Walk down the cleaning aisle of any supermarket and you'll find no shortage of products promising to eliminate pet odours fast. But many of these rely on harsh chemicals — chlorine, ammonia, synthetic fragrances — that come with trade-offs most pet owners don't realise they're making. Here's why the ingredients in your cleaning products matter just as much as how well they work.
The Hidden Problem with Harsh Chemical Cleaners
They can be harmful to the pets you're trying to protect
Cats and dogs spend far more time in direct contact with floors, carpets and turf than we do — walking, lying down, and often licking their paws afterwards. Residue from chlorine or ammonia-based cleaners can end up ingested or absorbed through the skin, and some pets are particularly sensitive to strong chemical fumes.
Ammonia-based cleaners can make urine odour worse
This one catches a lot of people out. Urine itself contains ammonia compounds. Using an ammonia-based cleaner on a urine stain can, in some cases, intensify rather than eliminate the smell — because you're essentially reinforcing the very compound causing the odour in the first place.
They can be tough on septic systems
Homes on septic systems need to be especially careful with what goes down the drain. Harsh chemical cleaners can disrupt the natural bacterial balance septic systems rely on to function properly, potentially leading to costly issues down the track.
What to Look for Instead
When choosing a pet odour or stain remover, a few key certifications and ingredient callouts make a real difference:
- Certified organic — verified by an accredited body, not just a marketing claim
- Plant-based enzymes — break down organic matter rather than masking it with fragrance
- pH neutral — won't damage or discolour surfaces over time
- Septic safe — won't disrupt wastewater treatment
- Chlorine and ammonia free — avoids the risks outlined above
- Vegan friendly and cruelty free — no animal-derived ingredients, no animal testing
How smellBgone Fits In
Every product in the smellBgone range is built around this philosophy. smellBgone PLUS+ and smellBgone SYNTURF are both non-toxic, biodegradable and free from chlorine, ammonia and palm oil. They're certified organic, vegan friendly, and safe for use around pets and kids — without compromising on how effectively they eliminate odour and bacteria.
Being Australian made also means tighter oversight of the manufacturing process and a smaller environmental footprint from transport, compared to products shipped internationally.
Effective Doesn't Have to Mean Harsh
There's a common assumption that a strong chemical smell means a product is "working," when in reality, that scent is often just another form of masking — and one that can be unpleasant or even harmful for the animals sharing your home. Enzyme-based, organic cleaners prove that you don't need to compromise safety for effectiveness.
Ready to make the switch to a cleaner that's tough on odours and gentle on your pets? Explore the smellBgone range.