How to Clean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Vinegar disinfects and shines ceramic tile.

Ceramic tile floors do not require a special cleanser for disinfection and maintenance. Ceramic tile floors can be cleaned to a streak-free shine with water and vinegar. Vinegar makes a good floor cleanser because it works as a degreaser, kills most germs and bacteria and also lifts most stains. Not only is cleaning with vinegar is more economical than cleaning with commercial cleansers, it is also more eco-friendly and nontoxic.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Dust pan
• Vacuum (optional)
• Vinegar
• Bucket
• Mop
• Towels

Instructions

1. Sweep your ceramic tile floor to remove dirt, dust and debris. Use a dust pan to remove piles of dirt and debris. If necessary, use a vacuum with a soft bristle attachment to clean beneath furniture and appliances or to remove dirt from hard to reach areas.

2. Fill a plastic bucket with 1 gallon water. Add 1 cup distilled white vinegar. Plunge your mop into the bucket and swish it around to mix the water and vinegar together. Wring the mop out.

3. Mop your floor thoroughly, re-wetting and wringing out your mop as necessary. If you have a larger ceramic tile floor, dump and remix your cleaning solution midway through the mopping process.

4. Dump the bucket and rinse both the bucket and mop with clean water. Refill the mop bucket with clean water.

5. Submerge your clean mop into the bucket of water. Wring it out and mop the floor with clean water to rinse away any vinegar residue.

6. Dry your floor with old bath towels to remove excess water. Allow it to air dry completely.

References

• Earth Easy: Non-toxic Home Care
• Old House Web: Dirty Floors?