Is Wet and Forget Safe for Pets? A Close Look at Using This Outdoor Cleaner Around Animals

Wet and Forget is a popular outdoor cleaning product used to remove grime, mold, mildew, and algae from surfaces like wood, brick, concrete, vinyl, and more. Its powerful formula cleans deeply to keep exterior areas looking their best. But is it safe to use around pets who spend time in your yard? This article will examine Wet and Forget’s pet safety considerations.

How Wet and Forget Works

Wet and Forget is a concentrated liquid cleaner that you dilute with water and apply to outdoor surfaces as a spray Active ingredients include

• Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) – Removes stains and kills mold/mildew
• Surfactants – Allow the solution to spread evenly and penetrate
• Sodium hydroxide – Boosts cleaning action
• Sodium carbonate – Helps dissolve grime

Once sprayed on and allowed to dry, it continues working whenever moisture reactivates the chemicals. It provides long-lasting mold, mildew, and algae removal without scrubbing or power washing.

Is Prolonged Contact Harmful to Pets?

Wet and Forget contains bleach, which can potentially irritate skin paws eyes, and mucous membranes if pets are exposed for too long. The product directions recommend keeping people and animals off treated surfaces for 4-6 hours following application.

Once completely dry the chemicals are no longer active So there is no danger to pets walking across driveway pavers or a deck cleaned with Wet and Forget provided you waited the recommended drying time first

Accidental contact before the surface dries should not cause major issues. But you may notice temporary skin dryness or paw pad irritation. Thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws, fur, or eyes with fresh water if wet cleaner is encountered before drying.

Could Ingestion Make Pets Sick?

Like any concentrated cleaner, swallowing Wet and Forget could irritate or burn mucous membranes and the esophagus. And the high sodium content could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset if a large amount is consumed.

To be safe, thoroughly rinse any outdoor bowls and pet toys with water before allowing your animals access to the area again after cleaning. Try to prevent them from licking treated surfaces as well.

In most cases, brief contact with small ingested amounts simply causes mild drooling or vomiting. But call your vet if your pet seems to have drunk or eaten a significant portion of still-wet cleaner for evaluation.

Does Wet and Forget Harm Lawns or Gardens?

When used properly, Wet and Forget will not damage grass, plants, or landscaping. Avoid overspray drifting onto vegetation during application. As mentioned, wait for it to fully dry before allowing pets back outside.

Rinsing foliage with water before and after spraying nearby prevents leaf burns. Some temporary discoloration may occur on plant leaves otherwise.

Applied directly to lawns, Wet and Forget kills moss when spot treated. Dilute first and spray late in the day to limit grass burns. Overall, your lawn will recover quickly with minimal impact.

Tips for Safe Use Around Pets

• Read and follow all label precautions when using Wet and Forget or any cleaner.
• Keep pets indoors during application and for at least 4-6 hours afterwards.
• Place tarps over any grass or plants bordering the treatment area.
• Avoid spraying on windy days when overspray could occur.
• Rinse off pet paws, fur, or eyes immediately if wet exposure occurs.
• Prevent pets from accessing any puddles or wet cleaner.
• Thoroughly rinse outdoor pet bowls and toys before reintroducing.
• Apply early in the day to allow ample drying time.
• Check for dryness before allowing pets back outside.
• Do not spray near pet food, water, or shelters.
• Mix solutions correctly and avoid over-application.
• Focus application only where treatment is needed.
• Choose pet-safe alternatives for indoor cleaning needs.

Signs of a Potential Problem

Contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of the following after being in a treated area:

• Drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or depression
• Reddened or blistered skin, sores, or burns
• Wheezing, coughing, or breathing issues
• Eye redness, discharge, or squinting
• Repeated sneezing or nasal discharge

When used properly according to label instructions, Wet and Forget should not pose any serious safety concerns for pets once fully dried. Take simple precautions like keeping animals away during and immediately after application. As with any cleaner, avoid direct contact with eyes, nose, or mouth, and rinse well if accidental wet exposure occurs before drying. Be sure to monitor pets when allowing them back into recently treated areas. With sensible safety measures, you can safely eliminate outdoor mold, mildew, and other grime with Wet and Forget even if pets frequent your lawn and garden areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about using Wet and Forget around pets:

Is Wet & Forget toxic to animals?

Not under normal circumstances. However, after application, keep pets off the surface until it is dry to ensure they don’t ingest any Wet & Forget. If they accidentally walk in the treated area while wet, rinse your pet’s paws with fresh water as a precaution.

How long does Wet and Forget take to dry?

Wet & Forget takes 4 to 5 hours to dry, so check the weather forecast before you spray to ensure there’s no rain, snow, or sleet heading your way. After Wet & Forget Outdoor dries, it teams up with the weather (rain, wind, sleet, snow) to eliminate nasty growths – no scrubbing required!

Can pets eat Wet & Forget?

When spraying your outdoor areas, make sure you keep pets off the surface area whilst the area is wet. Once the Wet & Forget has completely dried, it is safe for pets to walk on the surface area. If your pet accidentally walks or sits in the product, immediately wash off the product with fresh water so they do not ingest the Wet & Forget.

Is Wet & Forget safe for pets?

Not under normal circumstances. However, after application, keep pets off the surface until it is dry to ensure they don’t ingest any Wet & Forget. If they accidentally walk in the treated area while wet, rinse your pet’s paws with fresh water as a precaution. Wet & Forget is safe for pets if it rains after the dry time.

Will Wet & Forget affect my pets?

Not under normal circumstances. However, after application, keep pets off the surface until it is dry to ensure they don’t ingest any of the Wet & Forget. If they accidentally walk in the treated area while wet, rinse your pet’s paws with fresh water as a precaution.

When spraying your outdoor areas, make sure you keep pets off the surface area whilst the area is wet. Once the Wet & Forget has completely dried, it is safe for pets to walk on the surface area. If your pet accidentally walks or sits in the product, immediately wash off the product with fresh water so they do not ingest the Wet & Forget.

Wet & Forget is okay to use around plants provided certain protective steps are taken. When spraying the product near plants, make sure to either cover them with a tarpaulin (or something similar) or alternatively, wash the plants down with water before and after applying the product nearby. The leaves of the plant may experience a slight discolouration or spot burn if they come into contact with the product for an extended period.

Conclusion

When used according to label directions, allowing proper drying time, and taking basic precautions, Wet and Forget can be safely used around pets in outdoor areas. Accidental exposure is unlikely to cause major harm, but avoid direct contact and ingestion as you would with any cleaner. Monitor pets closely when reintroducing them after application. With sensible safety measures, Wet and Forget provides an effective way to tackle persistent outdoor grime even in pet-friendly spaces. Consider potential risks, follow all instructions, and exercise caution when using around precious pets.