With so many cleaning products available, it is natural to wonder if they are safe for your pets and the environment. Are there other better options? Whether you have dogs or small children, it is usually a good idea to double-check to see which one is more suited for your household.
Is Fabuloso Bad?
Fabuloso is not the worst multi-purpose cleaner. On the contrary, it is very popular due to its fresh and long-lasting scents, including the famous lavender scent.
Fabuloso also has other products in its range with scents such as lemon, citrus and fruits, and tropical spring.
Some people may find the scent overwhelming, but if it is diluted with water according to the instructions, it may become more bearable. Fabuloso is an effective cleaner if used on the right surfaces (hard and non-porous surfaces).
However, as with any commercial cleaner, the chemicals in Fabuloso can trigger asthma, allergies, and irritation in some individuals.
5 Reasons Why You Might Not Like Fabuloso!
Although Fabuloso is widely popular, there are a few drawbacks to using it, such as:
1- Scent
Fabuloso is well-known for its scent. It is long-lasting, giving the impression that the house was just cleaned. However, some people find the scent overpowering, and it can trigger respiratory conditions like asthma. (Source)
2- Packaging
The main downside of Fabuloso is its packaging. It looks more like a fruit drink than a cleaning product. (Source) Care must be taken to store it properly and keep it out of the reach of children.
3- Fabuloso Does Not Disinfect
Fabuloso’s all-purpose cleaner is not a disinfectant. You are forced to use another product to disinfect and sanitize your surfaces. Cleaning takes longer as a result. In comparison, Lysol and Pine-Sol are cleaners as well as disinfectants.
4- Surfaces
The use of Fabuloso is limited to certain surfaces: floors, sealed wooden floors, bathrooms, and non-porous hard surfaces. Other products can be used on porous surfaces as well.
Pine-Sol can safely be used on granite and carpets, as well as hard, non-porous surfaces. Simple Green all-purpose cleaner can be used on hard and soft surfaces, such as carpets, fabric, vehicles, and countertops.
5- Effectiveness
The pH level of Fabuloso is about 7, making it neutral. Alkaline-based cleaners do a better job of removing dirt and grease, such as Lysol. Also, for deep cleaning, you need to go for the Fabuloso Complete instead of the regular Fabuloso.
How Safe is Fabuloso to Smell?
Smelling Fabuloso will not cause any harm. The scent will last for up to 24 hours after cleaning. If you are sensitive to strong scents, it is advised to dilute this product as per the instructions. However, over-diluting Fabuloso can weaken its cleaning power.
The chemicals in Fabuloso can trigger asthma attacks. If this is the case, you can switch to using vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or other natural products that will not affect your health.
Fabuloso should not be boiled or heated under any circumstance. Some people boil it to make the house smell nice. This can be dangerous as boiling certain chemicals can cause them to vaporize, which will cause respiratory issues and trigger asthma attacks.
Another thing to note is that children may mistakenly think that the product is juice due to the packaging. The bright colors and images suggest that it is a drink for children. Keep Fabuloso away from the reach of children.
If you feel ill after regular exposure to the scent, consider switching to another product.
Is Fabuloso Bad for Dogs?
Fabuloso can help in getting rid of foul, lingering odors of dog urine and droppings.
1- Fabuloso contains sodium chloride which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities, as it can cause dehydration and related complications. (Source)
2- Fabuloso Complete contains hydrogen peroxide which can induce vomiting in dogs if a huge amount is ingested. (Source) Citric acid is also toxic for dogs.
These chemicals are present in Fabuloso in small amounts. Unless your pooch ingests a fairly large amount of Fabuloso, it will not face any health issues.
3- Fabuloso is a concentrate, and if used without diluting, it can irritate the dog’s skin, as the dog is in constant contact with the floor. Also using more than the required amount can make the floors sticky.
Use Fabuloso as per instructions, and it will be harmless to your dog. Do not use the Fabuloso Spring Fresh with Bleach Alternative as bleach is harmful to pets.
Do not, under any circumstance, use Fabuloso to shampoo the dog. It will irritate the skin, eyes, and mouth and can be toxic if ingested.
Make sure to keep the Fabuloso bottles away from pets and wipe up any spills immediately. It is also advisable to keep the pet away while cleaning the area. (Source) Let the pet in only when the floor is completely dry.
Is Fabuloso Bad for Wood Floors?
Fabuloso is meant for non-porous hard surfaces. However, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, both Fabuloso and Fabuloso Complete are completely safe to use on wooden floors provided they are sealed.
Sealed wood has an extra layer of protection against moisture and water damage. You can check if the wood is sealed by doing a simple test. Pour a couple of drops of water on the wood. If it soaks up, the wood is not sealed.
Fabuloso has a pH of 7, making it neutral and safe to use. Mix ¼ cup Fabuloso with a gallon of water for cleaning your wooden floor.
Fabuloso can also be used to clean sealed wooden furniture. Make a spray by mixing a bottle of water and 1/8 cup of Fabuloso.
Note: it is not advisable to use steam mops on sealed wooden floors. The moisture can make the wood warp. (Source)
Is Fabuloso Bad for Septic Tanks?
Fabuloso will not impair the septic tank if used in moderation. Small quantities of chemical-based cleaning products can be handled by septic systems. (Source) The water from cleaning showers and bathtubs with Fabuloso eventually goes into a septic tank.
Over time, the waste matter which accumulates in the septic tank will also contain the chemicals found in Fabuloso. When the liquid waste is drained from the septic tank into the drain field, the chemicals will harm the environment. (Source)
The chemicals in Fabuloso may also kill the natural bacteria in the septic tank. The bacteria break down the organic waste, turning it into liquid so it can be drained away. It is advisable to use commercial cleaning products in moderation if you have a septic tank.
If you have a septic tank, there are alternatives to use, such as eco-friendly and biodegradable products. Vinegar and baking soda are also good alternatives.
Is Fabuloso Bad for Your Toilet?
You can use Fabuloso to clean the toilet bowl, as it is indicated on the label.
Pour a cup of Fabuloso into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the bowl and then flush. You can also clean the other parts of the toilet using a spray bottle that has Fabuloso diluted in water. Spray on the surfaces and leave the mixture on for a few minutes. Wipe with a clean cloth.
A popular hack recommends putting a bottle of Fabuloso with a small hole in the toilet tank. This is supposed to leave the toilet smelling fresh throughout, especially with each flush.
Keeping a bottle of Fabuloso in the toilet tank will take up space that is meant for water for flushing. This hampers the flushing power, and you may have to instead flush a few times to remove the waste. In the long run, the chemicals in Fabuloso can damage the rubber, plastic, and other parts of the toilet tank.
Use Fabuloso as per instructions and do not leave it on the surfaces for too long.
Is Fabuloso Bad for Cats?
Fabuloso can be used to clean and deodorize floors and surfaces as the fragrance will get rid of any pet odors. If handled responsibly, it is safe to use around cats.
Certain ingredients in Fabuloso are harmful to cats. Hydrogen peroxide found in Fabuloso Complete can cause internal bleeding and inflammation. (Source) Direct contact with Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate can irritate the skin and eyes. Sodium chloride and citric acid are also toxic for cats. These chemicals are in trace amounts and not enough to harm cats.
Fabuloso is safe to use if it is diluted with water to clean the floors and other surfaces. It is advisable to keep the cat away while cleaning. Also, rinse the floors and surfaces after cleaning, before letting the cat back in.
Always shut the lid of Fabuloso bottles tightly and keep them away from the reach of the cat. Wipe up any spills immediately.
Is Fabuloso Bad for Birds?
If you have birds, you may clean the cage using Fabuloso. After scrubbing and cleaning the cage, food, and water containers, rinse them properly with water to remove any residue. Fabuloso is not a disinfectant, and while it can be used to clean the cage, it must still be disinfected.
Is Fabuloso Bad for the Environment?
The various cleaning agents, such as dishwashing liquid, washing machine detergents, all-purpose cleaners, and various other products eventually end up in oceans, rivers, and lakes, after the wastewater is treated in water treatment facilities.
The chemicals cannot be entirely removed even in such facilities; hence they end up in the water bodies. This then negatively affects the various ecosystems found in oceans, lakes, forests, and land. (Source)
Fabuloso hasn’t undergone comprehensive environmental toxicity testing. As the pH levels are neutral, Fabuloso may not cause considerable harm to the environment. It is important to note that Fabuloso uses plastic for packaging which has negative environmental effects as plastic is not biodegradable.
Alternative Eco-Friendly Cleaning Household Products
There are several ecologically friendly choices for cleaning the house, dishes, clothing, and other objects:
1- Dishes: You can use baking soda by making a paste of ½ cup baking soda and a few tablespoons of water. Scrub the dishes and rinse with hot water.
2- Floors and surfaces: Use ½ cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water. Make sure the wood is sealed. Test an area first before using this combination.
3- Bathrooms and toilets: You can spray vinegar or sprinkle baking soda to clean the bathroom areas. Lemon juice is also suitable.
Other natural cleaners are lemon juice, borax, rubbing alcohol, and tea tree oil. Ensure the products or a combination of these products can be used on the surfaces in your house. Always test a small area first.
Final Thoughts!
Fabuloso, just like other cleaners, contains chemicals. Prolonged exposure to the skin can irritate. Constantly inhaling the scent can also cause respiratory issues, particularly for those who have asthma and allergies. Using this cleaner on pets can harm them.
If you observe any eye, skin, or nose discomfort, or if your pet appears unwell after you have used Fabuloso, stop using it. Keep Fabuloso in a cool, dry place, hidden away from children. Ensure the cap is closed tightly to prevent spills.
