Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents, such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants.

The ASPCA receives thousands of calls each year related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

But did you know you can do most of your household cleaning with common items that are much safer to pets? It is generally a good idea to have these basic items on hand. Once you do, you’re set to clean pretty much anything in your house without chemical cleaners:

n Baking soda;

n Liquid Castile Soap (usually vegetable based);

n Vinegar;

n Lemons;

n Olive oil (for wood polishing);

n Hydrogen peroxide (bleach alternative);

n Borax;

n Spray bottle.

These environmentally friendly products are pet-friendly and people-friendly and can be mixed and matched to create household cleaners.

For example, baking soda plus Castille Soap plus vinegar plus water makes a great product for cleaning tub and tile.

Some other top choices for non-toxic household cleaning include:

n Baking soda — This is good for cleaning bathrooms, particularly removing soap scum, and is far safer than chemical cleaners. However, it should be used with caution as a cat that eats baking soda may suffer a chemical imbalance. Baking soda residues should be thoroughly rinsed from surfaces.

n Lemon juice — Lemon juice is safe, but citrus oil, often used in furniture polish, can be toxic to both cats and dogs. Furniture polish can be made from lemon juice rather than citrus oil: Mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive or vegetable oil and apply with a soft cloth. A vinegar and oil solution may also be used, and the amount of oil can be reduced if it leaves the wood too oily.

n Stabilized chlorine dioxide — This odorless disinfectant kills viruses, bacteria and fungi, but does not harm cells or generate toxic by-products.

n Vinegar — Vinegar is great for killing bacteria and odors on kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, and windows, as well as removing stains from clothing.

n Environmentally friendly commercial products — Green cleaners are derived from plant extracts. Common brands include Seventh Generation and Simple Green. Here are some products I’ve found and liked:

Simple.Clean.Pure (www.simplecleanpure.com): I like their line of products because you can order fragrance-free. I have major trouble with migraines, and scents are a big trigger. So, good for me and for the extra sensitive furbaby noses.

Earth Friendly Products: I have used several of their products, including Shower Kleener, Toilet Kleener, Creamy Cleanser, Furniture Polish and Floor Kleener. The only one of these I’m not thrilled with is the Floor Kleener because it leaves the floor sticky.

Seventh Generation (www.seventhgeneration.com): I have so far only used the carpet cleaner. I’ve only used it in the car, but it worked really well and has a light citrus scent. They also advertise fragrance-free products, but I haven’t tried them.

My local holistic/health food store and specialty pet stores also carry all-natural cleaning supplies.

Let me know what pet friendly cleaning products you’ve found that work for you! Together, we’re sure to get our homes sparkling clean — despite the never ending tufts of hair, muddy footprints, slobbered doors and dirty blankets galore!

Email Amy Hanna-Eckenrode at ahanna@altoonamirror.com.