Moss was not only in my Santa Ana lawn in front, but also on the paths, the retainer walls, and even in the small patch of fake grass I have in the back yard. I found it when I did a neighborhood lap over the weekend. There is a simple solution!.
And while it’s not as obvious in the lawn, it’s not a good look when it takes over other areas around the house, especially where there is shade. Because it’s rained a lot lately, moss and algae are growing better than they probably would have in the past.
There is a way to get rid of moss and algae. It’s called “Wet and Forget,” and it works on lawns and almost any other surface.
Wet
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Once completely dry the chemicals are no longer active.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
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Read and follow all label precautions when using Wet and Forget or any cleaner.
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Keep pets indoors during application and for at least 4-6 hours afterwards.
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Place tarps over any grass or plants bordering the treatment area.
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Avoid spraying on windy days when overspray could occur.
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Rinse off pet paws, fur, or eyes immediately if wet exposure occurs.
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Prevent pets from accessing any puddles or wet cleaner.
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Thoroughly rinse outdoor pet bowls and toys before reintroducing.
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Apply early in the day to allow ample drying time.
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Check for dryness before allowing pets back outside.
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Do not spray near pet food, water, or shelters.
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Mix solutions correctly and avoid over-application.
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Focus application only where treatment is needed.
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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.
Wet And Forget Best Cleaner Ever? Honest Review
FAQ
Is wet & forget toxic to animals?
Do you need to rinse off wet and forget?
What happens if it doesn’t rain after applying wet and forget?
How long does wet and forget take to dry?
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 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. Wet & Forget is safe for pets if it rains after the dry time.
Is it safe to use wet and forget outdoor?
It is safe to use Wet Outdoor on almost any outdoor surface. Wet and Forget Outdoor will eliminate algae, moss, lichen, mold, and mildew without the use of harsh chemicals or scrubbing. Wet can be applied to driveways, concrete sidewalks, and any other exterior surface that needs to be treated.
Does wet & forget outdoor reactivate if it rains?
Once the surface is dry, the product is no longer active so you and your and pets can safely move about. Rain will not reactivate the product. If your pet accidentally steps on a wet surface, then rinse paws with water to prevent licking. Is Wet & Forget Outdoor safe for all outdoor surfaces?