How to Mop the Floor without Cleaner or Sticky Residue

The only time I have called a maid service was in a panic before a visit from in-laws. The house did need a good cleaning, but I was also beside myself because my kitchen floor was sticky. And I couldn't figure out how to fix it. I had tried remopping, rinsing with water, and still it made this horrible sound when I crossed the floor, like tape being pulled up over and over. On the phone, the owner of the service reassured me that they could handle it, and the solution was simple. Vinegar and water was all that my floor needed. After I walked over the end result, I have used nothing else.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mop
• Tile or linoleum floor
• White vinegar
• bucket
• water

1. Do your usual prep of the floor for mopping, vacuum or sweep; move extra furniture etc.

2. Fill your bucket with hot water.

3. While it is filling, dump in about 1/3 cup vinegar per gallon of water.

4. Mop. There may be a vinegary smell, but it will dissipate as soon the floor dries.

5. Enjoy the break and rest while your floor dries. It's like nail polish...you can't move around to much or you'll forget you just mopped the floor and wander into the kitchen to get something. Spare yourself the anguish and turn on a movie or read a book.

Tips & Warnings

• This method of cleaning your floor is environmentally friendly as well as completely safe for children and pets.
• If you use too much vinegar your floor will have a slightly slick feel. It won't drive you as batty as a sticky floor, trust me.
• This method of mopping does take a while to dry. Make sure the kids are asleep unless you like yelling. A lot.

[readingbug]

on 6/15/2009 I am about to try this

[ChristinaL30]

on 8/16/2008 This is just what I need! 8-y-o DS apparently spilled/spread fruit preserves all over the kitchen floor! I'm trying it tonight, but not sure I have white vinegar; will cider vinegar work just as well? (Hmmm, not sure I even have a mop anymore. Hand mopping? Ewww!) I will post the results of my efforts (unless, of course, I'm too tired by the time I finish).

[thesquirrelymom]

on 7/9/2008 Excellent tip. Vinegar is great for so many things.

[TheStorm]

on 4/29/2008 Wonderful!

This is a very good method, that I personally can agree with, and have tried it many times. I also used to manage a restaurant and the employees would sometimes bring in vinegar to mop the breakroom!!!

TheStorm
Vancouver Washington

[LonnaLight]

on 4/2/2008 As soon as I read your title, I knew the contents of this article. Wish I had written it first! LOL! A great article (short and sweet) and an excellent idea to add the fact that this technique is environmentally friendly! Gosh! We all HAVE to be more and more into that!!!