Skip to content

Green Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

by | News

Green Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

Whether it’s muddy paw prints, shed fur, or the occasional accident, dogs bring a lot of love—and a lot of mess—into our homes. But keeping your space clean doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals or producing waste.

Green cleaning is safer for your dog, better for the planet, and just as effective (if not more so) than conventional methods. Let’s explore eco-friendly cleaning strategies that make life with your pup cleaner and greener.

Supporting Eco-Friendly Dog Brands & Businesses

Why Choose Green Cleaning?

Traditional cleaning products often contain:

  • Ammonia

  • Bleach

  • Phthalates

  • Artificial fragrances

These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in dogs, irritate their paws and respiratory system, and contribute to indoor air pollution.

Eco-friendly cleaning swaps benefit both you and your pup by:

  • Improving air quality

  • Reducing exposure to toxins

  • Cutting down on single-use plastics

  • Supporting biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients

1. DIY Cleaning Solutions That Work

You can make powerful cleaning products at home using a few natural, inexpensive ingredients. Here are some go-to recipes:

🧽 All-Purpose Cleaner

  • 1 cup white vinegar

  • 1 cup water

  • Optional: a few drops of dog-safe essential oil (like lavender)

Great for wiping counters, floors, and crates—just don’t use on marble or granite.

💨 Carpet Deodorizer

  • 1 cup baking soda

  • 5–10 drops of lavender or lemon essential oil (optional)

Sprinkle on the carpet, let sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum up. Helps absorb pet odors naturally.

🐾 Urine & Stain Remover

  • 1 cup hydrogen peroxide

  • 2 tbsp baking soda

  • A few drops of natural dish soap

Apply to the stained area, scrub gently, and blot dry. Test on a small area first.

2. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products to Buy

If DIY isn’t your style, plenty of brands offer green alternatives that are:

  • Biodegradable

  • Cruelty-free

  • Pet-safe

  • Free of artificial dyes and perfumes

Recommended brands:

  • Branch Basics

  • Seventh Generation Free & Clear

  • Puracy

  • Better Life

  • ECOS Pet

Always check labels for “pet safe,” “non-toxic,” and “fragrance-free” claims.

3. Reusable Cleaning Tools

Ditch disposable cleaning tools for reusable ones:

  • 🧼 Microfiber cloths: Reusable, washable, and excellent at trapping pet hair and dander.

  • 🧽 Cellulose sponges: Made from plant fiber and compostable.

  • 🧺 Washable mop heads: Avoids synthetic mop pads that go straight to the landfill.

  • 🧹 Rubber brooms: Great for lifting dog fur from rugs and carpets.

Switching to reusable tools can save money and drastically cut waste over time.

Supporting Eco-Friendly Dog Brands & Businesses

4. Combatting Pet Odors Naturally

  • Open windows often to improve ventilation.

  • Place bamboo charcoal bags or baking soda containers around the home to absorb odors.

  • Wash dog bedding regularly with natural detergent.

  • Sprinkle baking soda in the litter or dog waste area.

Pro tip: Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing pet laundry—it neutralizes odors without chemicals.

5. Managing Shedding the Green Way

Dog hair buildup is real—but you don’t need a bunch of wasteful tools to handle it.

  • Use a recycled rubber pet brush or a grooming glove.

  • Vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens.

  • Toss collected fur outside—birds may use it to build nests!

6. Tackle Outdoor Messes Sustainably

Muddy paws and backyard accidents can be cleaned up without plastic-heavy products.

  • Keep a bucket with water and a rag near your door for quick paw rinses.

  • Use a squeegee mop with a vinegar solution on outdoor tile or patio.

  • Opt for plant-based outdoor deodorizers to neutralize grass stains and smells.

7. Avoid These “Greenwashed” Products

Some companies market their products as “green” without truly meeting sustainability standards.

Watch out for:

  • “Natural” or “green” without third-party certifications

  • Products with excessive plastic packaging

  • Pet wipes or pads labeled biodegradable but made from synthetic fibers

Look for:

  • USDA Organic

  • EcoCert

  • Leaping Bunny Certified

  • Made Safe Certification

Final Thoughts

Your dog deserves a clean, comfortable space—and so does the planet. Green cleaning is all about simple swaps, safe ingredients, and reusable tools that reduce your environmental impact while keeping your home fresh.

By adopting these eco-conscious cleaning practices, you’ll make your home safer for your pup and contribute to a cleaner, greener world.