6 Natural Wood Floor Cleaners

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Your floor is the largest surface area in your home, and if you are using commercial products with chemicals. you're contributing to indoor pollution level in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that chemical levels in homes are on the rise. The good news is that there are many natural wood floor cleaners you can use to create a healthier home environment.

Chemical-free dish soap

A quarter cup of mild, chemical-free liquid dish washing soap mixed with water will do a great job of cleaning your wood floors. The important thing to remember is to wring out the mop of as much water as you can so that you are “damp” mopping, rather than "wet" mopping, especially if your wood floor has a surface finish. If your wood floor gets too wet, it may warp.

Lemons

Lemons have antiseptic and antibacterial properties and are one of the strongest food acids. This makes lemons powerful and effective against most bacteria in your household. Using just a half cup of pure lemon juice in your damp-mopping water will help leave your wood floors clean and germ-free.

White vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleanser. A quarter cup of white vinegar in your damp-mopping water will remove mildew and odors, cut grease and lift wax build-up. White vinegar is also great for removing some stains. Although vinegar carries an unpleasant odor, once the wood has dried, there should be no vinegar smell that remains. Cracking a window will help air out the area while the vinegar dries.

Olive oil

A few drops of olive oil in your damp-mopping water will help condition your bare-wood floors. Adding olive oil to white vinegar and applying a thin coat to your wood floor will restore its shine. A minimal amount of olive oil rubbed into your wood floor is all that is needed to maintain the luster of your wood floor.

Tea

Brew approximately 10 tea bags in a half gallon of hot water and you'll have a superb wood floor cleaner. Allow the bags to steep until the water cools to ensure the strength of the mixture. The acids in the tea lift residue when applied with a damp mop and add a wonderful shine to your wood floor.

Baking soda

If your wood floors have scuff marks, baking soda is a perfect remedy. All you need to do is take a damp sponge, sprinkle a little of the baking soda on the sponge and rub the scuff marks away.

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