How to Make a Non-Toxic Wood Floor Cleaner

Commercial wood floor cleaners often contain toxic chemicals that are not only unpleasant smelling, but can be dangerous if accidentally ingested. If you want to give up commercial wood floor cleaners, you don't have to forgo a shiny, clean wood floor. You can make your own nontoxic wood floor cleaner using common household items Whether you want a nontoxic cleaner for safety reasons or just to be more green, knowing exactly what is in your wood floor cleaner can help make you more comfortable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• Bucket
• Mop
• Cloth

1. Pour 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup white vinegar into a large bucket. Add 2 gallons of warm water and use a mop to evenly combine the ingredients.

2. Dip a mop into the mixture until it is saturated, then hold it above the bucket so the excess liquid can drip off. Wipe your wood floor evenly with the dampened mop.

3. Allow the floor to dry completely, then examine it to see if any grime remains since it may not be as strong as a commercial cleaner. Repeat the process an additional time if necessary.

4. Mix together another 1/4 cup each of vegetable oil and white vinegar in a separate bucket. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture, then smooth it onto the wood floor in a thin, even layer. Use the cloth to rub the mixture into the floor in circular motions until the floor appears shiny and polished.

Tips & Warnings

• If your wood floor is already varnished, you can skip the vegetable oil and just use vinegar and water.
• Pretreat any grease or oily spots on your wood floor nontoxically by applying an ice cube directly onto the stain to harden it, then scrape it away with a knife.
• Always ventilate your cleaning area as much as possible or the vinegar smell may be overwhelming.

References

• Michigan State University Extension Home Maintenance and Repair: Homemade Cleaners
• Oregon Metro Council: Homemade Floor Cleaners