Floor care chemicals are regarded as some of the harshest that are used in the cleaning industry. The push toward greener, more natural floor care products, however, is proving that most jobs can be done without chemicals that are dangerous to workers and building occupants. Popular green floor cleaners include hydrogen peroxide cleaners for daily maintenance and plant-based solvents such as citrus and soy.

While chemicals have been undergoing significant formulaic changes to become more environmentally friendly, machines have been introducing new ways of cleaning without harsh chemical — or, in some cases, any chemicals at all. Electrolyzed water, or a mixture of salt and tap water exposed to small electrical charges, is now used instead of chemicals.