What are probiotics for pets and cleaning?

When most people hear the word probiotics, they think of 'good' bacteria in yoghurt or supplements. But you can also use probiotics externally - on skin, surfaces, and in your indoor and outdoor environment.

Spray-on, topical and environmental probiotics are changing the way we care for our pets, our homes, and the spaces we live in. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals or antibacterial overkill, they work with nature in a gentler, more balanced way.

To understand why topical probiotics matter, it helps to first look at something called microbial balance. Microbial balance is a key foundation of healthier living.

Most of us were taught that clean means wiping bacteria out:

Kill the germs. Start fresh. Repeat.

But what if that approach is exactly what’s leaving pets itchy, homes prone to lingering odours, and indoor spaces that never quite feel balanced?

So before we talk about products, benefits, or results, it helps to understand one key idea: microbial balance - and why it matters far more than we’ve been taught to believe.

Every surface around us - from your pet’s skin, teeth, and ears to your sofa, floor, or kitchen counter - has its own microbiome. The microbiome is a living ecosystem of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, mould and yeast, that exists naturally in any environment.

In a healthy microbiome, helpful and neutral microorganisms form a balanced, diverse community. This balance helps prevent the overgrowth of microbes that can cause problems. It’s this natural equilibrium — not the total absence of microbes — that supports stable, resilient environments.

Maintaining microbial balance helps to:

• support well-being
  
• reduce the build-up of organic dirt and odours
  
• limit the impact of environmental allergens
  
• reduce the risk of infection
  
• support overall hygiene, comfort and resilience

But lots of everyday things can knock your pet's or home's natural microbial balance off track.

In pets, stress, poor diet, environmental allergies, topical antibiotics or steroids, exposure to harsh cleaning products and over-washing can all disrupt the natural balance of the skin microbiome.

In the home, repeated use of strong disinfectants, chemical air fresheners and candles, poor ventilation, and build-ups of organic matter (like dander or food residue) can tip the scales in favour of less helpful microbes.

When microbial balance is disrupted in your pet or home, opportunistic microbes, including some types of harmful bacteria, can gain the upper hand more easily. This can show up in ways like:

• itchy, yeasty or sensitive skin
  
• increased risk of infection
  
• persistent or returning odours
  
• more noticeable sneezing or mild respiratory irritation in sensitive people or pets
  
• living spaces that feel less fresh or comfortable

Supporting microbial balance with probiotics helps create conditions where beneficial microbes can thrive and less helpful ones are naturally kept under control.

The World Health Organisation defines probiotics as 'live microorganisms that provide health benefits when used appropriately'.

Probiotics are known for improving gut health, but you can also use probiotics externally.

Topical and environmental probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms that you can apply to your pet’s skin or coat, to household floors and surfaces, or into the air. Once applied, they help support a healthy balance of microorganisms by naturally encouraging beneficial microbes to thrive and keeping less helpful ones in check.

In simple terms, they don’t try to wipe everything out - they help the right microbes thrive.

This makes them suitable for everyday use in pet care and cleaning routines, supporting hygiene and comfort in a more natural way.

Topical probiotics can support microbial balance in a wide range of everyday settings. Common uses include:

Topical probiotic sprays and shampoo support skin, coat, dental and everyday hygiene. These products work gently with your pet’s external microbiome and fit easily into regular care or grooming routines.

They help to support:

• skin comfort and coat condition
  
• hygiene around ears, eyes, teeth, and skin folds
  
• odour control without perfumes
  
• strengthening skin resilience and supporting healthy wound-healing environments
  
• everyday care for sensitive or allergy-prone pets.

Explore probiotic pet care →

Non-toxic cleaning products enriched with probiotics, are used for everyday home hygiene.

Rather than masking smells or relying on harsh ingredients, these probiotic cleaning products break down organic matter, odours and allergens at a microbial level, supporting fresher, healthier indoor environments.

They improve the hygiene of:

• floors, surfaces, and soft furnishings
  
• kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use spaces
  
• laundry and fabric freshening
  
• pet bedding and living areas
  
• indoor air (via fine misting products)
  
• outdoor furniture, cars and patios.

Explore probiotic home cleaning →

Used in environmental solutions that support natural biological processes rather than disrupting them. These applications work with existing ecosystems to support balance and resilience.

They support microbial balance in:

• soil and land management
  
• septic tank maintenance
  
• cleaning water systems and ponds
  
• environmentally sensitive areas where protecting natural habitats and ecosystems is especially important.
  

Explore land & water solutions →