Creating a home that supports health and energy has been a personal mission of mine, and one area that often gets overlooked is what we walk on every day. Many people don’t realize that our feet are highly absorbent. They contain numerous sweat glands and pores, which means they can take in substances from the surfaces beneath us. When we walk barefoot on synthetic flooring that contains chemicals or is releasing off-gassing compounds, our bodies may be exposed to some of those substances as well.

For many years, I had polyester carpet in my home simply because it’s the most common option. However, right before ZZ was born, we decided to replace the polyester carpet with wool. Polyester carpet is made from petroleum and is often treated with flame retardants, stain-resistant coatings, and adhesives that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. In other words, something that feels cozy underfoot can also come with hidden chemical exposure. Since making that change, I’ve also chosen to use real hardwood and natural stone flooring throughout the rest of our home.

For me, choosing natural flooring isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about creating a home environment that feels good to live in and supports our bodies rather than quietly working against them. Small changes in the materials we surround ourselves with can make a meaningful difference in how our homes support overall wellbeing. Below is a list of some of my favorite non-toxic floor cleaners that help keep these spaces clean without introducing unnecessary chemicals.