Lesson 1 of 6
Floors & Surfaces
This is ground zero — your pets walk it, nap on it, and lick their paws clean after every step.
-
Swap 1 of 3
DitchAntibacterial floor cleaners & disinfecting wipes
Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats / benzalkonium chloride)
WhyQuats are common disinfectant ingredients, and a 2021 European cohort study documented occupational asthma caused by them in workers who use them regularly.
ASPCA: Poisonous Household ProductsRead the research
The ASPCA notes most cleaning products are fine around dogs and cats when used as labeled, so the goal is to follow the label, rinse, and keep pets off wet floors until dry.
Swap toA diluted all-purpose concentrate such as Ecolosophy's. Follow the label, rinse floors with plain water, and keep pets off wet surfaces until dry. For cat homes, choose Unscented Oasis.
The Ecolosophy swap Super Concentrate Kit — Unscented OasisThe cleaner for this floors & surfaces step: fragrance-free, so nothing extra lingers on surfaces, in the air, or on little hands and paws.
$69.00 -
Swap 2 of 3
DitchPine-scented & 'fresh' multi-surface sprays
Strongly scented pine/medicinal-smelling cleaners
WhyStrong pine or medicinal scents come from concentrated fragrance and sometimes disinfectant ingredients.
ASPCA: Poisonous Household ProductsRead the research
Cats groom what lands on their paws and have sharper noses than we do, so heavy scent is more than a nuisance. Check the label, and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if a pet licks or breathes something and seems unwell.
Swap toA lightly scented or unscented concentrate diluted in water, and open windows while you clean. Unscented Oasis is our pick for cat homes.
The Ecolosophy swap Super Concentrate Kit — Unscented OasisThe cleaner for this floors & surfaces step: fragrance-free, so nothing extra lingers on surfaces, in the air, or on little hands and paws.
$69.00 -
Swap 3 of 3
DitchGlossy floor polishes & sealers
Glycol ethers
WhySome floor polishes and sealers contain solvents such as glycol ethers.
EPA: Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air QualityRead the research
The EPA links VOC exposure to headaches and eye, nose, and throat irritation, and pets lie on floors for hours, so let anything you apply dry fully with the room ventilated before pets return.
Swap toPlain warm water with a small amount of diluted concentrate, buffed with a microfiber mop. Keep pets out of the room until the floor is completely dry.
Tool for this roomASPCA Animal Poison Control Call if your pet gets into a cleaner or a plant. A consultation fee may apply. (888) 426-4435
Sources for this lesson