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Swiffer Wet Jet Pet Rumor
image Teresa wrote in to ask about the truth of that email rumor going around alleging that the Swiffer Wet Jet cleaning fluid contains antifreeze and can be fatal to pets (you can read the full text of that email rumor here). Swiffer itself addresses this rumor on its corporate website, so it can be pretty easily debunked. It's totally false. But since I'm on the subject of Swiffers, I've got to note something about them that I find incredibly annoying... how you can only use Swiffer brand cleaning fluid with the Wet Jet. And, of course, the Swiffer brand fluid ain't cheap. Out of frustration, I ended up carving a hole in the top of the Swiffer brand bottle and pouring generic cleaning fluid into it, but that didn't work well at all since the fluid kept splashing up out of the bottle whenever I moved it too vigorously. So yes, Swiffer may be innocent of killing pets, but in my books they're still guilty of selling overpriced cleaning fluid. Yeah, I could stop using the Wet Jet entirely, but I don't want to do that because I like how the Wet Jet works. I just don't like being forced to buy only Swiffer brand fluid to use in it. (Sorry about the rant).
Categories: Animals, Email Hoaxes
Posted by Alex on Mon May 10, 2004
Comments (124)
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.
Posted by big gene  in  p.a.  on  Fri Oct 24, 2008  at  05:45 AM
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.
Posted by Janet Shryer  in  Springfield, Missouri  on  Fri Oct 24, 2008  at  06:19 AM
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
Posted by big gene  in  p.a.  on  Fri Oct 24, 2008  at  12:11 PM
Yup, batteries on the floor, like everyone else. Thank you Todd!!!
Posted by AC  in  boston, MA  on  Sun Nov 09, 2008  at  01:59 PM
Yep, my battery compartment was on the floor in my laundry room!
Posted by Jenny  in  Texas  on  Wed Nov 19, 2008  at  03:58 PM
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!
Posted by Michael  on  Thu Nov 27, 2008  at  10:34 AM
Todd...you are the man (and google of course)
Posted by Chris  in  Vancouver  on  Sat Jan 10, 2009  at  12:18 PM
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 !!
Posted by MO  in  USA  on  Tue Jan 27, 2009  at  10:51 AM
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 !!
Posted by MO  in  USA  on  Tue Jan 27, 2009  at  10:52 AM
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 !!
Posted by MO  in  USA  on  Tue Jan 27, 2009  at  10:58 AM
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.
Posted by Birdee  in  Ohio  on  Wed Jan 28, 2009  at  11:47 AM
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?
Posted by Tina  in  Fayetteville NC  on  Wed Jan 28, 2009  at  12:12 PM
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.
Posted by ahanna  on  Tue Feb 10, 2009  at  12:38 PM
OK, I found mine on the closet floor too. Thanks, Todd!
Posted by Deb  in  Fayetteville, WV  on  Thu Feb 12, 2009  at  05:25 PM
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
Posted by sheri  in  Floradale ont  on  Wed Feb 18, 2009  at  07:58 PM
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).
Posted by Katt  in  tomah wi  on  Sun Mar 01, 2009  at  02:59 PM
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!
Posted by Dena  in  Beaufort, SC  on  Tue Mar 10, 2009  at  05:08 AM
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?
Posted by BuzzFW  on  Sat Mar 14, 2009  at  02:42 PM
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
Posted by love my puppy  in  S. FL  on  Sat Mar 28, 2009  at  02:08 PM
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!!!
Posted by nita  in  oregon  on  Wed Apr 01, 2009  at  12:47 PM
Seriously, "Todd from Jersey" has emancipated legions of idiots who are stuck thinking inside the box! After I read several comments about his post, I thought "who are these fruitcakes that don't realize the battery cover is already off?"
Then I realized--I was one of the stupid ones!
I should have known that the shiny metal pieces below the bottle-release were, in fact, battery terminals. Unfortunately, our battery cover got lost in the move. They should really improve the design if this many people are losing their battery covers without noticing! Or maybe it's marketing genius--making us all replace our perfectly good swiffers with new ones!
Posted by Ryan in Birmingham, AL  on  Mon Apr 06, 2009  at  10:05 PM
Todd is my hero! To think the best laugh I've had in a month was in my cleaning closet!
Posted by marci  in  idaho  on  Sun Apr 19, 2009  at  09:42 AM
I have had a swiffer wetjet with the cleaning solution stored in it for the last I don't know how long. I put it away because I didn't like how it made the floors feel. Two weeks ago, I got an 8 week young Havachon puppy, Wyatt (he's a little guy about 2 lbs.). I confine him mostly to my linoleum floored kitchen which he loves to lick. I pull out the swiffer for fast and easy cleanups in our potty training endeavor, that is until this past Sunday. This past Saturday, Wyatt began throwing up and was lethargic. Sunday, the diaharea began but the throwing up stopped. Today, Monday, he was doing both. I took him to the vet who diagnosed him with having parasites (not of the worm type) in his intestines. While at the vet's office, Wyatt relieved himself and it was red in color which required a parvo test and thank goodness it came out negative. I left him at the vet overnight for observation as he is highly dehydrated.

The vet said that the parasites probably came from Wyatt drinking stagnant water, licking infected urine or eating infected feces. I have no other dogs and Wyatt is highly supervised when he goes outside in the front yard. On Sunday, I remembered about the swiffer rumor email and immediately cleaned up the kitchen area using plain old vinegar and water. Many say that the swiffer cleaning solution is "safe" consisting mostly of water. However, if the solution consists mostly of water, do the remaining compounds hinder parasites from growing? And if the remaining compounds do hinder the growth of parasites, could it possibly be safe for children and pets? I'm not looking to blame swiffer for Wyatt's problems but I'd sure like to rule it out.

I do like the unit and after reading the other posts, will now figure out how to get the cap off of the bottle and replace with the cheaper and natural vinegar and water solution.
Posted by susan  in  Orlando, FL  on  Mon Apr 27, 2009  at  03:14 PM
You are an idiot if you think a swiffer killed your pet.
Posted by Messer  on  Fri May 01, 2009  at  11:20 AM
TODD UR THE MAN! I WAS ABOUT TO SMASH THIS STUPID THING AFTER I CUT MY FINGER AND FOUND OUT WHY THERE IS A LITTLE STICKER THAT SHOWS NOT TO PUT YOUR HAND INSIDE THE SOAP COMPARTMENT. MY ROOMATE TOOK THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT OFF THE SWIFFER TO USE THE BATTERIES AND DIDNT PUT THE COMPARTMENT BACK!!!! THAT EXPLAINS WHY I COULD REMOVE IT. IT WASNT THERE LOL
Posted by Swiffer HATE  in  Indy  on  Wed May 06, 2009  at  12:09 PM
I love my swiffer vacuum and wet jet and use them both several times a day. My problem is the handle came loose on my wet jet and completely falls apart to expose the wires. Needless to say, it is extremely hard to use unless I hold the handle way down by the split. My son says I have probably worn it out!!! It is only 7 months old....and I love it. Any ideas???????
Posted by Marianne Boss  in  Maryland  on  Fri Aug 14, 2009  at  07:42 AM
Wow, it's been several years and TODD is still helping with the battery compartment problem. I've been trying to pry mine open for days and finally decided to check online to see if this is a common problem. VOILA, battery compartment right there on the floor next to Mr. Mop. THANKS TODD!!!
Posted by Gina  in  Dallas TX  on  Wed Aug 19, 2009  at  09:05 PM
Swiffer wet jet not only gave my floors a glossy like-new complexion, but my 13 year old, 2-legged golden retriever grew back one of his legs after the third time we used the cleaning solution on our kitchen floors. it was a miracle.
Posted by Michael  in  Texas  on  Thu Aug 20, 2009  at  09:26 PM
Todd you are the man, I looked at this thing for 45 minutes and I'm like there is no battery anywhere to be found on this! found it in the closet
Posted by Mark  in  Halifax  on  Tue Aug 25, 2009  at  04:04 PM
I have a 4 month old shihtzu puppy who has been in perfect health. I got a new Swifter Wet Jet and used it yesterday. Our puppy nearly dies. He vomited and foamed at the mouth and is lifeless.
Posted by Patti Dupree  in  Atlanta, GA  on  Sat Sep 05, 2009  at  08:18 AM
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