Pet Safe Floor Cleaner: 6 Best Non-Toxic Options

Our pets are masters at bringing the outdoors inside, so between the dirt and mud and their own fur and drool, keeping the floor clean can feel like a Herculean task. With all the scrubbing that pet owners are bound to do, it’s important to make sure to choose a pet-safe floor cleaner to keep your floors spick and span. 

“There’s a common phrase in medicine, ‘The solution to pollution is dilution,’” says Dr. Marcy McKeithen, The Motor City Pet Doc. What that means is that when products are used as directed—and properly diluted—most are safe for pets. 

That says, there are some things you can be on the lookout for if you’re in the market for pet-safe floor cleaners, ones that are specifically targeted as being safe to use around animals. Here are some things to consider.

Pet-safe floor cleaners are cleaning products that are formulated without ingredients and chemicals that are harmful to dogs and cats. Some of these harmful substances include bleach, ammonia, and hydrochloric acid. 

“As an emergency veterinarian, I’ve seen dogs and cats after direct exposure—like licking or walking over—to chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, detergents, shampoo, and toilet bowl cleaners,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer. “These cases exhibited ulceration of the lips, tongue, mouth, eyes, paws, or after ingestion of a caustic detergent or cleaning agent, causing erosion and burns to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.”

Klein says most issues happen following direct exposure to a toxic cleaner that had not been properly diluted or didn’t have enough time to dry.

Best Pet Safe Floor Cleaners

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

You can always consult with your veterinarian or a cleaning expert if you’re not sure whether a specific ingredient listed in your cleaning supply is safe for your pet. If you’re in the market for something new, the following are some good options for pet-safe floor cleaners:

Our Picks:

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Eco-me Concentrated Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
• Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
• Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash
• Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Begley’s Best Earth Responsible Natural Plant-Based Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Puracy Professional Carpet Cleaner

Best Pet-Safe Multi-Surface Floor Cleaners

Eco-me Concentrated Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner

This plant-based formula is safe on vinyl, sealed wood, stone, tile, linoleum, and laminated surfaces.

Highlights

• Made in the USA
• Not as expensive as some other eco-friendly cleaning options

Things to Consider 

• The herbal mint scent might not be for everyone
• Some users noted that there was a slight residue leftover after cleaning
• Must be diluted before use

Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner

Another hard-working, multi-surface option, this floor cleaner can be found through multiple sellers, and it can be used on a ton of different surface areas including hardwoods, vinyl, laminate and more.

Highlights

• Good for a variety of different floor types
• Can be bought from several sellers and in a variety of sizing options
• Can be sprayed directly onto the floor
• Not as expensive as some other eco-friendly cleaning options

What to Consider:

• Liquid may appear clear or amber-tinted
• Some users noted a residue after use

Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash

One of the most simplistic options out there, this floor cleaner lets vinegar do the hard work. But don’t let the vinegar scare you—this stuff is available in a variety of scents and it smells great! 

Highlights

• Comes in multiple scents — including lavender, mandarin, lemon and more — and different sizing/package options
• One of the cheaper options
• Works on any sealed floor, including hardwood, tile, concentrate, linoleum, bamboo, vinyl, laminate, and more

Things to Consider:

• Must be diluted before use

Best Pet-Safe Floor Cleaners for Hardwood Floors

Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Like the brand’s multi-surface cleaner, Aunt Fannie’s hardwood version is just as safe and effective at cleaning wood floors.

Highlights

• Still one of the cheaper options on the market
• Breaks down dirt, food, grease, and grime without using chemicals

Things to Consider:

• Must be diluted before use

Begley’s Best Earth Responsible Natural Plant-Based Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Promises to provide streak-free cleaning to hardwood floors with no waxy film or residue, all while leaving the harsh chemicals behind.

Highlights

• Can be poured directly on the floor 
• Made in the USA
• Comes in different size packaging options
• Good for all wood or engineered flooring finishes

Things to Consider:

• Certain versions come without a spray nozzle
• Like other natural options, there is a slight residue after use

Best Pet-Safe Floor Cleaners for Carpets

Puracy Professional Carpet Cleaner

For use with a carpet machine or by hand, this plant-powered, low-foam formula promises professional results.

Highlights

• Uses naturally derived detergents and deodorizers 
• Can also be used on upholstery and other washable surfaces
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider:

• The added essential oil and extracts produces a floral smell that some might not want
• Be sure to follow directions carefully when using with a carpet cleaning machine and/or vacuum

Pet-Safe Floor Cleaner Buying Guide

Our pets spend most of their time close to the ground and with access to many low-lying areas. They may like to lick their paws, or the floor, and exposure to harmful chemicals can occur from either direct contact or through ingestion.Depending on the size of your pet, smaller animals may require ingestion or contact with less of a particular substance to cause possible toxicity issues, as well.  

If you are trying to find products targeted as safe for pets, remember that when it comes to cleaning supplies, “natural” does not always equal “safe.” “Many plants in nature can be toxic, and even deadly,” says Dr. Klein. “Essential oils can also be toxic if ingested, not properly diluted, or if your pet comes in direct contact with it,” he says.

When possible, he suggests choosing a fragrance-free option, along with keeping the above chemical considerations in mind. 

Dr. McKeithen also recommends trying to find products that leave little to no residue, since leftover product can be harmful when licked or walked on.

Pet-Friendly Floor Cleaning Tips

Using a chemical-free cleaning solution is a good start, but there are some other steps to take for maximum safety when it comes to your pet and floor cleaning. 

1. Keep pets out of the rooms that are being cleaned until the floors are completely dry and, if using chemicals, Dr. Klein suggests rinsing the area with clean water afterwards. 

2. Open any doors or windows to provide for extra ventilation when you’re cleaning. Just make sure doors and windows are secure, so pets don’t escape.

3. Read all labels thoroughly. “Look to labels for advice, and if you have products in your house that say they are corrosive or harmful if ingested, keep them away from your dog or cat,” says Dr. Klein. 

4. Follow the directions. “Disinfecting cleaning products will often be designed for diluting before use,” Klein adds. “In their concentrated form, any strong type of disinfectant, bleach, etc., may be harmful if your pet comes into direct contact with it.”

5. Store all your cleaning products carefully. “Keep cleaning products safely locked away in closed cabinets or on high shelves that your dog has no way of accessing,” says Dr. Klein. He also suggests installing child-proof latches on cabinets, since some pets are adept at opening them or chewing through them. 

6. Properly dispose of your cleaning supplies and keep bins securely covered so that your pets cannot get into them.

Never induce vomiting when a solution is ingested and contact the ASCA poison hotline (888-426-4435) or your veterinarian right away. 

Remember, “every single pet is different,” Dr. McKeithen adds. “Some products may cause irritation to specific pets, and that should never be ignored, even if something is not labeled ‘toxic.’”