What Not to Use When Cleaning If You Have Dogs or Cats
Chinese New Year Cleaning: Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Your Pets?
Chinese New Year cleaning is all about clearing out the old and welcoming a fresh start. But if you live with a dog or cat, some common cleaning products may quietly put them at risk—especially in smaller Hong Kong homes where ventilation is limited.
The good news? You don't need harsh chemicals to get your home CNY-ready.
Why Pets Are More Sensitive to Cleaning Chemicals
Pets are exposed to cleaning products in ways we often don't notice:
- Walking on freshly cleaned floors
- Licking paws or fur
- Breathing in fumes in enclosed spaces
Cats are especially vulnerable because they groom frequently and have limited ability to metabolize certain chemicals.
Cleaning Ingredients to Avoid During CNY Clean-Ups
1. Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Why avoid:
- Irritates skin, eyes, and airways
- Harmful if licked from floors or surfaces
- Strong fumes in small flats
Better option:
- Mild dish soap + warm water
- Hydrogen peroxide–based pet-safe cleaners
2. Phenols (Common in Pine-Scented Cleaners)
Why avoid:
- Especially dangerous for cats
- Can cause drooling, skin irritation, and liver stress
Better option:
- Soap and water with thorough rinsing
- Pet-labeled disinfectants without phenols
3. Isopropyl Alcohol
Why avoid:
- Found in disinfecting sprays and wipes
- Can irritate skin and stomach if licked
- Risk increases if surfaces aren't fully dry
Better option:
- Alcohol-free cleaners
- Let surfaces dry completely before pets return
4. Citrus & Tea Tree Essential Oils
Why avoid:
- "Natural" doesn't mean pet-safe
- Cats cannot safely process many essential oils
- Diffusers increase inhalation exposure
Better option:
- Unscented cleaning products
- Baking soda for odour control
Pet-Safer Cleaning Guide for Chinese New Year
| Cleaning Purpose | Avoid These Cleaners | Why Avoid | Safer Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Cleaning | Bleach, phenol-based floor cleaners | Paw contact → licking; cats highly sensitive to phenols | Steam mop, mild dish soap + water, diluted vinegar |
| Bathroom Cleaning | Bleach, ammonia, strong disinfectants | Fumes in small HK bathrooms; skin/eye irritation | Hydrogen peroxide–based pet-safe cleaners |
| Kitchen Surfaces | Alcohol sprays, citrus oil cleaners | Residue may be ingested | Soap + warm water, pet-safe surface cleaners |
| Odour Removal | Essential oils, scented sprays | Inhalation risk; cats can't metabolize oils | Baking soda, ventilation |
| Disinfection | Quats, alcohol wipes | Oral and GI irritation if licked | Pet-labeled disinfectants, steam |
| Glass & Mirrors | Ammonia-based cleaners | Respiratory irritation | Vinegar + water, microfiber cloth |
Pet-Safer Cleaning Tips for Busy Hong Kong Homes
- Clean when pets are in another room
- Open windows or use exhaust fans
- Let floors dry fully before letting pets walk on them
- Skip heavy fragrance—fresh air works better
Keep Your Pet Healthy All Year Round
A clean home is just one part of pet wellness. Give your dog or cat the nutrition they deserve with Furry Green Pets' fresh, natural food—tailored for Hong Kong pets.
Explore Fresh Pet FoodFrequently Asked Questions
Are natural cleaners always safe for pets?
No. Essential oils and plant-based ingredients can still be harmful to pets. Cats especially cannot safely metabolize many natural oils like tea tree or citrus oils.
Can I use diluted bleach around my pets?
It's best avoided. Even diluted bleach can irritate your pet's skin, eyes, and airways. Safer alternatives like hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners or mild soap and water are just as effective for daily cleaning.
Are diffusers okay if my pet isn't nearby?
Not recommended. Essential oils from diffusers can linger in the air and settle on surfaces where pets walk and groom themselves. Cats are particularly vulnerable to essential oil toxicity.
Clean Smart for a Pet-Safe New Year
Chinese New Year cleaning should make your home feel fresh—not risky. Choosing gentler products protects your pets and still gets your home ready for a lucky new start.
Save this checklist before 年廿八 cleaning!!!
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Household Hazards.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Cleaning Products and Pets.
- AVMA. Pet Safety in the Home.