Natural Floor Cleaning Products

Jun 15, 2011 | By Susan Lundman

You can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint by giving up your car or moving to a smaller house, but such large-scale actions are not possible for most people. However, the use of natural floor-cleaning products offers a path toward a greener planet that is well within everyone's reach. Using natural products in your home reduces your exposure to harsh chemicals and prevent those chemicals from reaching streams and rivers.

Stone, Brick and Concrete Floors

Elissa Altman, author of "Baking Soda, Banana Peels, Baby Oil and Beyond," recommends using a concentrated water and vinegar mixture of 1 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water. The mixture is most effective when you scrub hard with a stiff brush. For concrete basement floors with oil stains, blot the stain with newspaper, spread kitty litter over the stain, let the kitty litter stand for 24 hours and sweep or vacuum it up.

Tile or Linoleum Floors

Altman suggests mopping tile or linoleum floors with 1/2 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. Charity Guide.com suggests adding 4 tbsp. of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water for an all-purpose cleaner that you can also use on floors. Additionally, you can use any natural soap made without harsh chemicals, such as a castile type soap.

Vinyl or Linoleum Floors

Altman has numerous tips for vinyl and linoleum floors. She recommends scrubbing the floor with club soda and the abrasive side of a sponge to remove built-up wax. For mopping, use 3 cups of water to 1 cup of rubbing alcohol. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly when you're done. For black heel marks, spray the mark with WD-40, let it sit for 5 minutes and rub the mark with a soft cloth.

Wood Floors

According to Healthy Child.org, 1 cup of white vinegar to approximately 2 gallons of hot water effectively cleans wood floors, as well as other types of floors. Wring your mop frequently as you clean wood floors to avoid getting them too wet.