Five Cleaning Products That Are Safe to Use Around Your Pet

No matter how well-trained your pet is to be housebroken, the occasional accident or stain is inevitable-especially if your animal goes outside frequently. In the event that your furry friend has an "oops" moment, pet-conscious cleaning products play a major role in keeping your home fresh and tidy. "It's important to thoroughly clean up pet stains because lingering odors increase the chances your pet will return to the same spot to leave their mark again," says pet expert and influencer Kristen Levine. "Uric acid in pet urine is what leaves a lingering smell even after you've cleaned up. But naturally-based cleaners, specifically for pet stains and odors, are tough enough to remove the stink!"

Levine, who owns a dog and two cats, says that the safest and best solutions are cleaning products specifically designed to remove pet stains and odors. She suggests searching for cleaning products that use natural enzyme or oxidizing formulas (which use the power of oxygen) to eliminate odors, instead of harsh chemicals. "These natural pet stain and odor formulas are great, because they are tough enough to remove urine, stool, diarrhea, blood and vomit, while being safe enough to use on all flooring surfaces, furniture, and fabrics," Levine says. "Just be sure to use as directed."

A clean, healthy and happy house can coexist alongside happy animals. Levine says that she keeps her cabinet stocked with Simple Solution and Bissell products, both of which are formulated specifically for pet messes. "I like the Simple Solution Extreme Stain and Odor Remover, and for tougher stains, the Simple Solution Orange Oxy Charged Pet Stain and Odor Remover-it smells so good!" Levine says. And for those particularly stubborn stains in the carpet or upholstered furniture? "I sometimes use the Bissell Oxy Boost Carpet Cleaning Enhancer," Levine says.

Last but not least, the pet parent must-have, according to Levine: "Also, I recommend every pet parent have a Bissell SpotBot Pet Handsfree Spot and Stain Cleaner! I can't live without mine. I use Bissell Stain Pretreat for Carpet and Upholstery for use with my portable deep cleaner."