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Protect Your Pet: Top 5 Chemicals to Avoid in Household Cleaners (and our recommendations)
Has your dog been lethargic? Does your cat refuse to eat? Studies have shown that chemicals in some cleaning products have toxic effects on pets. In fact, according to the EPA, indoor pollution can be up to two to give times higher than outdoor pollution. With all the attention put towards keeping indoors clean, we summarize the top 5 harmful substances in cleaning products so you can stay vigilant:
1. Ammonia
Used in many degreasers for ovens, glass, and stainless steel, ammonia burns mucous membranes and contributes to asthma. If it is mixed with bleach, it creates a poisonous gas, which can be deadly to pets.
2. Bleach/chlorine
Used in disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners, and automatic dish detergent, chlorine is also used to bleach coffee filters or clean pools. It can cause dizziness, vomiting, and laryngeal edema. Avoid this ingredient as much as possible, and look for bloodshot eyes, swollen nasal passages or coughing for signs of over exposure.
3. Glycol Ethers
Glycol ethers are another toxic chemical found in many household products. EPA studies show that glycol ethers can cause liver, nerve and digestive damage. They’ve also been linked to lung damage, anemia and kidney damage in both animals and humans.Glycol ethers are commonly found in:
- All purpose cleaners
- Spot removers
- Carpet cleaners
- Glass cleaners
- Liquid soaps
4. Formaldehyde
Lots of household cleaning products, from floor cleaners, plug-in fragrances, hand soap, to glass cleaners, contain Formaldehyde, a carcinogen. It’s a severe eye and skin irritant, can decrease respiratory rate and decrease nerve response rate.
5. Pine oil products.
Any household cleaner containing phenol is not pet friendly. Cats are especially sensitive to it. Phenol has been linked to liver damage. You will also find phenol in some air fresheners, so be sure to read all labels carefully and keep pets away from these products. 
Our recommendations?
PetProject.HK’s Top 4 Pet Friendly Household Cleaners & Cleaning Products
1. Eco-Me Citrus Berry Floor Cleaner
Why? Eco-Me is one of PetProject.HK’s most popular household cleaning brands. No harsh chemicals, no toxic fumes, no sulphates and no perfumes or dyes. Products are specially formulated with natural ingredients and pet-safe essential oils. Eco-Me also boasts a large range of other household cleaners, from dishwashers, cleaning detergents, to dish soaps, check them out here: https://petproject.hk/collections/eco-me
2. Pogi’s Grooming Wipes
We love Pogi’s wet wipes. These wipes are made with aloe vera, vitamin E, and Hawaiian Awapuhi. Moreover, they’re hypoallergenic so that even pets with sensitive skin can enjoy.
3. Wood Vinegar All Purpose Cleaner by Mujo+
The Mujo+ from Taiwan boasts using not only all-natural ingredients, but in particular, Wood Vinegar extracted from Malayisan palm trees. Wood Vinegar is known for its antibacterial qualities without compromising on your pet’s health. Also, it’s a natural insect repellent. Their all purpose cleaner is a great replacement for your usual off-the-shelf products found in supermarkets.
4. PL360
Citrus Multi Surface Cleaner
PL360 prides itself on making plant-based formulas, free of any harsh chemicals.