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Best Non-Toxic Floor Finish in 2024
Updated:
Nov 18, 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
+ 1 more
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic floor finishes on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
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Find Non-Toxic Floor Finish
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
All Natural Beeswax Furniture Polish, Lavender & Sweet Orange Oil - Daddy Van's
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$17.95
Product Details
- Made with all-natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals and petroleum distillates.
- Beeswax creates a protective barrier on wood surfaces, guarding against stains and drying.
- Combines beeswax and orange oil to nourish and condition wood, preventing drying and cracking.
- Features a pleasant scent from sweet orange essential oil, enhancing the ambiance of your home.
- Easy application process: apply with a cloth in a circular motion, buff to a subtle sheen for a natural finish.
- Suitable for various wood surfaces like furniture, cabinets, and doors.
- USDA Certified 100% Biobased, indicating the use of sustainable and eco-friendly organic materials.
- Produced in Asheville, North Carolina, USA using both domestic and imported ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Natural
- Pleasant
Cons Mentioned
- Pricey
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Olive Oil
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Shine Refresher Hardwood Polish Restorer , Unscented - Rejuvenate
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$12.48
Product Details
- Safe for use on sealed hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile surfaces.
- Single, easy-to-apply coat that shines and protects with no buildup.
- Dries within 10 minutes to revitalize floors.
- Helps preserve the shine on newer and recently restored floors.
- Recommended to use with Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner for best results.
- Shine Refresher polish should be evenly applied using a dampened Rejuvenate Microfiber Restorer Pad or Bonnet.
- Product should be allowed to dry for 10 minutes before walking on the floor.
- Rejuvenate Microfiber Pads are washable and reusable up to 100 times.
- Contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Rejuvenating
- Shiny
- Easy
Cons Mentioned
- Inconsistent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Styrene Acrylic Polymer, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Oxidized Polyolefin Wax, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Professional Wood Floor Restorer and Polish, Unscented - Rejuvenate
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$59.99
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Shiny
- Easy
Cons Mentioned
- Dusty
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Styrene Acrylic Polymer, Oxidized Polyolefin Wax, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Triethylamine
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
All Floors Restorer and Polish, Unscented - Rejuvenate
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$19.98
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Shiny
- Durable
- Easy
Cons Mentioned
- Pricy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Styrene Acrylic Polymer, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Oxidized Polyolefin Wax, Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Professional Wood Floor Restorer with Satin/Matte Finish, Unscented - Rejuvenate
Certifications
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$79.23
Product Details
- Wood floor restoration and polishing formula fills in scratches, restores glossy shine, and protects hardwood flooring.
- Bonds to existing finish to resist stains and spills without a waxy build-up.
- Non-toxic, pour-on and mop application with a microfiber mop bonnet seals and protects wood floors for years.
- Designed for use on hardwood floors; not recommended for laminate, tile, stone, vinyl, or other flooring surfaces.
- ResidueFree High Performance All Floors Cleaner eliminates tough dirt and grime without leaving a dull shine.
- Safe for daily use on all types of floors; no mop bucket needed.
- PH Balanced formula with shine booster technology preserves floor finish and removes old wax buildup and residue.
- Applicable using pour, spray, or the Click n Clean spray mop system suitable for multiple floor types.
- Product developed and manufactured in the USA.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Refreshing
- Effective
- Impressive
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Water, Styrene Acrylic Polymer, Oxidized Polyolefin Wax, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Triethylamine
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
PolyWhey Floor Finish - Satin, Unscented - Vermont Natural
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$94.98
Product Details
- Ultra-durable protection against chemicals, mar, and scratches.
- Low VOC for better indoor air quality and health.
- Uses bio-based whey protein as a co-binder, making it a USDA Certified Bio-Based Product.
- Quick drying allows for the application of 3 coats in a single day with a 2-hour dry time per coat.
- Easy application and cleanup with soap and water.
- Applicable in temperatures between 65F-80F and relative humidity of 40%-60% to achieve optimum results.
- Recommended to apply three coats for optimal performance.
- Should not be applied in direct sunlight and variations in humidity or temperature may affect the drying time.
- No thinning required as it could reduce performance.
- Sanding is required on previously finished wood or distressed areas before application for better adhesion.
- Application should be done with a brush, floor pad, or t-bar, applying thin, even coats to avoid puddling, with overlapping strokes maintaining a wet edge.
- Light sanding after the first coat with fine sandpaper is recommended, followed by vacuuming and wiping with a water-dampened cloth and approved wood cleaner for a smoother finish.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Easy
- Low-odor
Cons Mentioned
- Cloudy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Triethylamine, Silicon Dioxide, Chemically Prepared, Zinc Oxide (Zno)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
Naturals Penetrating Oil, Unscented - Afm Safecoat
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$150.04
Product Details
- Made from 100% organic flax, linseed, hemp, and soybean oils with isoaliphate
- Free from cobalt and lead driers
- Suitable for use on most unsealed wood surfaces, either new or weathered
- Does not contain aromatic hydrocarbons, mildewcides, fungicides, or preservatives
- Nonphotochemically reactive
- Enhances the natural beauty of wood surfaces by rejuvenating and weatherproofing
- Helps reduce peeling, blistering, cracking and improves dimensional stability of wood
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Natural
- Effective
- Easy
Cons Mentioned
- Poor
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Polymerized Linseed Oil, Organic Flaxseed Oil, Isoaliphate, Modified Soybean Oil, Hemp Oil, Carboxylate Metallic Salts Of Calcium Mangenese & Zirconium
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
PolyWhey Floor Finish - Semi Gloss, Unscented - Vermont Natural
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$98.18
Product Details
- Ultra-durable: Offers high durability with protection against chemicals, marring, and scratches.
- Low VOC: Ensures healthier indoor air quality.
- Bio-based: Utilizes whey protein as a co-binder, contributing to sustainability and durability as a USDA Certified Bio-Based Product.
- Quick drying: Allows for the application of 3 coats in a single day with each coat drying in approximately 2 hours.
- Easy application and cleanup: Facilitates quick project completion with simple cleanup using soap and water.
- Optimal application conditions: Best applied in temperatures between 65°F to 80°F and 40%-60% relative humidity, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Application recommendations: Three coats recommended for optimal performance, without thinning the product to maintain effectiveness.
- Surface preparation and application tips: Includes sanding old finishes, testing on wood samples, and applying thin, even coats with specific tools and techniques for best results.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Easy
- Low-odor
Cons Mentioned
- Cloudy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Triethylamine, Silicon Dioxide, Chemically Prepared, Zinc Oxide (Zno)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all cleaning products on Welpr.
PolyWhey Floor Finish - Matte, Unscented - Vermont Natural
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$98.17
Product Details
- High durability against chemicals, mar, and scratches
- Low VOCs enhance indoor air quality
- USDA Certified Bio-Based Product using renewable whey protein
- Quick drying formula allows for application of 3 coats in a day with a 2-hour dry time per coat
- Easy application and cleanup with soap and water
- Neutral odor
- Recommended application temperature between 65F-80F with relative humidity of 40%-60%
- For best performance, three coats are recommended
- High humidity or low temperatures may extend drying time
- For previously finished wood, sanding is recommended before application
- Applicable with a brush, floor pad, or t-bar
- Light sanding with very fine sandpaper suggested after the first coat
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Durable
- Easy
- Low-odor
Cons Mentioned
- Cloudy
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use this EWG tool.
Ingredients: Silicon Dioxide, Chemically Prepared, Di(propylene Glycol) Butyl Ether, Zinc Oxide (ZnO)
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Floor Finish
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Naphtha
Benzene is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It is used in a variety of products, including motor fuels, solvents, pharmaceuticals, and detergents. It's also present in substances such as crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, and is one of the top 20 most produced chemicals in the U.S. However, benzene is also known to be a human carcinogen, with both acute and chronic exposure causing numerous health concerns, including drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and irritation in the short-term and blood disorders, reproductive effects, anemia, and an increased risk of leukemia in the long-term. Various measures have been taken to limit benzene exposure, including the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration setting standards for occupational exposure and the European Union reducing the maximum allowed benzene content in gasoline from 5% to 1% by volume in 2000.
Ammonium Hydroxide
Ammonium hydroxide is a corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. High concentrations, either through inhalation or prolonged exposure, can lead to significant respiratory issues, including inflammation, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema. It is used in various industries such as fertilizers, dyes, explosives, plastics, and cleansing agents, among others. Due to its intense pungency and potential to cause extreme irritation and even life-threatening conditions, precautions such as wearing protective clothing and immediate cleansing of affected areas are recommended. It should be stored away from combustibles and heavy metals, in well-ventilated areas and in specified containers. Disposal guidelines also need to be referred from environmental regulatory agencies due to the hazardous nature of the substance.
Sources:
The Facts About Ammonia, Chemical Safety Facts: Ammonia, ATSDR Chemical Profile, EPA: Ammonia, Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater, EPA Chemical Profile, Mass Casualties from Acute Inhalation of Chloramine Gas, Ventilatory disorders associated with occupational inhalation exposure to ammonia, Ecological and toxicological effects of inorganic nitrogen pollution in aquatic ecosystems: A global assessment, TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR AMMONIA ,
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.
Sources:
Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk, Cleaning Products & Indoor Air Quality, No More Toxic Tub, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Preservatives, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives, Formaldehyde may be found in cosmetic products even when unlabelled, Formaldehyde Found in Popular American Beauty Products, Hair Salons - Formaldehyde in Your Products, Formaldehyde in cosmetic products
Nitrobenzene
Nitrobenzene is a yellow, oily liquid with an almond-like odor that is primarily used in the manufacturing of aniline. It also finds applications in the production of lubricants, dyes, drugs, pesticides, and synthetic rubber. Although it does not fully dissolve in water, it can evaporate into the air. Prolonged exposure to nitrobenzene, either through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact can lead to a range of health issues, such as methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder), along with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and at higher concentrations, disturbed vision and coma. While its effect on human fertility and its potential as a carcinogenic are unclassified, animal studies have indicated inhaling nitrobenzene can reduce fertility.
Phenol
Phenol is a manufactured chemical and natural substance that is primarily used in the production of phenolic resins, nylon, and other synthetic fibers. It is also used in slimicides and various medicinal preparations. Exposure to phenol may occur from certain medicinal products and it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and toxicity when ingested. It can also lead to various health problems such as weight loss, vertigo, kidney damage, and other serious health conditions. It is highly corrosive, flammable, moderately soluble in water, and has a sweet, tar-like odor; it should be handled with protective clothing and stored in well-ventilated areas to avoid toxic exposure.
Morpholine
Exposure to high concentrations of morpholine can cause prominent liver damage in animals. Additionally, occupational exposure to this substance can result in skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, but no long-term health effects have been reported. Morpholine is also regarded as corrosive to skin and can induce pulmonary edema.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is primarily used to create salts that aid in the processing of producing fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers. It also acts as a surfactant in firefighting foams, an intermediate in creating fluoroacrylic esters, and a crucial aspect in manufacturing Teflon and similar chemicals. However, exposure to PFOA can lead to adverse health effects, including alterations in thyroid hormone levels, lower fertility, an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a possible link to ADHD, smaller abdominal circumference and birth length in infants, an increased risk of common cold and gastroenteritis in children, and potentially prostate cancer mortality. Studies on animals have indicated possible liver and brain dysfunction, carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Ecotoxicity studies found alterations in genes linked to lipid metabolism, hormone action, immune responses, and mitochondrial functions in rare minnows exposed to PFOA.
Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)
Perfluoroalkyls are synthetic chemicals known for their ability to resist oil, grease, and water, primarily used in surface protection products and fire-fighting foams. The two most abundant perfluoroalkyls are perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Studies have observed liver enlargement and elevated cholesterol in animals given high doses, and the presence of PFOS in various populations has raised environmental and health concerns, leading to the phase-out of some PFOS-based chemicals. Tests have shown a range of health effects in animals, including eye irritation, liver changes, teratogenic effects, and more, with no evidence of mutagenicity. However, no substantial link has been found between PFAS concentrations and increased cardiometabolic risk measures in human studies, and there are no known health effects from exposure when used as intended.
Acetone
Acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid that dissolves in water and has a distinct smell and taste. It is also known as dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, and beta-ketopropane. This manufactured chemical, which is used to create plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals, can also be found in the environment in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites, with industrial processes contributing more to its presence than natural ones. Acetone can be harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled, potentially causing irritation to the skin and respiratory tract, as well as adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS), liver, and kidneys. The allowable exposure limit is set based on its potential to cause eye and upper respiratory irritation and CNS impairment.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, highly flammable liquid that evaporates quickly into the air and slightly dissolves in water. It's a byproduct of both natural processes and human activities, used extensively in the U.S production of other chemicals for plastics, resins, nylon, rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Present in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, benzene is also released into the air from burning coal, oil, gasoline stations, and vehicle exhaust. Short-term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and irritation, while long-term exposure leads to blood disorders, reproductive effects, and even leukemia. Benzene has been classified by EPA as a known human carcinogen, and regulations apply to various industry sectors with potentially high exposure risks.
Sources:
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, when administered orally or through the skin in doses exceeding 800-1000 mg/kg/day, can cause central nervous system depression and changes to the liver and kidneys in animals. However, it doesn't exhibit significant developmental toxicity at these levels. The chemical is not expected to have adverse effects unless workers are exposed to its heated liquid mists. It is an eye irritant and provokes harm to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and reproductive system in animal feeding studies. Despite these potential harms, it is poorly absorbed through the skin.
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