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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.

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!

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

The Best DIY Floor Cleaner Recipes
DIY Hardwood Floor Cleaner

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
- 1-gallon warm water
- Splash of rubbing alcohol
- 2-4 drops of castile soap
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

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

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
- 2 cups hot water (tap is fine)
- 2 cups white distilled vinegar (a citrus or lavender-infused vinegar is great for this)
- 2 cups 70% rubbing alcohol or high-proof vodka
- 5-10 drops of essential oils (optional)
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 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.
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.
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:
- Non-Toxic DIY Cleaning Recipes
- Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
- How To Decrease Toxins In The Home
- Natural Alternatives To Air Fresheners
- Non-Toxic Living On A Budget
- Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
- Non-Toxic Liquid Hand Soap
- Organic Household Cleaners
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References
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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- 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
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2016). Indoor air pollution and health. [Online]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651417/
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- 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
- 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
- Essential Wholesale. (2012, February 22). Polysorbate demystified. [Online]. Available from: https://blog.essentialwholesale.com/polysorbate-demystified/