How do I safely clean my floors?

Lu McNab
by Lu McNab

We have a Calico Cat and a Choc. Lab. My issue is how to safely wash my floors without using chemical cleaners. I am very aware that pets have died due to people who have used 'Swifter Picker Uppers' etc. Due to pets walking on the floors and then they lick their paws and ingest the chemicals and end up very sick or dying. **I truly wish people were more conscientious about this danger. I have just bought a new 'Pro Mist Max' for my floors from Home Hardware; but I am not buying the floor cleaner liquid. The cleaner did 'not' state the ingredients but the bottle did say - if any liquid gets in your eyes or mouth go to hospital for medical treatment. Great - Exactly what I don't want for my pets. **My only thought is to use Water & Vinegar. ***Can somebody please recommend something that will: A) clean. B) smell nice. C) perhaps provide a nice shine???. I look forward to your recommendations .... please H e l p !!!! Thank you, Luanne Merry Christmas.

  6 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Dec 14, 2018

    Never heard of this. Nothing on news about it . Are you sure that a swifter product killed animals?

  • Lyn Peterson Marshall Lyn Peterson Marshall on Dec 14, 2018

    Yes, on pet sites, it has been reported that the liquid has caused death of some animals. I don't use it, so don't have a bottle to see if there are warnings.

  • Karen | Decor Hint Karen | Decor Hint on Dec 14, 2018

    I have never heard this either, but thanks for bringing it to my attention. It’s nice that you are so conscientious for your animals. I am the same way! I’ve always used a warm water solution with a squirt of Castile soap to clean my floors. I’ve also heard that warm water with vinegar works as well as using black tea! Sorry I don’t have the exact recipes for the last two. Here are some products that claim to be natural and non toxic : https://www.thespruce.com/green-floor-cleaners-1706994

  • First, what type of floors do you have? Flooring material dictates what can be used to clean them.


    Next, you can use a swiffer, but only purchase the dry mop pads. Or do what I did. I went to a janitorial supply house and purchased an industrial use "swiffer type" mop with microfiber cloth removable and washable heads.


    I have a houseful of pets. 3 dogs, 6 cats, a canary and a dragon, 3 neighbor dogs and over Christmas, my ex hubsters 3 dogs will be here too. Birds are extremely susceptible to odors and chemicals.


    For the wood floors, I use Bona and the bird is moved into another room until dry. Dogs and cats have never been sick from it. And their are a few with health issues and a few are senior dogs.


    For the tile and vinyl, I use good old white vinegar and water solution.


    For sheet vinyl and tile you can use a steam mop.

  • William William on Dec 14, 2018

    Use Bona for laminate floors. Lot of great info from Naomie.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 05, 2021

    Hello there,

    Invest in a Stem Cleaner, then you won't ever have the problems you refer too....