Natural Floor Cleaners Safe for Dogs
Over the years, I’ve tried to limit chemicals used in our home due to my severe allergies and, of course, my dog’s health. Keeping my allergies in check means minimal carpet that can easily be cleaned thoroughly. Searching for a chemical-free floor cleaner was challenging, but I finally found a few options.
How to Clean With Natural Floor Products
When choosing a natural floor cleaner, I had a couple of requirements: it must be easy to use and work. Oh, I’ve tried every gadget imaginable until I stumbled upon the Bona Hardwood Floor mop at a local discount store. This mop can be purchased alone, meaning you don’t have to purchase the Bona floor care products to get the mop. Thankfully, this mop contains a wide cloth pad that can easily be removed for washing once floors have been cleaned.
Before mopping my floors, I sweep up or vacuum debris and dog hair. Then, I wet the attachable mop pad using hot water, wring out any excess water and attach it to the floor mop. Now, I spritz floor cleaner in small sections on the floor and follow up with the mop to clean the surface thoroughly. As I move through each room, I rinse the mop pad and squeeze out any extra water. Once all the floors are clean, I toss it in the washer.
RELATED: Hypoallergenic Dogs Don’t Exist
Natural Floor Cleaners That Work
From my experience, I’ve learned which products cleaned floors well and didn’t harm my dog’s feet or skin. So far, in 10 years, I’ve never left a streak on dark chocolate brown hardwood floors or a sticky film on ceramic tile. 🙂
Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner
Floors are germ magnets. We walk on them and so do our dogs. With that in mind, I scoured the cleaning world for a gentle, yet effective disinfectant that would clean floors without leaving a sticky film or streaks on very dark hardwood floors. This product did an amazing job and it killed 99.99% of household germs without bleach. Instead, this natural floor cleaner contains thyme oil, oregano oil, citronella and lemongrass, which leaves a lightly scented smell behind while it zaps germs into oblivion.
Good Old Vinegar and Water (With a Dash of Essential Oil)
In a pinch, this works really well too. Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into a gallon of warm water and add 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil. Personally, I strongly dislike the smell of vinegar, so the essential oil makes the smell much more pleasant. Dunk the mop pad into the mixture and wring out excess water. As you’re cleaning, rinse the mop pad as needed. Or you can cheat like I do, and pour this mixture into a spray bottle and clean as you go.
Use this mixture on vinyl and ceramic flooring. I would not recommend using on hardwood floors. I tried it once and it left a horrible film, which the Seventh Generation floor cleaner promptly removed.
Once you’ve started using a new floor cleaner, check your dog’s paws and skin (elbows, tummy and chest) daily for irritation. Now, sit back and enjoy your gleaming chemical-free floors! 🙂
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Flea Products for Dogs With Seizures
