Take a closer look, one unbiased by claims made by commercial interests and loaded with an understanding of environmental health. That clean floor may pose more risk than necessary. Conventional cleaning products contain an array of harsh, antibacterial agents. Alkylphenols, found in both cleaners and personal care products, are known endocrine disruptors. Lead, mercury and the pesticide triclosan, another cleaning additive, have been linked to breast cancer. Potential adverse effects of nano-silver, a powerful antimicrobial, led the Natural Resources Defense Council to file suit against the Environmental Protection Agency for allowing the premature, though conditional registration of a nano-silver based fabric treatment.

Other potentially dangerous substances in cleaning products include formaldehyde, concentrated pine oil, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DEGBE) and ammonium hydroxide. These may burn the lungs, soak through the skin and even enter the bloodstream.

For clean floors without the risk, try using basic ingredients already found in your kitchen. Baking soda combined with white vinegar offers more than a mock volcanic reaction. Sprinkle some baking soda on gelled juice or soda stains in your carpet, then add white vinegar and watch the mess loosen. Blot to remove.

General cleaning of carpets starts with sprinkling baking soda or cornstarch. Vacuum as usual. Steam clean with vinegar and a few drops of essential oil. Peppermint oil deters ants.

For hardwood floors, mix a half gallon of water and one cup of white vinegar. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or several drops of any citrus essential oil, if preferred. This will both cut that salad bar scent and help lift dirt. Do not use essential oil blends because these are often mixed in streak producing carrier oils. If streaks from existing oils on your floors are a problem, add a few tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to the mix.

Tile floors and steam cleaning go hand in hand. Pick up dust and pet hair with a micro-fiber mop before steam cleaning with a simple solution of vinegar and water.

Clean floors and healthy, nontoxic environments are not only possible, but cost effective. To learn more about cleaning hardwood and carpet, visit the Carolina Flooring Services website and let their staff help you find the best treatments for your flooring.