How to Make a Nontoxic Floor Cleaner

Retail cleaning products can be so costly. Consider making some of your own cleaning products at home with ordinary household items. In addition to being less expensive, they are also nontoxic. That means the products are safe for your family and the environment. This recipe is great for removing dirt and grime from your floors while leaving them with a nonsticky shine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Few drops of baby oil
• 2 gallons of hot water
• 1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent
• Few drops of your favorite essential oil
• 1/2 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/4 cup borax or baking soda for heavily soiled floors
• Plastic bucket

1. Assemble all your ingredients before beginning this project. You will probably have most of these products on hand. If not, pick them up at your local grocery store or natural health food store.

2. Start by filling your bucket with 2 gallons of hot water, the hotter the better.

3. Add the vinegar, borax and liquid detergent to the hot water. Add the essential oil along with the baby oil at this time if you choose. Essential oil adds a pleasant fragrance to your cleaner while the baby oil acts as a preserver for vinyl and linoleum floors.

4. Stir the ingredients with a large spoon or mop head and begin cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though this is a nontoxic floor cleaner you still should keep it out of reach of kids and pets.
• Using borax or baking soda is not recommended for use on waxed floors.
• Check the floor manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning before using this product.

[jsklar]

on 8/11/2009 Does this mixture have to be made anew each time I clean or can I reserve half for the next cleanup?