Swiffer Wet Jet Pet Rumor

I recently used Swiffer Wet Jet on my wood floors for the first time. Within 2 days, my cat started foaming at the mouth, and got very aggresive once. She has never done this before. It seemed like she had rabbis, but she is an indoor cat and I'm positive has had no contact with another animal. The only other thing I could think of was the cleaner. I googled and found this forum. I hope no damage has been done, and she will return to health as I stop using this. Say what you want about this rumor being a hoax, but I know what I see right in front of me.

Posted by Dan in Boston on Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 05:52 AM

TO: Dan

Go to Wal-Mart and get Milk Thistle it will be with the other Vitimans. It will repair any liver damage that was done. You can read my post from back on 04 when we lost two dogs that were house dogs and we live in the country.

Thank you Tina. This all happened within the last day and a half. Since I posted my comment, this afternoon my cat experienced a very severe seizure for 30-60 seconds. Very scary. She seems much better tonight, but I did see some foamy drool after she ate a bit of cat food tonight. I'll go right out and get that that Milk Thistle.
Thanks again,
Dan

Hello again. Just a quick update on my cat. Her name is Shmitty by the way (I know, a goofy name for a female cat, but she doesn't seem to mind). I just came home from work, and she seems normal again. The can of Fancy Feast I left for her in the morning was all eaten, and I haven't discovered any signs of foamy drool yet. Although now she does just sit there and stare at my Grateful Dead collection, and I still can't find my brownies.
Tina, I did pick up some Milk Thistle and just mixed it in with her evening meal. Let's hope it does the trick. Thank you again for the tip. Will keep you posted.
Dan

I googled wondering how to change the batteries in my wetjet because I couldn't figure it out after turning the wetjet upside down and trying to open compartments I probably shouldn't have. When I read that I should go look on the floor where the wetjet lives, I did and guess what? There was the battery compartment! Thanks Todd! YOU'RE A GENIUS! I'm back in business now!

My dog, too, is experiencing high liver enzymes for the 2nd time in a year. We've spent over $1000 to try and keep him alive. He's lost 13 pounds (of 55). I am giving my Wet Jet to someone without pets. If there is a lawsuit, I'd like to know. Say what you will, but my dog is like one of my children and we watch him and feed him right, and he's in the house and only out for short times in our fenced yard, so I don't know what else it could be.

Hello. Another update on my cat, Shmitty.
Since my last post, she has had 4 very violent seizures/convulsions. The Milk Thistle didn't have time to do any good, and I could only mix less than a third of a capsule into her food at a time, or she wouldn't eat it.
I took her to the vet, who seems to think the Swiffer and her condition are unrelated. Yeah, and the same for everyone else's pet who just happened to get sick and some even die right after their owners used this product.
The vet gave me a prescription of phenebarbatol. I'm supposed to give it to her orally from the dispenser, but that's nearly impossible, so I mix it in with her food. Since starting it, she went 3-4 days with no problems, but then on 3 occasions, she began to lift her head, and open and shut her mouth, like she was gagging, then she would again get the foamy drool, but this time, it would not progress into the seizure/convulsion. So I upped the dose another half ml, and she has had no episodes for 3 days now.
I'll report back if anything changes, or just to update once in a while if all goes well.
Dan

Dan, I wish you all the luck that every thing turns out good... I know how it is to be told it was not Swiffer. But we lost two dogs with no other reason bit did save one.

Marie, try to give Milk Thistle to your dog..It helped the third dog. We saved her

How much milk thistle would you give him?

Hi,

So far, my pets have not been affected at all, from the Swifer Wet Jet. They are 10 and 11 yrs old. Shitzu, and Lasa Apsa. However, I myself, have been sick from really bad Chest congestion, that anitbotics, and other pills, have not been helping. Also having some hard times breathing. It has been here, since right after I got the Swifer Wet Jet, around xmas 07. This could very well be my problem, I will be taking off the lid, and seeing if I can refill it with my own solution, and see if I improve.
thanks. Please email me, if you have any suggestions for me.

I cannot find a way to replace the batteries in my Swiffer Wetjet. I need instructions please. Thanks

Todd! thanks for the word on the batteries for the swiffer. It was right on the floor where you said it would be. You are a genius :?

Peggy, did Todd's swiffer battery advise help you? It was so awesome how it affected so many people over the past few years. Wild stuff. At least it works again. richard

yes you idiot,it helped a lot of people fix there wetjets. now we can all continue to use this deadly product, and keep killing our pets never mind those who have babies crawling around the house.

Thank you for posting this - we couldn't replace the batteries (pushing all sorts of buttons).
We thought you all were crazy to think the battery pack could have fallen off.
Turns out - it was on the floor where we keep the mops.
Thanks!

For those of you looking for an alternative, METHOD makes a similar product to Wet Jet, only it has a separate bottle of fluid that you just squirt on the floor (so usign thier products is optional from the start and the cleaning pads are machine washable. Since all of METHOD's products are biodegradable & "green", I doubt (or never heard of) there is any danger to pets. You can purchase this item on METHOD's website or from Target. I wish I had bought one of these, but I have a swifter wet jet that I refill with Vinegar & Water and I crochet machine washable pads for my unit.

For all of you who are cutting holes in the bottom of the containers just take the bottle of cleaner and use a pair of pliers to take the top off and refill it just like normal put the top back and and you have a new bottle of cleaner. I've been doing it for months. Works well.

Thank you Todd,
Finally fixed the swifter. Battery compartment was right where you said it would be. Never even thought to chech there. Now I can replace all the screws.

HAH! Todd really does deserve a job at Proctor and Gabmble. My battery compartment fell out too and voila there it was in my trunk (I recently moved into a new place and shoved it back there for safe keeping).

My derm cae true wiffer wet jet is the future ceep up the good work all of you thank you very mush you made my derm com true

Try folding over an old face cloth and sewing around the outside to use as a replacement for the swiffer pad. Then you can simply throw them in the washer. Also, I use a cap full of Pine-sol in the water as a replacement for thee swiffer fluid. Works great.

Todd ... two years later, you are the man. Many thanks. You will live forever on this website.

-- NOTE ___ YOU CAN SHOVE A SMALL STURDY FUNNEL THRU THE LITTLE HOLE AT THE RUBBER TOP OF THE BOTTLE AND PUT IN SOME OTHER CLEANING FLUID. LESS TOXIC IF POSSIBLE... THE HOLE RECLOSES NICELY AND WONT SPILL.

:lol: OH MY GOSH we are rolling on the floor laughing. We have ben trying to figure out the battery changing process for days.......at one point had 3 male adults challenging one another. Just sure that one could out smart the other in such a simple task!! While everyone was getting overly frustrated & using outdoor voices I went to the website. Immediatley checked where we store it and BAM...sure enough...LOL-LOL-LOL there it was! We all laughed histerically after I told them about all the stories here. THAT WAS JUST WAY TO FUNNY!!!!

Propylene glycol is in EVERYTHING. Your deoderant, your hand cream (which your dog then licks off) Yes, swiffer is a molecule or two away, although my dog, cats, rat, children and husband are all fine. You could literally eat off my floors (unfortunately that is due to the amount of food my kids spill) and so I know the dog has had exposure (before I got all freaked out about the chemicals, that is) So, if you are concerned about antifreeze, you are going to really need to overhaul your whole house. I'm swiching to another more natural, environmentally responsible cleaner or a homemade recipe. Thank you all for the tips on how to refil the container because I do love the way the wet jet works.

Hello all
I was also irritated with the fact you can only buy the swiffer cleaner for the wet jet. BS in my opinion!!! I started cutting a small hole in the top, then pouring a little diluted bleach (&water;) in the top. We have tile floors in the downstairs of our house, and with a dog and a 3 year old the floors can get pretty dirty! I always put a old rag, or cotton ball where the hole is so the water doesn't slosh out of the top all over the floor.
Its much better than paying almost $8 for the refills!!!
: D

OMG you have to be a real friggin IDOT to not know how to change batteries in a swiffer.
What is this world coming to

I hope this will ease some of your minds. I have 3 dogs, 2 doxies and an Australian Cattledog. They have the run of the house inside and out through the doggie door. I have used Swiffer since it came out, I have one of the older mops. My doxies are 13 and the Cattledog is 6. They have walked, slept, eaten treats and licked the tile cleaned after use with Swiffer. Each year when they all go to the vet for their annual physical, their labs are perfectly normal and they have never been sick. For those of you that feel Swiffer has harmed your pet I am truly sorry, I would have as many dogs as was legal in the city if I could afford to feed and vaccinate them. They are just like my children now that mine are grown and have moved out. I am waiting with excitement for the birth of my first granddaughter in Feb. She will be my first grandchild period. Anyway back to the Swiffer, if you don't care for it, pierce the bottle,dump out the Swiffer and add a cleaner you like. It should put your mind at ease with your pets. Have a good one!!

Hi, I was trying to figure out the batteries on the swiffer wet jet for an hour and was ready to throw the damn thing out the window! After reading your posts I looked under the stairs and there it was the batteries on the floor. I was reading the posts and thought everyone on here was nuts. Well I'm nuts for not listening. Thanks for the help. Mark

and add another big thank you to todd!

well ino 4 a fact that antefreeze will kill a dog rather quickly.my friend at work told me his dog licked it up off his garrage fllor n died the next day.i just bought a swiffer and after hearing all thes complaints im not taking any chances.i will contineu to use the swiffer but, i will use other cleaning solution.

This is a reply to swiffer pet jet rumor. No where in my blog did I mention that there was antifreeze in liquid Swiffer. I know the mixture of chemicals is close, but Swiffer's chemical make up does not kill animals. Do you think a company that large would make a cleaner that kills dogs and cats? They would have to be physcotic. I was simply giving everyone the example I had been through with Swiffer and my dogs. I didn't mean to upset anyone.

and about the price on all the swiffer products,if frank lucas can sell a better product then anyone else , at half the price n still be a billionare why cant swiffer

Yup, batteries on the floor, like everyone else. Thank you Todd!!!

Yep, my battery compartment was on the floor in my laundry room!

I have two dachshunds and I've been using the wet jet for over a year. No problems whatsoever.

And I too have to thank Todd for making me look for the battery compartment!

Todd...you are the man (and google of course)

GEEZ LOUIZ...I'M TOTALLY CONFUSED ABOUT THIS :
Swiffer Wet Jet Pet Rumor THINGY
BUT DID LOOK UP SEVERAL SITES
THE USPCA IS FROM 2004 IT SAYS THE FOLLOWING:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Responds to Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor
Friday, May 7, 2004

Veterinary Toxicologists regard allegations of liver failure and death from household cleaner as unfounded.

Media Contacts: Dana Farbman, CVT
(217)-337-9751
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Urbana, IL) May 6, 2004 -- Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have reviewed the claim described in a widely distributed email alleging a relationship between the use of Swiffer Wet Jet and liver failure in a dog. The email alleges that exposure to the ingredients in Swiffer Wet Jet caused a dog's death.

The Swiffer Wet Jet system 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 product concentrations. Propylene glycol n-butyl/propyl ether differs significantly from ethylene glycol, the potentially toxic ingredient present in most antifreeze products. Ethylene glycol is frequently implicated in causing renal failure in dogs following antifreeze ingestion. 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.

AND STILL I WAS NOT CONVINCED SO I DID SOME HOMEWORK ON THE CHEMICALS- ALL FACTS
CHECK OUT THIS SITE :
CHEMINFO:
***** http://www.intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/prpglnme/cie178.htm - 53k
*****
Propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether
Propylene glycol n-propyl ether. Propylene glycol monopropyl ether .... First Aid Comments: Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for ...

IT IS A CHEMICAL THAT HAS PROPERTIES WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER CHEMICALS EX:
WAX ON YOUR FLOORS
OTHER CLEANING AGENTS ON THE FLOOR OR IN THE AIR
INCLUDED IN THE STUDIES IS THIS SMALL FACT, IF INGESTED ;
Ingestion:
In acute lethality studies, high doses caused central nervous system (CNS) depression and some evidence of kidney injury.(1, unconfirmed) In another acute lethality study, rats showed signs of CNS depression (sluggishness, an unsteady gait and prostration) at 1770 mg/kg (cited as 2.0 mL/kg) PGnMPE and above. Autopsy showed a reddened glandular stomachs and dark red lungs. No abnormalities were seen in surviving animals.(3)

SO I SAY, THE HELL WITH SWIFFER......ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS MAKING MONEY !! NOT YOU OR I !!
WHAT RHYMES WITH SWIFFER..........STIFFER
SO I'D LIKE TO NOW CALL THIS PRODUCT.......

STIFFER PET JET.....KILLS BETTER THAN A MOP AND BUCKET, GUARANTEED !!

EEZ LOUIZ...I'M TOTALLY CONFUSED ABOUT THIS :
Swiffer Wet Jet Pet Rumor THINGY
BUT DID LOOK UP SEVERAL SITES
THE USPCA IS FROM 2004 IT SAYS THE FOLLOWING:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Responds to Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor
Friday, May 7, 2004

Veterinary Toxicologists regard allegations of liver failure and death from household cleaner as unfounded.

Media Contacts: Dana Farbman, CVT
(217)-337-9751
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Urbana, IL) May 6, 2004 -- Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have reviewed the claim described in a widely distributed email alleging a relationship between the use of Swiffer Wet Jet and liver failure in a dog. The email alleges that exposure to the ingredients in Swiffer Wet Jet caused a dog's death.

The Swiffer Wet Jet system 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 product concentrations. Propylene glycol n-butyl/propyl ether differs significantly from ethylene glycol, the potentially toxic ingredient present in most antifreeze products. Ethylene glycol is frequently implicated in causing renal failure in dogs following antifreeze ingestion. 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.

AND STILL I WAS NOT CONVINCED SO I DID SOME HOMEWORK ON THE CHEMICALS- ALL FACTS
CHECK OUT THIS SITE :
CHEMINFO:
***** http://www.intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/prpglnme/cie178.htm - 53k
*****
Propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether
Propylene glycol n-propyl ether. Propylene glycol monopropyl ether .... First Aid Comments: Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for ...

IT IS A CHEMICAL THAT HAS PROPERTIES WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER CHEMICALS EX:
WAX ON YOUR FLOORS
OTHER CLEANING AGENTS ON THE FLOOR OR IN THE AIR
INCLUDED IN THE STUDIES IS THIS SMALL FACT, IF INGESTED ;
Ingestion:
In acute lethality studies, high doses caused central nervous system (CNS) depression and some evidence of kidney injury.(1, unconfirmed) In another acute lethality study, rats showed signs of CNS depression (sluggishness, an unsteady gait and prostration) at 1770 mg/kg (cited as 2.0 mL/kg) PGnMPE and above. Autopsy showed a reddened glandular stomachs and dark red lungs. No abnormalities were seen in surviving animals.(3)

SO I SAY, THE HELL WITH SWIFFER......ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS MAKING MONEY !! NOT YOU OR I !!
WHAT RHYMES WITH SWIFFER..........STIFFER
SO I'D LIKE TO NOW CALL THIS PRODUCT.......

STIFFER PET JET.....KILLS BETTER THAN A MOP AND BUCKET, GUARANTEED !!

SORRY ABOUT DOUBLE POST~ PURELY A MISTAKE
I DON'T KNOW I HAD JUST COME BACK FROM MY DAUGHTERS HOUSE SHE USES THE STIFFER......MAYBE I INJESTED SOME AND IT'S GOING TO WORK ON MY NUERONS CAUSING ALS TO SET IN, MY NERVOUS SYSTEM OVERLOADED AND HIT THE DANG POST A SECOND TIME BECAUSE I COULD NOT REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME !!....
LOL- ONLY KIDDING !!

I am so sorry to hear about all those pets that are dying. I am also sorry that someone thinks it has to do with a product they bought to clean the floors. I think more people should look into the quality of pet food they are feeding their pets. Most are made from by products that are not safe for humans, but yet they are worried about what is in the cleaner. And then people also feed their pets scraps from the table, I understand that isn't good for our pets either.

Birdee.....

Just so you know my mom got the dog food that her dogs ate from her VET. And thats the only dog food they got so you tell me how did her 2 of her 3 house dogs out of the blue get liver and kininey damage that was too far gone to be helped?

I used one of those grippy jar openers to pry open the lid and it worked. I fill the container with whatever cleaner I wish.

OK, I found mine on the closet floor too. Thanks, Todd!

I can relate to these sad stories. Nine months ago we adopted a healthy 3 year old Jack Russel, about 3 months ago he got terrible sick throwing up, couldn't walk falling all over. We took him to the vet and they did stomach surgery right away. Nothing was found but he never came out of it after. Both vets we took him to said it was very odd. They both said he was poisoned. Well being it was winter and our dog was mostly a house dog it seemed odd. Until we thought of the bad habit he had, he always walked around licking the floors, like it tasted good. Well we had to put the dog down after three days of seeing him suffer. I believe with all my heart this is what killed my dog and I will never use anything on my floors other than good old vinegar and water. I hope more people write so this does not kill to many more loved pets because it has broke my heart.
Sheri

I have used the swifter wet jet for months now, and have a dog and cats. None of them have ever gotten sick. According to the company and ASPCA, there is nothing in there that could hurt an animal. It's ridiculous to think that there is enough residue left on the floor that could kill them! I love my wet jet and find that my solution lasts a long time, so is a good buy (as opposed to regular swifter pads).

I had a wolf hybrid back home in AZ and we started using the Swiffer wet jet on the floors. She became very ill, and within 1 year she passed away. I think Swiffer just came out saying their product didn't do that because they are trying to save their butts. I loved that dog. Thanks alot swiffer!

TODD IS THE MAN! I spent an hour questioning my abilty to function in society because I couldn't find where the batteries go on my mop until I read his post. Right there in the cleaning closet!! Are you watching me?

I have a healthy 2.5 yr yorkie. I bought the swiffer a month ago after hearing the rumor was a hoax. on Tues. I rushed her to the vet to where she was diagnosed with HGE, but the vet said her liver enzymes were the highest he'd seen in a HGE (20 yrs or so as vet). She spent 2 nights there on IV treatment & is home now with 3 different meds (one for liver treatment) and has to be retested in 2 weeks. I know swiffer says its all a hoax but I am not so sure as there have been no other prods. new in my home. There is still the possibility of getting in to something outside, but we won't be able to tell. The vet did say liver enzymes indicated something toxic/poisonus. I hope this helps with anyone else in a similar situation or considering the produdct

My question is, are the pets that are getting sick licking the floor? And also for the people who say it is a hoax and their pets have not gotten sick, are your pets licking the floor? That could be a big variable here! My dog just got back from being hospitalized, and I had just purchased a wet jet prior. They assumed he had salmom poisoning, but didn't find it in his stool sample. He is getting better, but I have not used the wet jet since. Whether it was salmon poisoning or not, I will no longer be using a wet jet! I also have a son who will be crawling soon and choose not to take the chance!!!