Recipe for Wood Floor Cleaner

Prolong the life of your wood floors and improve their appearance by keeping it clean. Dirt and debris can be scuffed into the grain, causing scratches and damaging the integrity of the wood. You don't have to use store-bought products to keep your floor clean. A homemade solution of mild cleaners and oils will clean the floor and restore a natural-looking sheen, often at a lower cost and without as many chemicals of brand-name cleaners.

Cleansers

Combine in a bucket a gallon of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable-oil-based soap, available in hardware stores, and 1/4 cup of white household vinegar to help the solution penetrate the wood. The oils in the soap will moisturize the wood as it is being cleaned. Apply to the floor with a mop or floor brush.

Polish

Add a polish after cleaning to restore the wood's sheen and to seal it. In a bowl, mix 1/8 cup of natural lavender oil or olive oil, one tbsp. of vinegar, one tbsp. of vodka, and 10 drops of lavender oil or other essential oil. Apply with a sponge mop. As the oils soak into the wood, they will fill in the porous surface and form a natural barrier.

Wax

After cleansing and polishing your floor, you can apply a wax to further protect the floor and prevent damage. Melt an ounce of beeswax and an ounce of carnauba wax, both available at a health food store, over a double boiler. Stir in 1/2 cup of vodka and a cup of olive oil or vegetable oil. Apply to the floor firmly with a sponge or cloth. The wax will shield the wood with a thin film.

References

• Organic Cleaning Recipes.
• Natural Home Cleaning Recipes.