Really gentle cleaning products?

[PWCorgi]

So I'm trying to figure out if some of Frodo's allergies are related to environmental things now that I have his food issues mostly sorted out.

His allergies get worse in the winter so I'm thinking maybe some dusts and such are causing issues? So I want to start doing more cleaning, and more thorough cleaning on a regular basis (I may die) to see if we can cut down on some of that. I'm also toying with the idea of buying a humidifier to cut down on how dry it is, which I read can affect winter allergies a lot.

I also want to switch to less harsh chemicals (Clorox and I have a bad romance going on) both because it'll just be safer, and because that could be an issue as well. I can get the Pawganics stuff at work, and plan on buying the all purpose cleaner and ordering in the wipes for the countertops if I can.

A friend also brought up the idea of using diatomaceous earth to kill dust mites? Anyone tried that before? I'd have to move the rats and lock animals in rooms for that, but it might be worth it if it'll help.

I also just bought some Tide Free & Gentle to use in the washing machine instead of the other stuff I had been using.

Any other ideas or suggestions? Both for brands and for any kind of cleaning that may help?

Thanks in advance

[milos_mommy]

Diluted vinegar cleans a lot of things. I use that for most cleaning.

A humidifier will be so worth it. You need to get a good one for it to work...but even if it doesn't help frodo's allergies, I guarantee you'll feel better

[Greenmagick]

All you really need is vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a bit of castile (or any kind really)soap for pretty much everything you could possibly need to clean (not necessarily all at the same time). I like adding some essential oil to make them smell good and added bonus is many have antibacterial properties.

[JessLough]

No, I think she definitely needs to mix vinegar and baking soda together...

I don't find that either vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or baking soda even touch the ferret cage in terms of being able to clean. Honestly, my favourite cleaners are these green works things from the local store... LOL

[Greenmagick]

Oh see those work awesome for my rat cage.

[JessLough]

It may be because I have assholes who just crap all over the plastic shelves, and urine smell does not like to come out of plastic.

I also fail at cleaning skills. I have NONE.

[PWCorgi]

Thanks guys!!


I just clean the rat cage with water? lol And I soak all of their ladders and such in really hot water.

[meepitsmeagan]

I use Windex Multi-Purpose with Vinegar for EVERYTHING. I tend to wipe down counters and such with wet rag, then spray the Multi-Purpose, wiping off with a dry rag. Seems to work great and its on the "eco-friendly" list. Just another thing you could look at.

[AdrianneIsabel]

Are you sure it's allergies and not dry skin? Have you considered a humidifier?

[Maliraptor]

When I was a baby I was allergic to everything. My parents had to use a brand called Shacklee for laundry, cleaning, etc around me.

I outgrew the allergy, but keep an eye on dealers around me because I've been told chances are better than not that my allergies will return when I get older.