Are your cleaning supplies actually safe for the most vulnerable members of your household or workplace... your children and pets?
Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and residues that may pose risks. From respiratory irritation to accidental ingestion, the hazards are real. For families and pet owners, choosing the right cleaning approach is all about protecting health and wellbeing.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes some cleaning products unsafe, how to identify safer options, and why innovative alternatives like Tersano’s Stabilised Aqueous Ozone are changing the game.
The Risks of Conventional Cleaning Supplies
Many conventional cleaning products contain ingredients that are designed to kill bacteria but can also harm humans and animals.
Common Problem Ingredients:
| Chemical | Where It’s Found | Risks for Pets & Children |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Glass & oven cleaners | Respiratory irritation; toxic if ingested |
| Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) | Disinfectants, toilet cleaners | Corrosive; can cause burns; dangerous fumes |
| Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (“Quats”) | Disinfectant sprays, wipes | Skin irritation; potential respiratory issues |
| Phenols | Antibacterial sprays, disinfectants | Toxic to cats, liver damage risk |
| Formaldehyde | Preservative in some cleaners | Carcinogen; eye/respiratory irritation |
| Artificial Fragrances | Multi-surface cleaners, sprays | Allergies, asthma triggers, ingestion hazards |
Why Pets and Children Are at Greater Risk
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Size Matters: Children and animals are smaller, so even small amounts of toxic chemicals can have a big impact.
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Contact With Floors: Pets and toddlers spend time on the ground, where residues linger.
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Hand-to-Mouth Behaviour: Babies and young kids often touch surfaces and then put their hands in their mouths.
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Licking & Grooming: Pets clean themselves after walking on treated floors, ingesting residues.
How Cleaning Chemicals Affect Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air (EPA). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by cleaning products contribute significantly.
Graph: VOC Levels Indoors (Cleaners vs. Fresh Air)
We can visualise the impact below:
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Fresh outdoor air baseline = 10 µg/m³ VOCs.
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Indoors without chemical cleaners = 20 µg/m³.
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Indoors after chemical cleaning = spikes up to 100–150 µg/m³.
Safe Alternatives to Traditional Cleaners
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Natural Solutions
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Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can clean effectively, though they may not be suitable for every surface.
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Plant-Based & Eco-Certified Cleaners
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Look for products labelled non-toxic, biodegradable, and fragrance-free.
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Tersano Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO)
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Tersano has developed a chemical-free cleaning solution that turns water into a powerful disinfectant using ozone.
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It kills germs as effectively as conventional cleaners but breaks back down into water and oxygen, leaving no toxic residue.
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Safe for children, pets, and staff, and better for the environment.
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Read our full blog on Tersano here.
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Practical Tips for Safer Cleaning Around Pets & Kids
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Store Supplies Securely: Keep all cleaning products out of reach, even “eco-friendly” ones.
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Ventilate: Open windows or use fans when cleaning to reduce indoor air pollution.
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Rinse Surfaces: Especially floors, toys, and feeding areas.
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Skip the Fragrance: Scented cleaners often contain unnecessary irritants.
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Switch to Microfiber: Cloths that clean effectively with water alone.
The Cost of Safer Cleaning vs. Traditional Cleaning
| Approach | Cost | Safety Level | Eco-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Chemicals | Low upfront, higher long-term health/environmental costs | Moderate–High risk | No |
| Natural DIY (vinegar/baking soda) | Very low | Low risk (but limited effectiveness) | Yes |
| Plant-Based Products | Moderate | Low risk | Yes |
| Tersano SAO | Moderate upfront, long-term savings | Very safe | Yes (no waste, no chemicals) |
Growth in Demand for Non-Toxic Cleaning
Over the past decade, the demand for non-toxic cleaning has skyrocketed as households and businesses become more conscious of health, safety, and sustainability. In 2015, only around 15% of people actively prioritised safer, eco-friendly products. Fast forward to today, and that number has more than quadrupled, with a projected 70%+ of families and companies expected to seek non-toxic alternatives by 2025. This shift highlights a powerful trend: clean spaces are no longer just about appearance—they’re about protecting people, the planet, and the future.
FAQs on Safe Cleaning Supplies for Pets and Children
Q1. Are eco-friendly cleaners always safe for kids and pets?
Not always. “Green” doesn’t guarantee safe. Always check labels for non-toxic, fragrance-free certifications.
Q2. Can I make my own safe cleaning products?
Yes. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be effective, but they won’t replace hospital-grade disinfection.
Q3. Is Tersano really chemical-free?
Yes. It transforms water into ozone-infused water that disinfects, then reverts safely to water and oxygen.
Q4. What should I do if my child or pet ingests a cleaning product?
Seek medical/veterinary help immediately and take the product container with you.
Q5. Is switching to non-toxic cleaning expensive?
Not in the long run. Products like Tersano reduce the need for multiple cleaners and cut packaging waste.
Conclusion: Cleaning Supplies for Pets and Children
So, are cleaning supplies safe for pets and children?
The reality is that many conventional products aren’t — they contain chemicals that can harm the smallest and most vulnerable members of your family or workplace. The good news? There are safer, smarter options available.
From simple natural cleaners to innovative solutions like Tersano Stabilised Aqueous Ozone, businesses and households alike can protect health without compromising on cleanliness.
Want to learn more about sustainable, pet-safe, and child-safe cleaning? Talk to Cleancorp today about switching to healthier, eco-conscious cleaning solutions.