We care as much as you do about keeping your pets safe. That’s why the ASPCA® Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) wants to clear the air about one popular household cleaning product and its use around animals in your home.

A viral post about Swiffer products and pets has been making the rounds on social media again. The post, which was originally an email, has been circulating since 2004 and has been debunked multiple times. This post claims that the Swiffer Wetjet contains a chemical that is “one molecule away from antifreeze” and that it caused the death of the original author’s dog due to liver failure.  

There is no truth to the rumor, and this product can be safely used around pets. 

The Swiffer Wet Jet cleaner contains water (90-100%), propylene glycol n-propyl ether or propylene glycol n-butyl ether, and isopropyl alcohol (1-4%). These ingredients are safe to use around pets when used according to label directions and would not cause liver damage at these concentrations. Propylene glycol n-butyl/propyl ether differs significantly from ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze and can cause kidney failure in dogs. Propylene glycol n-propyl ether and propylene glycol n-butyl ether are very safe ingredients at levels used in cleaning products and do not cause kidney or liver failure. 

With any household product, it is always important to follow label instructions closely. For more information on cleaning products and pet safety, see the APCC’s list of common products that do pose health risks to pets and ways to help keep your furry family members safe.