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DIY Non-Toxic Floor Cleaners for Safe & Effective Cleaning
With a house full of children running around all the time, finding non-toxic floor cleaners that didn’t contain any nasty chemicals became a big priority for me. Especially with little children who love to explore the world by putting everything in their mouths!
We switched to natural cleaning products a few years ago and have never looked back. We can still clean our home and ensure our floors shine without using toxic ingredients. I’ve tested all the top-rated natural cleaners, and today, I’m sharing my favorites.
We started our low-tox journey about 4 years ago after our son was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. After learning that over 90% of all cancers are caused by environmental factors, we knew we needed to make drastic changes to our lifestyle to avoid further harm to our family.
If you’re interested in reading more about our low-tox journey and other swaps we’ve made, here are some of my most recent posts:
Why we choose to live a low-toxic lifestyle
The non-toxic floor cleaners I am sharing with you today are safe for almost all floor types, but please remember to spot-test these products first! Some flooring types, like hardwood floors, have a seal to prevent scratching. These products shouldn’t cause any issues, but test them in an inconspicuous spot first.
In addition to sharing my favorite cleaners, I also want to share more about why making swaps to lower your toxic load is so important. We’ve been working hard to change our home, diet, and habits to help as much as possible. I wish I had known about these changes before my son had cancer, but you cannot change what you don’t know, and I’ve worked hard over the last few years to free myself from the guilt of not knowing.
Switching from conventional products to non-toxic products can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! I want to help you through this process so you can make changes as you see fit. Maintaining a clean and healthy living environment is incredibly important. However, it’s equally crucial to be mindful of the products we use to achieve that cleanliness. The use of harsh chemicals found in conventional cleaning agents can have a detrimental impact on our health and the environment. To avoid that negative impact, I’ll share tips to eliminate toxic products in your home and the incredible benefits of adopting a non-toxic lifestyle by simply changing your current cleaning habits.
Why using non-toxic floor cleaner is so important
Have you ever read the ingredients commonly used in floor cleaners? I know, I know, You’re probably incredibly busy already, but I promise it’s worth it to look at the label and realize how many unnecessary chemicals are added to cleaning supplies. Bleach, for example, is used frequently because it can disinfect and kill viruses, but bleach has harsh chemicals that are toxic to inhale. These are frequently used chemicals in floor cleaners that are toxic to ingest:
- Dipropylene glycol
- Ammonium chlorides
- Didecyldimethylammonium chloride
- sodium lauryl sulfate
- sodium laureth sulfate
- Preservatives
- Artificial fragrance
The floor cleaners I’m sharing today do not contain any of these harsh ingredients and work just as well to clean your floors! Plus, if you’re too busy to make homemade cleaners, that’s okay! These products are affordable and ready to use.
The harmful consequences of using toxic cleaners
Conventional cleaning products often expose us and our loved ones to harmful chemicals. Many of these toxic ingredients release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leading to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even long-term health problems. Additionally, these chemicals contribute to indoor air pollution, impacting the air quality we breathe within our homes. By choosing non-toxic floor cleaners and other low-tox products, you take a significant step towards safeguarding your family’s health and well-being.
It’s taken us years to find non-toxic alternatives to our favorite products, so please don’t think we made these changes overnight. It’s been a slow, gradual change that we’ve made over the years. Trying to change everything at once is not only overwhelming but also expensive. It’s okay to take this process slowly and go at a comfortable pace. Stressing about every little thing is as unhealthy for us as using tons of conventional products, so have grace for yourself!
The environmental impact of toxic cleaners
The adverse effects of toxic cleaning agents extend beyond our homes and harm the environment. When these chemicals are washed down the drain or disposed of improperly, they can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life. A published study states that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water is contaminated with one or more forms of PFAS, also called ‘forever chemicals. These forever chemicals are found in things like the lining of fast-food containers, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and even some personal care products.
On the other hand, a natural floor cleaner is biodegradable and free from harmful substances, making it an eco-friendly choice that contributes to a healthier planet. This is another reason we use safer products in our home.
Now that we’ve mentioned the potential hazards of using conventional cleaners let’s review the benefits of using non-toxic floor cleaners.
Non-toxic floor cleaners are the safer alternative
Fortunately, the market is now brimming with effective, non-toxic floor cleaners that tackle dirt and grime without compromising your health. These eco-conscious formulations are free from harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and phthalates. Instead, they utilize natural ingredients such as plant-based surfactants, essential oils, and organic acids to clean and disinfect floors effectively. This helps prevent exposure to toxins and keeps your family safe from harmful ingredients!
The versatility of non-toxic floor cleaners
Non-toxic floor cleaners offer more than just a clean floor. They are versatile solutions that can be used on various surfaces, including ceramic tile, hardwood, linoleum, and laminate floors. This also means you can save some cash by using products with multiple uses! And unlike some conventional cleaners that may damage delicate flooring materials, non-toxic alternatives provide a gentle yet powerful cleaning action, preserving the integrity and longevity of your floors. Remember to do a spot test first to ensure these products won’t damage the flooring.
Allergy and asthma-friendly options
For individuals with allergies or asthma, non-toxic floor cleaners are a game-changer. These products are formulated without harsh irritants and intense fragrances, making them hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive individuals. Breathing in cleaner air, free from chemical fumes, can significantly improve the quality of life for those prone to respiratory issues. This was huge for our family as my husband and son have asthma and struggle with chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Knowing they are both safe and won’t have an asthma attack because of a product I’m using makes me feel even better about the choices we’ve made in our home.
Safe for children and pets
If you have young children or pets at home, the significance of using non-toxic floor cleaners cannot be emphasized enough. Children and pets often spend time close to the floor, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of toxic residues. You can create a safe environment for your little ones to explore and play without worry with non-toxic alternatives. As a mom of 6 kids, I love knowing that the products I use to keep our home clean aren’t causing harm to my children and pets in the process. I want a clean house, but not at the cost of my family’s health. With non-toxic alternatives, all the products I use are child and pet safe.
Non-toxic living is a mindful lifestyle choice
Adopting a non-toxic lifestyle goes beyond using eco-friendly floor cleaners. It reflects a commitment to conscious choices for our health and the environment. We may have started living this way because of our son’s diagnosis, but we choose to continue living this lifestyle after seeing just how many benefits there are. I don’t have to worry about my children getting into harsh chemicals, we aren’t breathing in toxic synthetic fragrances, and we’ve reduced our exposure to ingredients linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, infertility, and so much more.
Okay! Now that we’ve covered how great non-toxic products can be, I’ll tell you my top 3 favorite non-toxic floor cleaners!
I want you to know that I will never promote a product I haven’t tested. I chose these three because I’ve used them all; I love how well they work for us, and they’re all affordable! Let’s face it, that last one is essential when you have a big family like ours!
Here are my top picks for non-toxic floor cleaners:
White Vinegar
Before scrunching your nose, there are ways to make vinegar more enjoyable. I like to infuse mine with orange peel, lemon juice, or pine needles. It’s straightforward, too. All you have to do is pour vinegar into a large jar, add orange peels, lemon juice, or pine, and seal it for at least a week. It helps mask the strong smell of the vinegar and leaves a fresh scent behind. Alternatively, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like peppermint, citrus, or tea tree, into a mop bucket while filling it with water. Depending on the scent and how strong I want it, I use 5-10 drops of essential oil to mop my floors, plus one cup of vinegar in a large bucket of hot mop water.
Castile soap
Another great non-toxic cleaner is castile soap. Containing only plant-based ingredients, it is a great option for those who stick to vegan products. I buy a massive bottle from Amazon, which lasts about 6 months! Use 2 tbsp.- ¼ cup per bucket of hot mop water and get to scrubbing! It does create some bubbles, but I’ve never had it leave a sticky residue on my floors when mopping. Also, this mop system from O-Cedar is the greatest of all time. You won’t convince me anything else is better! I replace about 4 mop heads every 4-5 months. To clean them, throw them in the wash on the hottest setting, but don’t put them in the dryer. It’ll wear them out faster. Just let them air dry.
Young Living Thieves
If you’re not interested in using vinegar or castile soap, Young Living’s cleaning line is fantastic. It’s pricier than using castile soap or white vinegar but still incredibly affordable! When diluted, the cost per bottle is around $1! I use about 1 tbsp per bucket of hot mop water and replace my water for every 1-2 rooms. If cleaning bathrooms, I use fresh water for each. The scent reminds me of cinnamon and leaves my floors looking so good without the toxic chemicals! You can purchase a starter pack or a single product here!
Branch Basics
It’s the priciest option I’m sharing today, but it’s still a great option. Branch Basics concentrate can be diluted in a spray bottle with warm water to use as an all-purpose cleaner, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, and floor cleaner! I enjoy this brand, but because I’ve found more affordable options, we no longer purchase the cleaning solution unless they run a sale.
Conclusion
Non-toxic floor cleaners are an effective way to achieve clean floors throughout your home without harsh fumes or questionable ingredients. Additionally, the benefits of using non-toxic floor cleaners extend far beyond a clean, shiny floor. Switching to non-toxic alternatives allows us to safeguard our health, protect the environment, and create a safer living space for our children and furry friends. Remember that you don’t have to change every product in your home at one time! Take this process slowly and remind yourself you’re doing an incredible job.
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