onto a sponge and scrub the surface of the stove or countertop. Rinse with plain water and dry.

Overview