Clean that Floor Without Chemical Exposure

      There are very few of us that can stand a dirty floor. On the other hand there are very few of us that enjoy actually cleaning a dirty floor. Let’s face it, floors are probably some of the dirtiest places in our homes. We are always looking for the next product that will allow us to quickly and effectively clean our floors with the greatest of ease. There are so many floor cleaners and polishes out there and many of them contain chemicals and compounds which are highly toxic to humans and animals. For example, let’s look at Mop and Glo Triple Action Floor Shine Cleaner. If you look at the warning labels you will find the following:

Acute Health Effects

From MSDS
Eye Contact: None expected
Skin Contact: None expected
Inhalation: None known.
Ingestion: None known

 

      Now when you read this you are to be confident that this product is pretty safe to use in your home. The main ingredient in this product is 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol. If you look past the long name, you'll see this ingredient has some very nasty symptoms when introduced to humans and animals. Some of these include central nervous system depression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, lesions on the brain, lungs, liver, and heart, and the list goes on and on.  All of this is from a product that we are to use in our homes. This is just one example.

            So what can we do to avoid these harsh products and effectively clean our floors? Fortunately there are a host of simple solutions!

1. Natural Organic Cleaning Products . There are several companies out there that are making a difference in the floor cleaning industry. One of the most notable is BONA. BONA offers are host of highly effective and safe floor cleaning products and they are backed by major health certifications.
2. Steam Mops. For cleaning floors that are not waxed there is no comparison to using the power of steam. Steam mops not only disinfect your floors but melt away tough grime and can even remove stains.
3. Using Household Items and Ingredients.  Believe it or not water is a great option to start with. If you find that grime and dirt are just too strong add lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda. There are even some rather unorthodox options such as using black tea to clean wood floors.

      Whatever method you may choose to go with make sure that you are well informed of how to go about using that method. As we become more informed we will be healthier and we will be able to care for our homes more effectively!

 

John Hufford is the owner of Green Horizons Services, an environmental cleaning andconsulting business