I’m the type of person who enjoys the company of animals as much as that of humans . . . sometimes even more so. I work out of a home office, usually with a pet on my lap, and I often wake up in the middle of the night, unable to turn over because my blankets have been pinned down by a cat on either side. Because pets have been an important part of my family since the dawn of me—I can’t even recall a time when I didn’t have one or more dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, or parakeets—I’ve evolved a lot as a pet owner. This includes making more informed choices about what I expose them to, and finding natural, pet-safe cleaning products.

I first got interested in natural cleaning products after this awesome girl, Tonya Harding (so named for her sweet looks but penchant for hauling off and whacking her housemates when they got in her way), developed a form of oral cancer that caused an inoperable tumor to grow at the base of her tongue. It was heartbreaking, and I didn’t ever want to have another pet go through that experience.

In talking to different vets, I learned that oral cancers have become much more common in pets. Though there are no official known causes, many scientists believe there’s a link between toxins pets ingest from commercial foods and from licking their coats and feet. Making the switch to better-quality food was simple. But what about the environmental toxins?

It turns out that making the switch to natural, pet-safe cleaning products was also easy, and the costs are only slightly higher than for traditional, toxic cleaning products. And when you take into account that natural cleaning products are also better for people and the earth, it’s easy to justify spending a little bit more to have an exponentially bigger positive impact.

If you haven’t tried or have only dabbled in using natural, pet-safe cleaning products—or even if you’re looking for new tips—here are some of my favorites.

Natural Laundry Cleaning

We’re going to start here, because when most people think about green and nontoxic cleaning, they’re wondering what to use on their counters, tubs, and floors. We’ll get there shortly. But what our pets sit on all day long is just as important.

If your pets are anything like my little opportunists, they not only sleep on their own bedding, but also frequently make an impromptu blankie out of any sweater, T-shirt, or towel I leave hanging around. Exhibit A:

And if I’m stationary for more than a few minutes, I’m pretty much guaranteed to have a cat (or two) on my lap.

So pet-safe detergents are a nonnegotiable household item for me. My favorites for natural laundry care are pretty simple: detergent by Method and white vinegar. (Keep reading for an easy way to try Method.)

Since 2000, Method has been making incredible cleaning products for the entire home—all derived from renewable plant-based materials, minerals, and water—that are nontoxic and safe for both people and pets. I’ve been using their all-purpose and window cleaners and hand soap for close to 10 years. But the one product I’m never without is Method laundry detergent—available in liquid and pack form, and in a range of scents or unscented. One pack or a few squirts is all you need to get laundry really clean, so you get great value from a single package.

For bedding or other items that have begun to exude Eau du Gorgonzola after a couple weeks of cat naps—which, let’s face it, are more like cat comas—I add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse-cycle compartment. White vinegar is also great at destroying everything from bacteria and viruses to flea eggs, so I use it with every pet load, and with many people loads (including kitchen towels, undies, and socks). Bonus: though it shouldn’t be used on delicates like silk or rayon, white vinegar doesn’t stain or strip the color from most fabrics.

Since commercial dryer sheets are some of the worst toxic offenders of all household cleaning products (need some convincing? Read on), I stopped using them a decade ago. And you know what? My towels may occasionally have a little static, which quickly dissipates, but otherwise the laundry is no worse for the omission. If my sheets or blankets could use some fluffing, I toss in a couple of reusable dryer balls and call it a day.

Here’s where it gets really good: From now until June 30, 2018, the fine folks at Grove Collaborative—a fantastic site that selects the best in green and sustainable home and personal products, including natural, pet-safe cleaning products—have a special offer for new customers. Use my link and place your first $20 order, and you’ll get a package of Method Laundry packs in Free & Clear scent, a package of Grove wool dryer balls, free shipping, and a 60-day VIP trial—all free. No joke.

(Remember that this Grove Collaborative promo is only good through June 2018. And if you’re already a Grove customer, you can get in on the action with a free pack of washable, reusable Grove Walnut Scrubber Sponges with your next order. Use my link above to get either freebie.)

Natural Upholstery Cleaning

Upholstery, admittedly, is a lot trickier than laundry, but I don’t use traditional cleaning products on my sofas and chairs anymore. For spots and spills, I blot with a clean towel then mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch, and allow it to sit on the spot to absorb as much liquid/oil as possible. After an hour or so, I vacuum it away. (The same method works for general stinkiness; you can even add five to seven drops of a nice-smelling essential oil, like lavender or orange, to the mix.)

For more resistant stains and for stomach-turning stuff like pet vomit, it’s Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator or white vinegar to the rescue again—about a cup of vinegar mixed with a few drops of dish detergent—and gently rub it on stains. If the stain is really set in or unsightly, I break out the hand-held portion of my SKG 1500W 6-in-1 Steam Mop. This isn’t appropriate for every type of upholstery, but works on most of the cotton canvas, twill, and microfiber fabrics I have in the house.

Although I’ve never loved slipcovers, I got some a few years ago because my sofa and armchair were looking a little dated, and I didn’t want to buy all-new furniture. Know what? They may be a pain to take on and off, but they’re super easy to toss in the wash.

Natural Pet Safe Cleaning Products for Kitchens

I have cats. Cats love high places. Cats + high places = Ponce de Leon of the Countertops.

To those people who stomp their feet or yell at/reprimand their cats when they walk on the counters to scare them away, then naively think the cats avoid those areas while the humans are out of the house, I say, Bless your precious, precious heart.

Cats enjoy nothing more than spelunking through cabinets and across countertops, and since I’ve chosen to live with them, I’ve also chosen to accept their essential cat-ness. This doesn’t mean they’re allowed to walk around while food prep is going on, mind you. And it does mean I need to clean my counters more often.

Enter Grove Cleaning Essentials, petite tubes of concentrated, plant-derived ingredients, including essential oils, that you squeeze into a spray bottle, fill with water, squirt, and wipe. I like the multipack, which includes a sweet-smelling trifecta of all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, and tub and tile cleaner.

Grove also has some pretty groovy reusable glass spray bottles, so you can put each type of cleaner in a different color bottle for quick reference.

Natural Cleaners for Floors

I’ve tried a variety of natural floor cleaners over the years. The verdict? I didn’t really like any of them enough to use on a regular basis.

Instead, I use this little monster: SKG 1500W 6-in-1 Steam Mop. This steamer is indispensable in my natural, pet-safe cleaning routine, but a couple words of caution:

• Steamers can cause third-degree burns, so don’t put your hands or feet in front of them, or use them near kids, pets, or any other floor-dwelling creatures.
• If you have hard water, like we do out in the sticks of upstate New York, use only distilled water—never tap water—in your steamer.
• Keep the steamer moving at all times. This is not an exaggeration; leaving the steamer still on a wood floor for more than a few seconds can cause the boards to warp and crack. So resist the urge to take a sip of water, answer the phone, or check your Instagram till you’re finished steaming the floors.

Natural Bathroom Sink & Shower Cleaners

My cats are not big sink-drinkers, but plenty of felines are. Some are also sink or tub sitters, or, like my bobtail, use the tub as a toy-chasing racetrack. So while you may get away with using bleach in the toilet (not if your pet likes to sip out of the bowl, of course), it’s not safe to use it in sinks, tubs, and showers if your curious critter loves to take a refreshing break on cool ceramic.

Just like with the kitchen and laundry, my picks for the bathroom are Grove Cleaning Essentials or Method Natural Tub & Tile Bathroom Cleaner. Spray them on, and let them sit for a good 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Wipe dry with a clean towel, and if the in-laws are coming over, buff with a microfiber cleaning cloth to make them super shiny.

Toilets are the one spot in the house where bleach is a good idea, especially if someone in your family has been sick. But you don’t have to use it every single week. Every other week, pour in 2 cups of white vinegar and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Scrub as usual, and flush.

What about those eyesore rust rings that form over time? The secret weapon here is a can of Coke. Dump it in, let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes, scrub, and flush. You may have to repeat it for stubborn stains—and you may never want to drink a Coke again—but it works.

So there you have it—natural, pet-safe cleaning products that actually work, aren’t ridiculously expensive, and smell good to boot. Yes, you’ll pay a little more, but the products often last longer. And when they’re healthy for you, your pet, and the planet, it’s worth paying a few dollars more.