Is Swiffer Safe For Dogs?

The Short Answer is:

Swiffer’s multi-surface cleaners have milder ingredients than those found in other multi-surface cleaners, making them extremely safe for dogs. In other words, if you own a dog and this brand is your favorite, there is no need to switch. You can ensure your pet’s safety as well as that of your family as long as you follow the instructions.

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Is Swiffer Safe For Dogs?“.

Animal Poison Control Center experienced an increase in their call volume last year with 8.3% of these calls being related to cleaning products and paint making this category one of the Top Pet Toxins of 2021.

You’re right thats correct.

There is no way to be too sure about some household items even those that you use to keep your house clean if you have pets.

That being said you probably are now looking at the labels of your cleaning products. What kind of cleaning products do you use?

Are you wondering if it is safe around your dog?

Wouldnot it be better if we looked for another option? The answers are below.

What is Swiffer and what is their best-selling multi surface cleaner?

In 1999 Procter & Gamble introduced Swiffer as an American cleaning product brand. In addition to mopping sweeping and dusting you can use this line of products to clean virtually every surface in your home.

Among their best-selling books are:

Swiffer Sweeper Wet Mopping Cloth Multi Surface Refill

Swaffer WetJet Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner

Swiffer Duster Surface Refills.

Also popular with consumers are:

• Heavy Duty Swiffer Dusters Starter Kit
• The Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry and Wet Cleaner and Swiffer WetJet Hardwood Floor Spray Mop Starter Kit
• Kit for wet mopping and sweeping of multi-surface floors.

What are the active ingredients in Swiffer’s multi surface cleaner? 

Among the ingredients in Swiffer Wet Jet Solution are:

Water Purified

Alcohol ethyl

Polyglucosides alkylated

The polypropylene glycol n-butyl ether

Isocyanate of polyethyleneimine

Diacetate of chlorhexidine

Chloride of Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium

Emulsion of silicone

The fragrance

The toxicity of some of these chemicals varies and some are non-toxic.

What are the most dangerous ingredients used in some cleaners?

While watching the ads for cleaning products on TV it can be really tempting to just buy them all. You must however keep in mind that these products can keep your home sparkling clean and germ-free but they also pose risks. When you take a closer look at what they contain you might realize there are toxins lurking in your favorite cleaning product.

Toxins that may be found in cleaning solutions include the following:

• Chlorine
• Ammonia
• Sodium Hydroxide
• 2-Butoxyethanol
• Quarternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS)
• Triclosan
• Percholoethylene (PERC)
• Phthalates

Not only your family but also your pets can be affected by these ingredients.

How much water should you use with Swiffer or how diluted should it be?

It is already premixed so you do not have to dilute Swiffer WetJet Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner Solution. You can easily use it to clean the house.

Will my dog be harmed if it eats Swiffer’s cleaning solution?

As we mentioned earlier this particular cleaning solution has either non-toxic or low-toxicity active ingredients so the short answer is NO. If your dog picks up traces of the cleaner while walking on your freshly cleaned floor and then licks its paws that would not be a problem unless it drinks a bowl of the cleaner. Your pet could end up with a stomach upset in the worst case scenario. To prevent this from happening you should keep the product away from your dog.

Is it true that Swiffer contains antifreeze?

It is definitely not true that Swiffer cleaner contains antifreeze. There was nothing but a made-up story on social media in 2004 about a dog dying from liver failure after ingesting the said cleaning product.

According to the ingredients listed above none of them are antifreeze or “one molecule away” from antifreeze. Swiffer cleaning agents contain a significant amount of water. As long as it is used properly around dogs and other pets for that matter it is quite safe. All you need to do is follow the directions.

What are the symptoms of a dog ingesting a cleaning product?

Dogs that have difficulty breathing drooling or whose mouth is foaming vomiting having diarrhea showing signs of lethargy having seizures or muscle spasms collapsing having sores burns or unusually colored gums swelling or perhaps showing behavior changes have probably been exposed to toxins. All of these symptoms can occur when a dog consumes a cleaning product that contains harsh chemicals.

What should you do if your dog has ingested something toxic?

The very first thing you should do if you think your puppy has ingested something toxic is to remain calm. Yes things like this can be frightening and stressful but you must keep your cool in order to help your pet.

No matter what your dog has gotten into contact with you must keep it out of its reach. The next step would be to examine your pet. Does it seem to be breathing rapidly? Does it appear to be vomiting? Is it lethargically acting? Consult your veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian may recommend that you induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to follow the advice of your veterinarian.

Another helpful thing you can do is to bathe your dog if you suspect that the toxin got on his fur. However if the symptoms are severe the dog should be taken to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.

Does mopping with Swiffer kill dog fleas?

Despite the fact that there are no studies supporting the use of Swiffers own cleaning solution to kill dog fleas there is still something you can do. Use baking soda and water to make your own flea killing solution. You can also mix vinegar with water to kill fleas as well. Lemon juice is another option.

In addition to getting rid of dog fleas with Swiffers vacuum cleaner you can use it to get rid of cat fleas as well.

What other multi cleaners are safe with dogs?

Swiffer cleaning solutions are generally safe for dogs. If however the store runs out of this product and you need a cleaner urgently here are some other options you can try:

Puracy Surface Cleaner

The product contains hydrogen peroxide which is very useful for killing bacteria and viruses on multiple surfaces including metal plastic and gas. Additionally it is unscented so you can be sure that it will not cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems.

Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner

Whether you have hardwood concrete sealed stone or even tiles this pet-friendly floor cleaner is a good choice.

ECOs Parsley All-Purpose Cleaner

Using this all-purpose cleaner is the easiest way to clean across surfaces. Besides being pet-safe its also environmentally friendly thanks to its carbon and water neutrality as well as the fact that its manufactured in zero-waste facilities.

Eco-Me Natural Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner

When you use this multi-surface floor cleaner you’ll get deep cleans residue-free free from harsh chemicals and a safe and effective formula. Your family and pets will love it too.

Better Life Floor Cleaner

Plant-based cleaning agents are used in this powerful floor cleaner. Additionally it does not contain synthetic fragrances so you can be sure your dog would not be harmed by it.

Are there any natural products that make great dog safe multi surface cleaners?

Despite the fact that there are many commercial multi-surface cleaners that are safe for pets you can also make your own cleaning solutions at home.

Here are some DIY dog care solutions as well as natural products that are safe for dogs:

Hydrogen Peroxide

Bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide are considered mild plus they are oxygen-based. Oxygen and water are formed when peroxide breaks down. Toxins will not remain in your dogs body.

Lemon Juice

Right here is an extremely strong antifungal and antibacterial agent. By mixing it with vinegar you can boost its acid content making it more effective for cleaning surfaces.

Vinegar

Due to its acetic acid content vinegar is another excellent cleanser. Since they are edible apple cider vinegar and white distilled vinegar are safe for use around dogs. 

Baking Soda

It is best to use baking soda or sodium bicarbonate when it comes to absorbing and neutralizing odors. In addition to using it to clean sinks and countertops you can also use it to clean tile floors. If you mix it with vinegar it would make a great cleaner.

Conclusion

Swiffers multi-surface cleaners have milder ingredients than those found in other multi-surface cleaners making them extremely safe for dogs. In other words if you own a dog and this brand is your favorite there is no need to switch. You can ensure your pets safety as well as that of your family as long as you follow the instructions.

In summary you should be careful when choosing a cleaning product. Check the label carefully and choose one that contains natural ingredients.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.