• Dog-Friendly Spring Cleaninggerman shepherd dog image by Lisa Batty from Fotolia.com
  
  Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals, which may be toxic to dogs and put everyone at risk. Even if not poisoned, dogs can develop allergies to these chemicals. Many owners look for dog-friendly cleaning tips and products to keep their homes clean and eliminate germs. Several companies now offer pet-friendly products, but you can often use common household agents for dog-friendly cleaning.
  
  

Vinegar

• The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests vinegar as an effective and safe solution for cleaning windows. A diluted vinegar-and-water solution will make the bathroom fixtures shine. Wipe up the floor with diluted vinegar. If your dog licks it, it will not hurt him. Because dogs often consider the toilet bowl as their personal water fountain, you do not want to use harsh chemicals to clean it. Yet it is the one area you want to keep clean. Add a cup of vinegar and let stand for an hour, then brush.
  
  

Baking Soda and/or Salt

• Baking soda will do the job of most scouring powders, without leaving a chemical residue on surfaces. A natural deodorizer, just sprinkle baking soda onto carpets to remove odors. Let it stand for a few minutes then vacuum. Use baking soda to clean silver and other metals instead of a metal polish that contains dangerous chemicals. Coarse salt also makes a good scouring powder. Salt sprinkled into the carpet will eliminate fleas. According to Green Footsteps, you can use salt, by itself or combined with vinegar, as an all-purpose cleaner.
  
  

Cinnamon and Cloves

• Scented air fresheners and candles contain chemicals proven harmful to pets. Your grandmother simmered a pot of water with cinnamon sticks or cloves. The scent will permeate the house with no chemical repercussions.
  
  

Cornstarch

• Use cornstarch to polish metals and glass. It will leave windows and mirrors streak free. To clean carpeting, sprinkle it on the floor and let it stand for several hours. Then vacuum it out. It will absorb much of the grime and odors.
  
  

Alcohol

• Plain rubbing alcohol will disinfect any surface. The odor is strong, so ensure good ventilation. Once dry, alcohol will not harm your dogs.
  
  

Steam

• The Housekeeping Channel recommends using steam vapor devices to kill bacteria and dust mites without using harmful chemicals. You can use handheld steam cleaners on soft upholstered surfaces as well as floors, counters and bathroom fixtures.
  
  

Borax

• Find borax with laundry detergents at your local grocer. Use with regular laundry detergent to get clothes and pet bedding clean and odor free. You can also sprinkle borax into carpets and rub it in. When you vacuum it up, you will eliminate most fleas and leave the carpet smelling fresh.
  
  

Mineral Oil

• Use plain mineral oil in place of furniture polish. It leaves the wood shiny and nourished without the toxic fumes usually noticed in regular furniture polishes. To add a scent, add a few drops of lemon oil.
  
  

Micro-Fiber Cloths

• Purchase micro-fiber cloths at auto supply stores. They may seem expensive, but they last well. You only need to use water to clean windows and glass doors where the dog might lick.