Using Essential Oils in Cleaning Products: e3’s Guide to Pet-Safe Home Care

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Before the holiday season, we love to give our homes a thorough cleaning so they’re ready for our visiting guests. So I knew the topic of using essential oils in cleaning products was perfect for a Q & A with Caryn, when a customer asked us: “I want my home to smell good, so I want to add essential oils to my cleaning products, but I’m concerned about how this will affect my dogs and cat fur babies… is cleaning with essential oils safe for pets?”

It’s essential to use pet-safe cleaning products, as our pets, including cats and dogs, metabolize essential oils and cleaning chemicals differently than humans. That’s why we opt for natural cleaning agents and only use essential oils in cleaning products once we’re sure our pets can tolerate them.

Many essential oils can be toxic to pets; however, some are considered safe when you follow my three key tips below. With a little care and the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils in your cleaning routine without compromising pet safety.

Why choose natural cleaning solutions?

Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that may leave residues that linger on floors and surfaces where pets walk, sleep, or groom themselves. They also wash down drains and enter waterways, where they can take years to break down. We found this article helpful: Have Pets? Consider Ditching These Chemicals! Choosing natural cleaning alternatives made with essential oils and biodegradable ingredients helps protect not only your family but the environment.

A pet-safe, plant-based cleaning approach keeps your home fresh and clean without exposing you or them to unnecessary irritants.

The 3 keys to using pet-friendly essential oils in cleaning products

Once you educate yourself about which essential oils are gentle and safe for your pet (more on that in a moment), always take the following precautions:

1. Dilute properly: Always mix essential oils with water, vinegar, or a gentle, plant-based surfactant before using. A general rule is 2–4 drops of essential oil per 16 ounces of cleaning solution.

2. Ventilate your space: Open windows or doors to allow fresh air to circulate while you clean.

3. Keep pets away until dry: Allow surfaces to fully dry before letting pets walk or lie on them.

Which essential oils are safe for pets?

Essential oils come from plants, so naturally, they’re all safe for animals, right? After all, animals live among plants in nature. NO! NOT CORRECT! While essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your home, they are highly concentrated, so they require mindful use around animals.

Why aren’t some essential oils pet-safe?

Here are some things to remember when you’re wanting to keep your pets safe when using essential oils in cleaning products…

Oils high in phenols, such as Oregano, Thyme, and Clove, and those high in ketones, like Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Camphor, can overwhelm a pet’s system. These compounds can accumulate in the liver and, in large or repeated exposures, may lead to toxicity. For this reason, avoid using them on or near your pets, their bedding, or in enclosed spaces where your animals spend long periods of time. Cats, for instance, lack liver enzymes that help break down phenols and ketones, making them especially sensitive to oils like Tea Tree, Peppermint, Clove, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, or Cinnamon.

Pet-friendly essential oils in cleaning products

Here are some of the safest essential oils to use in cleaning products and diffusing.

Most likely not to irritate your dogs and cats when used correctly:

Cedarwood – Naturally deodorizing and grounding; helps repel pests like fleas and ticks.
Frankincense – Purifying and balancing; adds a warm, subtle scent.
Lavender – One of our most popular pet-friendly oils for calming and neutralizing odors.
Lemongrass – Known for its natural antibacterial and degreasing power.
Bergamot – Fresh, citrusy, and naturally deodorizing.
Chamomile (Roman or German) – Promotes a calm, soothing atmosphere.
Ginger – Helps neutralize odors and brings a cozy warmth to your space.
Myrrh – Grounding and purifying with a gentle, earthy aroma.
Rosemary – Naturally clarifying and uplifting; helps freshen the air and deter pests.

More tolerated by dogs (use caution around cats):

Cardamom – Balancing and supportive for air freshness.
Copaiba Balsam – Gentle, resinous scent that calms and purifies.
Lemon – Cuts grease and brightens; safe around dogs but avoid near cats.
Sweet Orange – Bright and uplifting; helps cut through grease, but not ideal for cats.
Peppermint – Cooling and invigorating for dogs only; avoid use with cats.

Always remember this when putting essential oils in cleaning products: even safe oils should be diluted. A few drops in a full bottle of cleaner is all it takes. Pets have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so less truly is more. And here’s something else to think about… even if an oil is safe, it may not be well-tolerated by your pet. After all, you prefer some aromas over others, so too will your pet.

Here are three simple recipes for a pet-safe clean home.

Herbal All-Purpose Spray

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Lemongrass

Combine in a glass spray bottle, shake gently, and use on countertops, sinks, and tiles. Avoid marble or stone surfaces, as vinegar can dull their finish.

Woodsy Fresh Floor Cleaner

• 1 gallon of warm water
• 1 tablespoon castile soap
• 10 drops Orange Sweet
• 5 drops Cedarwood USA

Mix in a bucket and use with a mop or cloth. Cuts grime and leaves a warm, fresh scent.

Softly Elegant Surface Mist

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel or vodka
• 5 drops Frankincense
• 5 drops Bergamot

Shake before each use. Deodorize and create a spa-like calm by lightly misting surfaces (test fabrics before misting them).

A balanced approach to a fresh-smelling home

Essential oils elevate your cleaning routine. Your pets will thank you for using them responsibly.  If you have a question about how to use essential oils, we’d love to hear from you! We highlight a customer question and answer every month in Q&A with Caryn.

Would you like some more tips on mixing and matching essential oils? We invite you to download our free ebooks: Listen to Your Nose! An Introduction to Aromatherapy and The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils.