Essential oils are a must-have for anyone that is looking into homemade cleaning products or looking for a better smelling home.
Whether you are using vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap, or another natural ingredient as a base for your cleaning solutions, you can get your homemade products smelling amazing with the right essential oils.
The problem is that some essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats. I’ve read too many horror stories to not cover this topic thoroughly!
If you have pets in your household, please make sure that you are using
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These days, many people are rightly concerned about the toxic (non-eco-friendly) chemicals found in household commercial cleaning products. They are instead turning to more natural, homemade cleaning solutions.
For everything from a general all-purpose cleaner to removing the grime in ovens, to make one’s house smell nice – there is a home-made recipe that can address all of these needs.
Adding some pet-friendly essential oils allow for an additional kick in cleaning power and to gets your home smelling quite nice!
SIDE NOTE: As of February 2020, I’ve switched out from a vinegar + essential oils in favor of this Force of Nature solution that is EPA approved to kill 99.9% of germs and viruses. If you’d like to do the same, use my coupon code SAFEKIT20 for 20% off a starter kit + free shipping.
There’s a tiny waste factor in the form of a tiny capsule to hold the solution every two weeks, but in this time of COVID-19 mayhem, having that 99.9% disinfection rate brings some calmness to my worries.
What I like about Force of Nature is that it uses just 3 ingredients (water + salt + vinegar) and runs an electric current through the solution to break down the ingredients. These particular then reform to become hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide.
Hypochlorous acid is used in wound healing, eye care & veterinary care products. 100% pet friendly! You can read more about the science here.
Intro to Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated oils extracted from plants. Due to the strength and concentration of the oils, one should be careful that the undiluted oils do not come into direct contact with skin (unless discussed with a health professional).
Today, we will be discussing adding these to cleaning products to use them in a diluted form. However, even in a diluted form, there are many essential oils toxic to dogs. And even more (in fact, most) essential oils toxic to cats.
Households with furry friends and little children should proceed with caution and consult the advice of healthcare and/or veterinary professionals prior to proceeding.
Popular Essential Oils for Cleaning That Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats
If you’re interested in making your own household cleaning products but you have pets in the household, you cannot simply follow a cleaning solution recipe that you find on the internet. Many of the powerful essential oils typically used in homemade cleaning solutions are toxic to pets.
As the list of toxic essential oils is overwhelmingly long, I’ve only included a few of the most popular options.
Absolutely not use these essential oils in a household with pets!
- Tea Tree
- Pine
- Lemon
- Orange
In addition to those identified above, there are many others that are toxic to either dogs or cats. Instead of listing most of the essential oils out there that are toxic, perhaps it’s easier to simply choose an option from the below list that is pet-friendly!
Tips for Cleaning With Essential Oils Around Pets
Do note that the internet is full of conflicting information about whether certain essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs. While some resources will say it’s okay, others will warn about toxicity.
The point is, practice common sense when you’re cleaning.
For example, don’t let your cat walk all over a surface that you just cleaned because whatever liquids were on that surface (whether a commercial cleaner, pure white vinegar, or essential oils) is going to end up on their paws and the only way they can clean themselves is by licking themselves, thereby ingesting whatever it was they walked over.
- Keep your pets away from the areas that you’re cleaning until the area has time to dry out and diffuse.
- If you only need 3 drops of essential oils but a “cleaning recipe” calls for 25 drops, just put 3 drops. The vinegar does most of the work anyway.
- Don’t put essential oils on yourself or your pets without the guidance of a medical professional.
- Don’t use an oil diffuser if you have pets.
Pet-Friendly Essential Oils
After identifying a list of pet-friendly essential oils, I scanned through recently published scientific articles testing the efficacy of each identified essential oil.
Here is a list of the top pet-friendly essential oils that also have antibacterial
PLEASE NOTE!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again because it’s so important. Essential oils are HIGHLY CONCENTRATED forms of their plant material. When using these around pets or small children, LESS IS BETTER.
Arborvitae
Extracted from the evergreen tree, this pet-friendly essential oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties making it a good addition to any cleaning routine. Those who prefer a natural woody, forest scent will like this. It also helps with the preservation of wood (i.e. floors and furniture) and acts as a natural insect repellent. This essential oil is also proven to be antimicrobial against common pathogens such as E. Coli and Samonella. LINK
Source: The antibacterial and antifungal activity of six essential oils and their cyto/genotoxicity to human HEL 12469 cells.Clary Sage
Known for its soothing and relaxing properties and pleasant aroma, add a few drops of clary sage if you’re looking for a more meditative experience in your cleaning routine. More commonly known for use in beauty routines, this pet-friendly essential oil has also been shown to have strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. LINK
Source: The antibacterial and antifungal activity of six essential oils and their cyto/genotoxicity to human HEL 12469 cells.Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oils are a common choice in household cleaners and are (luckily) pet-friendly! If you’re looking for a musky pine scent in your household cleaning, this is a good choice. In a test of antibacterial efficacy against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 types of fungi, eucalyptus essential oil was effective against all 22 strains of bacteria and 11 types of fungi. LINK
Source: Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro.Frankincense
Extracted from an African tree, those who appreciate this woody, earthy aroma should consider using frankincense in your cleaning routine. Commonly used in religious ceremonies, it is also a powerful antimicrobial solution when commonly mixed with myrrh. Pet-approved. LINK
Source: The additive and synergistic antimicrobial effects of select frankincense and myrrh oils--a combination from the pharaonic pharmacopoeia.
Geranium
Extracted from the flower, this pet-friendly essential oil can provide a pleasant floral scent to your cleaning routine. Not as powerful as other oils, but for general cleaning, this should be sufficient. In a test of antibacterial efficacy against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 types of fungi, geranium essential oil was effective against 12 strains of bacteria and all 12 types of fungi. LINK
Source: Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro.Lavender
One of the most common essential oils due to its popular floral scent, this essential oil extracted from the purple flower is used in both beauty and cleaning routines. In scientific testing, lavender essential oil was shown to be effective against both pathogenic (capable of causing diseases) and environmental bacteria and fungi. LINK
Source: The antibacterial and antifungal activity of six essential oils and their cyto/genotoxicity to human HEL 12469 cells.Lemongrass
If you’re going for the lemon smell commonly associated with cleaning products, lemongrass may be a good alternative for you. As noted above, citrus essential oils should not be used in households with pets. However, lemongrass is a pet-friendly essential oil that provide a substitute musky lemony scent. In a test of antibacterial efficacy against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 types of fungi, lemongrass essential oil was effective against all 22 strains of bacteria and all 12 types of fungi. LINK
Source: Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro.Marjoram
Marjoram is an herb in the mint family with a floral woody aroma. This pet-friendly essential oil is commonly used to set a relaxing atmosphere. Studies suggest that it is effective against bacteria such as E. Coli. LINK
Source: Chemical Composition of Herbal Macerates and Corresponding Commercial Essential Oils and Their Effect on Bacteria Escherichia coli.
Source: Antifungal properties of essential oils for improvement of indoor air quality: a review.
Myrrh
With an earthy smell that hints of black licorice, those who favor this smelly may consider pairing it with frankincense for a synergistic antimicrobial fight against household germs. LINK
Source: The additive and synergistic antimicrobial effects of select frankincense and myrrh oils--a combination from the pharaonic pharmacopoeia.
Peppermint
When I smell peppermint, I’m always reminded of candy canes. Cleaning with peppermint essential oils may or may not get you back in the winter holidays mindset. If this excites you, perhaps you’ll want to use this in your cleaning solution – it would be a good choice. In a test of antibacterial efficacy against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 types of fungi, eucalyptus essential oil was effective against all 22 strains of bacteria and 11 types of fungi. LINK
Source: Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Source: Antifungal properties of essential oils for improvement of indoor air quality: a review.
Pet-Friendly Household Cleaner (a simple DIY)
For a simple pet-friendly household cleaning solution, combine white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. For every 2 cups (or 16 oz or 500ml) of this diluted vinegar water, add 10 drops of essential oils.
You can also adjust this to fit your own preferences. Since it’s DIY, you get to control exactly what goes into your cleaning solution. Since we’re thinking from a pet-friendly perspective, try to use only as many drops as is needed to mask the smell of the vinegar.
Undiluted vinegar itself is as efficient as commercial surface cleaners at microbial reduction [footnote] Study by the Journal of Environmental Health testing vinegar in an undiluted form.[/footnote]. Combined with the additional antibacterial, antimicrobial, and /or anti-fungal properties of your combination of essential oils, germs, and other unwanted pathogens won’t stand a chance!
If you have an empty spray bottle, you can make your solution in that. Otherwise, I would recommend investing in a tinted glass spray bottle. The glass will hold up nicely over time and the amber tinting will protect against any degradation from ultraviolet light.
Making your own cleaning solution allows you to avoid toxic chemicals and plastic waste from store-bought cleaning solutions. It also allows you to choose your favorite scent and adjust the cleaning power to fit your needs. Good for the environment. SAFE FOR PETS. And leaves your home clean and smelling great!
As I am not trained in the veterinary sciences nor have a background in holistic health, it is still best to consult with your veterinarian prior to utilizing any essential oil.
Essential oils are very potent and used improperly, can result in liver malfunction and other maladies, especially in children and smaller pets.
I have sourced my list of pet-friendly essential oils from the following sites:
- https://organicaromas.com/
- http://www.usingeossafely.com/
- https://drericz.com/
- http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/
- https://healinginourhomes.com/
Other suggested eco-friendly articles:
- How to Compost in an Apartment – Ever Change Productions
- How to Repurpose – Curbside Overhaul
- Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas Meatless Meals – Little Sprouts Learning Garden
- Celebrate Earth Day – Design Life Hacks
Thanks so much for all the great info. I use EOs in diffusers and cleaning. We have two cats and a dog and like others have not seen anything except this post about the dangers of oils around pets.
I’m not trying to step on toes here as I’m sure a lot of research has been done but I just wanted to mention that Animal Poison Control has many of the oils listed as potentially dangerous (at least to cats). Lemongrass, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus are all specifically mentioned.
I’d like to add that I support essential oils and want to share a little of my research with anyone reading this as to how essential oils are produced and when they become most toxic to help clarify, as well as my own experience with them.
These oils are essentially created when the plant is juiced and then boiled down and purified. Most of the essential oils are toxic in their natural form to the animal and therefore have the potential to cause more harm when concentrated. The largest degree of harm is when the oil is directly applied to skin/fur. The second largest is due to oil diffusers.
Essential oils diffusers come in 2 different forms. There’s the old version, in which the oils travel up a reed and give off a smell into the air. This version also includes items like Glade plugins. These types are ok.
The diffusers of concern are the kind that create a water vapor. This harmful version fuses the oils onto water vapor, which can then attach to the fur of our pets. When our 4 legged friends clean themselves they ingest the oil. They can also inhale large quantities of the vapor.
That being said, I’ve been known to use Lemongrass myself in my cleaning. When adding only a few drops to a very watered down solution of water, vinegar, baking soda, etc. it is a much lower potency that the same few drops in a cup full of water. I have yet to notice my pets have any problems with my cleaning solutions, but if you’re seriously worried plan to have your friends stay in another room until the smell dissipates. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your research! Information on safety is definitely not definitive as (thankfully) essential oils are generally not tested on animals so the more info we have, the better.
I think what we can conclude on is that the less EOs we can manage with around pets, the better.
For the reasons you mention about diffusers, I do not advise pet caretakers to use them. I can’t even use Glade plug-ins because I notice they make my cat’s eyes sensitive.
I use a very diluted cleaning solution as well, around 5 drops for a cup of vinegar/water solution and would advise others to do the same 🙂
Eucalyptus EO is toxic to cats (not sure about dogs) but it’s definitely an oil to avoid!
Why is it on the list?? 8-[ ]
Thanks for the tip re tea tree oil! That is pretty much the only essential oil I use at the moment, but I never knew that it was toxic for pets! Thankfully we haven’t had any issues yet, as I most commonly use it to clean up pet messes!
Also, do you know of any essential oil recipes to kill mold? We get bad mold in the bathroom (gotta love the tropics!) and yesterday I had watering eyes, runny nose, and a bad headache from using conventional mold killer spray – which I would obviously rather avoid! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Unfortunately (fortunately) I’ve never had to deal with a mold issue so I don’t have experience treating that. I hope you find a good solution and feel free to share if you do ?
this is 2 years after your question. on mold I put straight white vinegar. vinegar is 5 percent acid. kills mold.
Thanks for the tips. I love essential oils and have two doggies I love very much at home! Appreciate it.
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Hi! I’ve read bad things about peppermint EO and lemongrass EO for cats in diffusers so is there a difference for using them in cleaning products? TIA G
I use peppermint EO for my homemade vinegar cleaning solution (50/50 vinegar and water with 10 drops of EO) and haven’t had any problems. However, if you’re worried, I think it’s best to speak to your vet. Perhaps after using the solution, you can spray a second round with water only.
Thanks Kay! I always use the EO in my home for cleaning and difusers but needed to find out more as I’m wanting to help my mum (who has 2 cats) into a more organic lifestyle :). We tried the geranium with white vinegar and water as you say with 50/50 and they seem to be absolutely fine. G
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This is really great information. I had no idea my oils could harm my cats!
Yeah it’s so scary that I think most people don’t know! I’ve heard some sad stories after people started using tea tree oil in their diffusers.