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This comprehensive guide to non-toxic floor cleaners is perfect for anyone who’s ready to stop turning their home into a chemical cloud every time they mop, while still getting squeaky-clean floors the non-toxic way. 

Texting reading "non-toxic floor cleaners" with 3 DIY non-toxic floor cleaner options and 3 store-bought non-toxic floor cleaner options.

When I first started learning about all the toxic chemicals hiding in my home, floor cleaners weren’t even on my radar. I mean, how bad could they really be, right?

It turns out that next to laundry detergent and artificial air fresheners, floor cleaners are some of the most toxic chemicals we use in our homes. 

And, you’re not going to believe this. Depending on what you use and how often you clean, inhaling the fumes from a toxic floor cleaner can be as harmful as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day! Yes, you read that right – A DAY!

So you can see the choice of floor cleaner matters way more than you might think. While we often focus on obvious culprits like harsh bathroom cleaners or strong disinfectants, our floors actually represent the largest surface area in our homes. 

Think about it – every day, your family walks on them, your kids play on them, your pets lounge on them. They’re all getting up close and personal with whatever residue your floor cleaner leaves behind.

Even more concerning? These conventional floor cleaners don’t just disappear after use. Instead, they keep releasing harmful fumes into your indoor air, which studies show can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. 

But here’s the good news – swapping out your floor cleaner is actually really easy and surprisingly cost-effective! I’ve got three super-simple DIY recipes using cheap ingredients you can whip up whenever you need to clean your floors.

Not into DIY? No problem! I’ve researched 5 awesome store-bought options made with simple, natural ingredients that will get your floors squeaky clean without any toxic dyes, fragrances, or unnecessarily harsh disinfectants.

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know including, why most floor cleaners out there can harm your health, how to create effective DIY solutions, and which non-toxic store-bought options actually work (because let’s be honest, some natural cleaners are total duds!).

Because keeping your floors clean shouldn’t come at the cost of your family’s health. And with the right products and knowledge, it doesn’t have to!

How toxic are floor cleaners, anyway?

When it comes to creating a healthier home using a non-toxic floor cleaner should be at the top of the priority list. Your floors are the largest surface in your home, and they’re also one of the most touched. 

Every day, they’re walked on, crawled on, played on, and even slept on by your family members and pets. This constant interaction means that your floors can have a big impact on your family’s health.

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to toxic floor cleaners can lead to a range of health issues. In fact, regular use of these products has been linked to lung damage comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes daily for 10 to 20 years

The scary part is, that these chemicals don’t simply disappear after cleaning – they hang around in the air, leading to prolonged exposure through skin contact and inhalation. 

This is especially concerning for young children and pets who spend more time close to the floor and have more sensitive respiratory systems.

What toxic chemicals are hiding in floor cleaners?

  • Coal Tar Dye & Petroleum Colors: These ingredients are used to create vibrant, long-lasting colors in floor cleaners. However, coal tar is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to these dyes has been linked to an increased risk of skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and digestive tract cancers.
  • Fragrance/Perfume: Added to floor cleaners to create a pleasant scent and mask chemical odors, fragrances often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and hormone disruption. Long-term exposure has been linked to lung damage comparable to smoking.
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These surfactants are used for their foaming and cleaning properties, but they can cause skin irritation and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
  • Isothiazolinones: Some floor cleaners contain preservatives like methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, and benzisothiazolinone. These hard-to-pronounce chemicals may prevent bacterial and fungal growth, but they come with a cost. They’re known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems in people who are sensitive to them.
  • Quats (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds): Used as disinfectants in floor cleaners, quats have been linked to immune dysfunction and reproductive issues. They can increase inflammation, decrease mitochondrial function, and disrupt cholesterol homeostasis.
  • PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol): Used as solvents and to enhance the cleaning power of other ingredients, PEGs can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both known carcinogens. Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk.
  • Polysorbates: Used as emulsifiers to help mix oil and water-based ingredients, polysorbates can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. Prolonged exposure may increase cancer risk.
Text reading "safest non-toxic floor cleaners - store-bought options", with various different non-toxic floor cleaner brands such as MamaSuds, Truly Free, Branch Basics and more.

The Best Non-Toxic Floor Cleaners (Store Bought)

AspenClean’s unscented Natural Floor Cleaner is 100% natural but also powerful enough for professionals. 

This EWG-verified floor cleaner easily removes dirt, grease, and scuff marks on your floors while being safe for your pets and family. 

Safe to use on hardwood, laminate, stone, and ceramic (not suited for unfinished, unsealed, or waxed wood), this natural floor cleaner is made with clean, organic ingredients. 

AspenClean’s Natural Floor Cleaner is EcoCert certified, biodegradable, septic tank safe, vegan, and cruelty-free.

price

$11.99

Main Ingredients

Water, coco glucoside (sustainable coconut, palm, palm kernel oil derived), decyl glucoside (sustainable coconut, palm kernel oil derived), alcohol, propanediol, lactic acid, aspen bark extract & citric acid

location/shipping

United States, ships to Canada

MamaSuds Castile Liquid Soap (which comes in unscented, lavender, or lemon!) is an old standby for me.

It’s a multitasking, multi-surface all-purpose cleaner suitable for just about any task, including mopping floors. 

Made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients, this castile soap will be your new go-to for everything from floors to handwashing to dishes. Promise!

To mop floors effectively while avoiding residue, use a dilution ratio of 1-2 ½ tbsp per gallon of hot water, and use a cotton or reusable mop for best results

price

$13.00

Main Ingredients

Distilled water, potassium olivate (saponified olive oil) & pure essential oils of lavender, or lemon if chosen

location/shipping

United States

I love using Branch Basics mineral-based Cleaning Concentrate for all of the surfaces around my home.

But did you know you can mop the floors with it too? You can do it the old-fashioned way by diluting the Concentrate in a warm bucket of water.

I like to use ¼ cup in a 2-gallon bucket. Or you can use it directly in your spray mop!

  • Fill up the attachable bottle with water
  • Add 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of Concentrate
  • Attach the bottle to the mop

This human-safe, sustainable formula is gentle enough to use on the skin yet powerful enough to cut grease and grime, replacing all the toxic cleaning products in your home. 

price

$55.00 for the full bottle of concentrate

Main Ingredients

Purified water, decyl glucoside, organic chamomile flower extract, coco-glucoside, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate & sodium phytate.

location/shipping

United States, ships to Canada

Text reading "DIY non-toxic floor cleaner recipes" with 3 DIY non-toxic floor cleaning recipes with text and images of what ingredients to use.

The Best DIY Floor Cleaner Recipes

DIY Hardwood Floor Cleaner

best non toxic floor cleaners

Want to keep your hardwood floors looking their best without breaking the bank or using harsh chemicals? 

This simple and effective DIY cleaner is the perfect solution! Made with just three natural ingredients, it’s gentle on your floors and the environment. 

Plus, it’s easy to mix up a fresh batch each time you need it. 

Ingredients

Instructions

Mix in a bucket.

Mop floor, rinsing mop frequently. Wipe up excess liquid.

Make fresh for each cleaning session.

Tips

Test on inconspicuous areas first.

Avoid oversaturated wood.

Castile Soap Floor Cleaner For All Floors

non toxic floor cleaner brands

Looking for an all-purpose floor cleaner that’s gentle enough for any surface?

This easy floor cleaner using gentle Castile soap works wonders on everything from ceramic tile to sealed stone!

With just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your cleaning cabinet, you can create a powerful yet gentle cleaner that leaves your floors sparkling clean and naturally fresh.

Ingredients

  • 1-gallon hot water
  • 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap (lemon-scented works great!)
  • 2-3 drops of tea tree oil (optional, for extra cleaning power)

Instructions

Mix ingredients in a large bucket, stirring gently to avoid creating too many suds.

Use a well-wrung mop to clean floors in sections.

No need to rinse unless the floors appear cloudy.

Make a fresh batch for each cleaning session.

Tips

Less is more with castile soap – too much will leave a residue.

For extra dirty spots, try a gentle scrub with a soft brush.

Skip the tea tree oil on natural stone surfaces.

Simple Floor Cleaner For Vinyl or Tile Floors 

non toxic floor cleaner brands

Kitchen floor starting to feel a little sticky? This non-toxic floor cleaner is the answer! 

It’s super simple to whip up, using all-natural ingredients that are safe for your kiddos and furry friends to crawl around on.

The best part? No need to stress about exact measurements – just eyeball it and aim for equal parts of each ingredient. 

Pro tip: If your floors are extra dirty, you can reduce the alcohol amount. But keep in mind, that the alcohol helps the mixture dry quickly, so it’s up to you!

Ingredients

Instructions

Combine the hot water, distilled vinegar, and rubbing alcohol in a large mop bucket.

If desired, add up to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil for scent. Use less to avoid leaving an oily residue that can attract dust and shoe prints.

Infused vinegar can be used instead of essential oils for a subtle scent.

Tips

While the mixture is still hot, use your favorite mop to clean the floors as usual.

Let the floor air dry naturally; no need to rinse.

Preventive Measures for Minimizing Toxins On Your Floors 

  • No Shoes In The House: Implementing a “no shoes” policy in your home is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of contaminants tracked in from outside. Make it easy for family members and guests by providing a convenient shoe storage area near the entrance and consider offering comfortable slippers for guests to wear. 
  • Proper Door Mat Placement: Place good-quality door mats both outside and inside your entryway to maximize their effectiveness. Look for mats that offer a combination of scraper and absorber materials to remove dirt, moisture, and other substances from shoe soles.
  • Clean Floors Regularly: Establish a consistent floor cleaning routine. High-traffic areas like entryways and living rooms may require daily or weekly attention, while less frequently used spaces can be cleaned on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. 
  • Use A Damp Cloth When Mopping: Use a damp cloth or cotton mop rather than a broom to prevent releasing contaminants back into the air. It’s also important to wash your hands after cleaning to avoid spreading any captured toxins.
  • Use An Air Purifier: Investing in a high-quality air purifier can help remove toxins that escape your cleaning efforts. Look for models with HEPA filters, which are designed to capture even the smallest particles. 

Why do so many natural floor cleaners contain alcohol? Will it damage my floors?

Some natural floor cleaners contain alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, due to its effectiveness as a disinfectant and solvent. Alcohol helps kill bacteria and viruses, dissolves dirt and grime, and dries quickly, minimizing streaks.

Generally, small amounts of alcohol in natural floor cleaners are safe for most hard surfaces like tile and vinyl. However, always check the product label for specific instructions and test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.

Use caution with hardwood floors, especially unsealed or oiled ones, as alcohol can strip the finish. For these surfaces, it’s best to choose alcohol-free natural cleaners or dilute the solution significantly.

If you’re concerned about alcohol, consider alternatives like vinegar-based cleaners, essential oil blends, or those formulated with plant-based surfactants.

Why Clean Floors Are Essential for a Healthy Home

Every time you walk through your front door, you’re potentially bringing in a host of unwanted substances, including:

  • Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium
  • Pesticides and herbicides used on lawns and gardens
  • Petroleum products from roads and parking lots
  • Industrial chemicals from workplaces and public spaces
  • Biological contaminants such as bacteria and fungi

If you wear shoes in the house and you’re not cleaning your floors regularly, these toxins can build up in your home over time, leading to a host of potential health risks.

Are there safety tips while cleaning naturally?

  • Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves to protect your hands from potential skin irritation.   
  • Dilute Properly: Follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions carefully. Using too much cleaner can be ineffective and may damage your floors.
  • Ventilate the Area: Open windows or turn on fans to ensure proper ventilation while cleaning.   
  • Keep Children & Pets Away: Store cleaners out of reach of children and pets.   
  • Avoid Contact with Eyes: If the cleaner comes into contact with your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
  • Never Mix Cleaning Products: Mixing different cleaning products, even natural ones, can create harmful fumes.   

Health Benefits of Non-Toxic Floor Cleaners

Using a non-toxic floor cleaner has been shown to provide a number of health benefits: 

  • Reduced headaches and respiratory irritation during and after cleaning
  • Decreased eye irritation and coughing while mopping
  • Measurable improvement in indoor air quality
  • A safer surface for children and pets on freshly cleaned floors

Most significantly, non-toxic floor cleaners help break the cycle of introducing harmful chemicals into homes. 

Considering that floors already collect tracked-in toxins from outside (including heavy metals and pesticides), avoiding additional harmful substances during cleaning becomes even more crucial.

What Should You Never Mix with Your Natural Floor Cleaner?

  • Never mix vinegar with bleach. This creates toxic chlorine gas.   
  • Avoid mixing ammonia with bleach. This also produces harmful fumes.   
  • Be cautious when mixing essential oils. Some essential oils can react with certain surfaces or other cleaning ingredients.   

Important Note: Even though natural cleaners are generally safer than chemical-based products, it’s always a good practice to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.

This has been your guide to the best non-toxic floor cleaner for 2025. 

Remember, your floors are basically the biggest sponge in your home – and whatever you clean them with doesn’t just disappear into thin air.

Now you have all the knowledge you need to keep your floors clean without filling your home with harsh chemicals.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, or you prefer the grab-and-go convenience of store-bought options, with these safer alternatives, you can finally stop holding your breath every time you mop!

Check out these other amazing blog posts about creating a Non-Toxic Home:

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References

  1. The Independent. (2023, September 20). Cleaning products ‘damage lungs as badly as cigarettes’ in 20 days, scientists warn. [Online]. Available from: https://www.the-independent.com/news/health/cleaning-products-lungs-damage-cigarettes-smoking-20-day-scientists-warning-a8214051.html
  2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality. [Online]. Available from: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality
  3. American Lung Association. (n.d.). Indoor Air Pollutants: Cleaning Supplies & Household Chemicals. [Online]. Available from: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem
  4. Environmental Working Group. (2023, September 13). Cleaning products emit hundreds of hazardous chemicals, new study finds. [Online]. Available from: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2023/09/cleaning-products-emit-hundreds-hazardous-chemicals-new-study
  5. Newsweek. (2023, January 17, 2024). Doctor warns against wearing shoes indoors due to health risks from bacteria and viruses. [Online]. Available from: https://www.newsweek.com/doctor-warning-shoes-indoors-health-risks-bacteria-virus-1861460
  6. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2005). Chemical contaminants in indoor air. [Online]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1253716/
  7. National Institutes of Health. (2023, March 17). Chemicals in many air fresheners may affect lungs. [Online]. Available from: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/chemical-many-air-fresheners-may-affect-lungs
  8. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2016). Indoor air pollution and health. [Online]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651417/
  9. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023, March 3). Air pollution and respiratory health. [Online]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070760/
  10. Preprints.org. (2020, July 15). Chemical exposure and respiratory health. [Online]. Available from: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.15.20154963v1.full
  11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). 1,4-Dioxane in cosmetics. [Online]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/14-dioxane-cosmetics-manufacturing-byproduct
  12. Essential Wholesale. (2012, February 22). Polysorbate demystified. [Online]. Available from: https://blog.essentialwholesale.com/polysorbate-demystified/

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