Learn how to mix up your own homemade wood floor cleaner. You can keep your hardwood floors clean without buying an extra product at the store.
I love the character and charm found in older homes. One of my favorite things typically found in older homes is hardwood floors. I love the imperfections and creeks found in the hardwood floors of older homes.
Both of the homes we’ve owned were at least 50 years old when we bought them. Coincidence? I think not. 🙂
Aside from the charm of hardwoods, I love that they do not hold stains like carpeting. Potty training my daughter wasn’t nearly as horrible as it could have been since our first floor is hardwood. Even still, with messy kids, hardwoods need to be cleaned.
The recipe has TWO ingredients – white vinegar and water.
Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to 2 cups of water. You can add 10 drops of essential oils if you’d like, but I haven’t at this point. I hope to use them in the future to give is a nice citrus scent.
I make sure to wipe this up well, so that my floors don’t get damaged by too much moisture. I’ve never had a problem and I’ve used this recipe for some time.
Aside from the fact that this is a dirt-cheap cleaner, I love that this cleaner does not leave a residue on my floor. So many of the others that I have tried leave my floors feeling “hazy.” This cleaner cuts through all that and leaves my floors actually feeling clean. No more yuck and grime.
See some of my other cleaning related posts here:
How to Clean a Microwave (in 5 minutes)
The Secret to a Sparkly Shower
Does this work on laminate wood flooring?? I haven't tried it yet, but have heard about this recipe!!
I double checked the original recipe post and didn't see any comments from people who had tried it on laminate, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Let me know if you end up trying it on the laminate and how it works!!
I didn't think you were supposed to use vinegar on hardwood floor cause it eats away at the finish?
I have seen a little bit of disagreement on the issue, but I haven't had a problem with it. I think the key to it is to also use the correct proportions. Certainly, do what you are comfortable with. I wouldn't use this if you have brand new wood floors that have a warranty (as using anything other than what they suggest would likely void the warranty). Hope this helps!
Are you speaking about wood floors withOUT wax? I know my hardwood floors (that are waxed by a professional 4 times a year) go instantly dull if I wash them with anything.
Thanks for your question, Phyllis! I have no experience with floors that need to be waxed, so I would not try using this on those unless you have checked with a professional first. 🙁 Have a great night! –Sarah 🙂