The Basic Wood Floor Cleaner
There is a pretty basic floor cleaning recipe out there that everyone has a version of. All you need to use is a quarter cup of white vinegar, a gallon of warm water, and some of your favorite essential oils. You can use whatever you like, but the most popular options are grapefruit, lemon, or lavender because they help to cancel out the scent of the vinegar. You can use as much or as little as you want.
Its good to know that vinegar is the key ingredient here because it actually disinfects the floor, helping to eliminate bacteria and grime. You need to be careful when you measure out the vinegar, however. If you use too much vinegar and not enough water, you can actually eat away at the surface of the hardwood, which is never a great idea.
When you use this cleaner, dont allow the water to floor the ground. Instead, use a rag that has been slightly dampened, not soaked, or ensure that your mop is of the highest quality.
Can You Use Homemade Floor Cleaner With A Spray Mop
Many people dont want to use a mop and bucket or a rag and bucket, which is completely understandable. Who wants to get down on their knees and scrub? However, you probably dont want to use homemade cleaners with those spray mops. You can use a spray bottle and get the same effect youll just have to juggle the mop and bottle as you work .
Black Tea And Boiling Water
You may think tea is for drinking then whats the need for it in cleaning the wood floors? But tea isnt only for drinking. You can use it for cleaning your wood floor too.
Black tea is an effective cleaning agent. It has tannic acid that can clean the wood floors and polish the surface. Boil four cups of water, add 3 tea bags, stop the heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and wait until the heat decreases.
Dont give your hand on the tea until you can endure the heat. Now the heat is endurable, take a clean mop dip into the solution, and mop the floor.
As tea is sticky so mop once more with a clean sponge by damping it in plain warm water.
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How To Keep Hardwood Floors Clean For Longer
- Wipe up spills immediately. Excessive moisture can discolor floors and sticky residue only attracts more dirt.
- Dust mop daily. A quick mop, especially through high traffic areas, will capture grit and dust that scratches hardwood floor finishes.
- Dust mop at least weekly to remove loose soil.
- Avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar that can scratch or dent floors.
- Place doormats inside and outside entrance doors to catch dirt. Don’t forget to clean the mats regularly.
How To Clean Laminate Wood
Caring for wood-look laminate flooring is relatively easy. Wipe up spills as they happen and sweep or vacuum frequently. For deeper cleaning, you can use a steam mop but avoid wet mopping that can cause the underlayers to warp. Avoid harsh cleaners like pine oil or any cleaner that promises to leave a shine. The waxy build-up will leave the laminate looking dull. Opt for a small amount of plain dishwashing liquid in warm water to dampen your mop.
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Best Homemade Wood Floor Cleaners
You have likely put a lot of time and money into your hardwood floorswhether you purchased a home with original hardwood floors or added them yourself. When something spills onto or stains your wood floors, it can feel like a disaster. Dont lose hope: You can use a homemade wood floor cleaner to resolve the issue and get your floors in tip-top shape.
Since commercial cleaners are often pricey and contain harsh chemicals that can lead to serious allergic reactions, a cheaper and safer alternative is to make your ownDIY floor cleaner. Many homeowners prefer the convenience of using items they already have around the house instead of spending time and money curating specialty cleaning products.
Try out these homemade hardwood wood floor cleaners that will have your floors spotless and shining in no time.
Where Can You Buy The Cleaning Equipment For This Homemade Floor Cleaner
Microfiber Cloths
Make sure to use microfibre cloths so you get a nice, streak-free clean on surfaces that really need it. Sometimes it helps if you dampen the microfiber cloth just a bit before using it to clean.
Microfiber cloths are also great for scrubbing and lifting up dried, stuck on spots from pretty much any surface. Read more on microfiber cloths here.
If you cant get microfibre cloths , you can use any cotton cleaning cloths, like terry cloths or bar mop towels.
Spray Mops
For floors, I use a microfiber spray mop like this one, which comes with a refillable compartment for your own homemade cleaner, and washable pads. Make sure to get some extra pads, because youll need them!
I just manually spray the cleaner on the floor, then wipe it up with the mop. I found that if I dont remember to remove the refillable compartment before storing away the mop every time, the spray nozzle gets clogged and its a pain to clean out and get it working again.
Lots of readers have also tried this cleaner in their Shark steam mop with great results!
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How To Make A Natural Hardwood Floor Cleaner
You can find many brands of hardwood floor cleaner in stores today, but you dont need to expose your household to harsh chemicals or noxious agents to keep your floors clean. In fact, the best hardwood floor cleaner is one you can make at home, and it only requires a few simple ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of castile soap
- 4 cups of warm water, plus more for rinsing
- Up to 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice to give the solution a clean fragrance and antibacterial properties
Youll also need a:
If you have darker wood floors, you can also add one more secret ingredient to your DIY hardwood floor cleaner: black tea. The tannins in the tea add a very light stain to your floors, along with a subtle luster. Just add a few black tea bags to the four cups of warm water and let it steep for about ten minutes. Then simply add either the tea water to your spray bottle and mix with the other ingredients to create your own homemade wood floor cleaner.
When you try out this DIY wood floor cleaner for the first time, its a good idea to test the solution in a low-traffic corner of your hardwood flooring.
Beware: Vinegar is a common additive in homemade cleaners, but you should not use it on hardwood flooring because of its acidity. Over time, the acid in vinegar can strip away the finish on your hardwood floor, leaving it cloudy and dull, and more susceptible to staining.
More All Natural Cleaning:
If you liked this recipe, I think youll really enjoy these other natural cleaning tutorials on the blog!
To Make a batch of concentrate:
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Is This Homemade Floor Cleaner Safe To Use Around Pets
The base of the recipe is perfectly fine for use around pets, but some have voiced concern that essential oils may be harmful if ingested by pets, especially cats.
Although essential oils, when used properly, have been used to treat many ailments in pets and humans alike, you should take precaution when using them around your furry friends, especially if they have compromised immune systems or other health issues.
For a great, comprehensive guide, written and verified by a veterinarian, check out this post: Essential Oils for Dogs: A Beginners Guide
As always, please do your own research and consult with your pets veterinarian or a licensed aromatherapist, if you have any concerns.
And It Really Is More Than Just A Homemade Floor Cleaner
It cleans way more than just floors, and can be used on nearly every surface in your home . Sometimes Ill use it along with a good sprinkle of baking soda , but mostly I use it on its own to clean things like:
- Floors laminate, tile, linoleum
- Glass Windows, mirrors, tables, etc.
- Cabinets and countertops
- Stainless steel appliances, faucets, sinks, etc.
- Walls, baseboards, window sills
- Porcelain and acrylic toilets and sinks
- Basically anything that needs to be wiped down.
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Recipe : Diy Hardwood Cleaner For A Wood Floor That Shines
This wood floor cleaner not only destroys grim but leaves hardwood floors with a lovely shine. Meaning, if you want to save money on polish, follow the next cleaning steps.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of olive oil
- 1 gallon of warm water
- ½ cup of lemon juice
Instructions:
This recipe is perfect for people who cant stand the strong smell of vinegar. Its just as effective as white vinegar cleaners. Simply mix the ingredients in a bucket of warm water and dip your mop in the solution. Wring it out well. Mop your floor and let it air-dry for the best results.
Cleaning Your Floors With Essential Oils
A lot of people have really gotten into essential oils. They are supposed to work wonders with preventing or even healing illness.
Also, many people use them in their cleaning agents as well for a natural way to produce fresh scents. So it came as no surprise when this site offered a list of the best essential oils to use when cleaning your floors. If you love essential oils, then youll want to check it out.
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Let It Dry Completely
Preferably, each part of your wood floor should be completely dry in 30 minutes or so. If it takes longer than that, you probably utilized too much floor cleaner. If its dry in less than 5 minutes, you likely could have utilized a bit more. Therefore, utilize as much as you feel its the right amount.
Tackle Messes As They Happen
Don’t allow any dry mess or wet spills that can leave water rings to remain for more than a few minutes on hardwood floors. This is especially important for mud or any foods or liquids that are dark in color and can leave difficult-to-remove stains.
After cleaning the spill with a paper towel or cloth, give the floor a final “rinse” with a slightly water-dampened cloth or mop. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain to prevent streaking.
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Lemon Juice Vinegar Olive Oil And Water
Yet another tasty-sounding solution, this mixture will make your floors gleam. To clean your floors with this DIY mixture, combine equal parts olive oil and white vinegar, a few teaspoons of lemon juice, and five parts hot water. Dip your mop or rag into the solution, wring gently, and then wipe down your hardwood floors with this homemade wood floor cleaner that shines.
Recipe : Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner With White Vinegar
When it comes to cleaning with homemade cleaners, white vinegar takes part in almost any DIY cleaning recipe. Its a versatile product. And surprise, surprise, its also great for cleaning wood floors.
Ingredients:
- A few drops of a lemon or orange essential oil
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- 1 gallon of hot water
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients in a small bucket. Then, add a couple of drops of orange or lemon essential oil, or any other oil by your choosing to the solution if you prefer scented cleaners.
Dip a mop in the wood floor cleaner and squeeze it dry. Wipe the cleaner across the floors while rinsing the mop occasionally. Finally, take a clean, dry cloth to wipe out any moisture.
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Test Your New Cleaning Solution
Find a small patch of floor. See how it makes your floor look and dilute or concentrate your solution as needed. If you see streaks of the solution, or the area appears soapy and dull, add more water. Its always better to err on the side of more dilution than more soap. Also, take a sniff to make sure your essential oils arent overpowering.
Recipe : The Best Homemade Hardwood Floor Polish
If you want to add some shine to your old, tired wood floors, use the following recipe. Its great for both cleaning and polishing wood floors.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
This combination can do wonders for your floors. You can even add a few drops of essential oil into the mix. If your floor is too slick after using it, wipe up any remaining oil with a dry cloth.
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Miracle Concrete Patio Cleaner
Who says that the floor you wish to clean has to be an indoor floor? What if you need to know how to clean your outdoor floor?
Well, this recipe will show you how to do just that. So if you have a patio that is less than inviting because it is dirty, then give this floor cleaning recipe a try.
Natural Wood Floor Cleaner
If youve got wood floors, chances are that want to keep them looking their best. Cleaning wood floors using natural ingredients helps them to retain their shine, resist scratches, and prevent fogging.
While there are many natural wood floor cleaners on the market today, this is a product you can easily make on your own.
Making cleaners by hand helps to reduce costs, not to mention you know exactly what youre putting in it.
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Ways To Clean Hardwood Floors With Vinegar
When it comes to controversial cleaning topics, cleaning hardwood floors with vinegar is close to the top believe it or not. If you are in the its not safe camp, you probably wont like this post. But in my research and years of personal cleaning experience, I believe that there are 3 basic and safe methods that can be used.
Whats the big concern with vinegar and hardwood floors? Vinegar is an acid and hardwood floors need a pH neutral or close to it cleaner. When mixed with water, the solutions acidity is drastically lowered and it becomes an effective method to wash hardwood floors. The vinegar and water mixture cuts through dirt and grime, leaving a streak-free and naturally clean floor.
NOTE: Cleaning floors with vinegar is merely my suggestion, please form your own opinion and try at your own risk. If you are unsure, test in an inconspicuous spot. These recipes are only for SEALED hardwood floors or pre-fabricated hardwood floors, not waxed or unfinished hardwoods.
I always I like to give my readers a range of options and solutions. Some people love making their own cleaners while others prefer the pre-mixed, ready to go options. I only recommend products that are non-toxic and safe to use around people and pets, but these are all products that I use and love. At the end of the post youll see some a post linked with other hardwood floor cleaning options if you dont want to use vinegar.
You probably know this, but its worth mentioning:
Spray Bottle And Microfiber Mop
If you prefer a spray bottle and microfiber mop, this works great I recommend this microfiber mop. Mix up the same solution that youd put in a refillable spray mop bottle, wet the mop head with water and wring out. Then spray and wipe, working in 4-6 foot sections.
- 3 teaspoons white vinegar
- 16 ounces of warm water
- 1-2 drops essential oils
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Dont Have Time To Make Your Own Thats Ok
Of course life has changed a bit since I first experimented with homemade natural cleaner recipes years ago. Ive had a few more kids . Schooling and working from home makes for crazy hours sometimes. In fact, I often get the question, how do you do it all?!
The answer is I dont! Life goes through certain phases and I certainly didnt tackle living a healthier life all at once. Ive learned, experimented, and grown bit by bit. And since vinegar stinks and Borax is controversial, once I found store-bought brands I liked, Ill be honest my homemade cleaners appear less and less on the scene.
The good news is there are a lot of health-conscious companies and brands out there now, thanks to consumers who ask for these products and support them with their dollars. Ill be sure to list my favorites at the end of the post.
But first, on to the recipes that started it all: my easy, sustainable, DIY natural floor cleaner recipes!
Homemade Carpet Floor Cleaner
The easiest way to keep your carpet clean is to regularly vacuum it, but in the case of spills or stains, some extra measures are required. If you dont want to rent a carpet cleaner , heres a homemade solution that should work for spot-cleaning.
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/8 tsp dish soap
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp baking soda.
Spray the cleaner over a small area and scrub the stain with a clean towel. Dab up the remaining moisture with a second clean towel to finish up.
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