Maintaining the beauty and luster of hardwood floors is an important part of any home. While it is possible to purchase chemical cleaners from the store, using natural cleaners is a great way to keep your floors looking their best without the use of harsh chemicals. Natural cleaners are easy to make and use, and can be just as effective as their store-bought counterparts. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best natural cleaners for hardwood floors.
Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is one of the most versatile natural cleaners. When combined with water, it can be used to easily clean and shine hardwood floors. To make the cleaner, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a gallon of warm water. Then, mop your floors with the mixture. For tougher stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it into the stain. Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
White Vinegar and Water
White vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that can be used to clean and shine hardwood floors. To make the cleaner, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Mop your floors with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse the floors with warm water. This cleaning method is especially effective at removing stubborn dirt and grime.
Castile Soap and Water
Castile soap is a mild, plant-based soap that can be used to clean hardwood floors. To make the cleaner, mix 2 tablespoons of castile soap with a gallon of warm water. Mop your floors with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse the floors with warm water. This cleaning method is great for everyday cleaning and can be used on all types of hardwood floors.
Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
Lemon juice and olive oil make a great natural cleaner for hardwood floors. To make the cleaner, mix 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, mop your floors with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to break down dirt and grime, while the olive oil imparts a natural shine to the floors. For best results, use this method once per month.
Borax and Water
Borax is a natural cleaner that can be used to clean and shine hardwood floors. To make the cleaner, mix 1 cup of borax with a gallon of warm water. Mop your floors with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse the floors with warm water. Borax is especially effective at removing stubborn dirt and grime.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be added to any of the above cleaners for a pleasant scent and extra cleaning power. Popular essential oils for hardwood floors include lemon, lavender, and tea tree oils. To use, simply add 10 drops of the desired essential oil to the cleaner of your choice and mop your floors as usual.
Conclusion
Using natural cleaners is a great way to keep your hardwood floors looking their best without the use of harsh chemicals. Baking soda and water, white vinegar and water, castile soap and water, lemon juice and olive oil, borax and water, and essential oils are all great natural cleaners for hardwood floors. All of these cleaners are easy to make and use and can be just as effective as their store-bought counterparts.
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