DIY Floor Cleaner
If you’ve ever read the back of a store-bought cleaner bottle, you may have noticed some long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients. While they might do the job, those chemicals can sometimes irritate your skin, eyes, or pollute the air you breathe.
That’s where DIY cleaners come in! Here’s why making your own floor cleaner is a great idea:
- Natural and Non-Toxic: This cleaner uses ingredients that are safe for your family, pets, and the planet.
- Affordable: Most of the ingredients you’ll need are already in your kitchen, making this an inexpensive option compared to store-bought cleaners.
- Customizable Scent: You get to choose your favorite essential oils, so you can make your home smell however you like!
What You’ll Need
- 1 gallon of warm water
- 2-3 drops of liquid dish soap (or Branch Basics concentrate)
- Optional: 1/2 cup white vinegar (depending on your flooring)
- Optional: 10-15 drops of essential oils (such as lemon, peppermint, or lavender)
How to make this floor cleaner recipe dIY
- Mix the Solution
Start by filling a large bucket with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 2-3 drops of liquid dish soap/concentrate, making sure not to overdo it (a little goes a long way!). If you’re using vinegar, pour in 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Stir the mixture gently to combine. - Add Essential Oils (Optional)
If you want your floors to smell extra fresh, add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lemon oil is great for a fresh, citrusy scent, while lavender offers a calming, spa-like aroma. Peppermint gives a cool, refreshing touch! - Mop Your Floors
Dip your mop into the solution, wring it out well, and start mopping. Make sure not to soak your floors with too much water, especially if you’re cleaning wood floors. For tile or laminate, you can use a little more moisture. - Let the Floors Dry
After mopping, let the floors air dry. You’ll be left with sparkling clean floors and a home that smells wonderful!
Floor-Specific Tips:
- Wood Floors: If you’re cleaning hardwood floors, skip the vinegar to prevent damage. Stick to the warm water and dish soap mixture, and make sure to wring out your mop well to avoid excess moisture.
- Tile and Laminate: The vinegar can help tackle tough stains on tile or laminate floors. Feel free to use the full recipe if you’re dealing with these surfaces.
- Linoleum or Vinyl: This cleaner works perfectly for linoleum and vinyl floors, as they’re sturdy and handle the vinegar and water mix without issue.
Why This DIY Floor Cleaner Works:
The combination of warm water and dish soap works wonders for breaking up dirt and grime. The dish soap is gentle but effective at lifting grease, especially in kitchens. Adding vinegar gives your floors a deeper clean, helping to tackle stubborn stains or germs, while essential oils add a pleasant fragrance.
Plus, you’re avoiding all the harsh chemicals that many commercial cleaners use. This DIY cleaner is safe for pets, kids, and sensitive skin—making it perfect for households where natural products are a must.
This DIY floor cleaner is a simple, budget-friendly, and non toxic cleaning recipe. It’s customizable, effective, and gentle on both your home and the environment. Whether you have hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl, this all-natural cleaner gets the job done without the need for chemical-heavy store-bought products.
Looking for more DIY natural cleaning recipes? Here’s a whole list of homemade cleaning recipes that are super easy to make, non toxic and inexpensive!