Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors using Natural Ingredients
Peace and blessings everyone!
Fall is almost here and I am so excited! I love the cool weather, the smell of smoked out burning wood while sitting at the fire pit in the dusk of the day. The beauty of the various colors of fall leaves, the decorations, Mum's plants, pumpkin patches, hay rides, and of course, Pumpkin Spice!!!! Shout to all the pumpkin spice haters. My question is, why? LOL... I know people who absolutely loathe pumpkin spice but it is my favorite flavor this time of year. Let's give pumpkin spice a chance.
Pre Fall Cleaning.
Also during this time of year, I do some deep cleaning or try to anyway. This fall was cleaning the floors. Carpet and hardwood. I decided to start with pulling up a rug my kid's room. What I thought to be a simple task turned out to almost be more than what I bargained for. I found I had my work cut out! I was shocked at the amount of gunk and dirt that had settled in hardwood floor underneath the rug.
Easy fix right?
We could run to the hardware store, get some soap, and some wood floor cleaner, take it home, clean your floors, chill for the rest of the day. Well, did you know those big store cleaners have harsh chemicals in them? Some of us have pets or kids at home, maybe allergies and sensitivities to certain cleaners. What is a good and effective way to clean your hardwood floors naturally without harming yourself and your family? How can I naturally clean my hardwood floors without damaging them
Below are some items you may have at home, you may want to use gloves.
Bucket- Any good mop bucket will do, preferably one with no holes in it.
Mop- Any good sturdy mop will do. Depending on how deep the dirt is embedded in the hardwood floor, you are going to have to put some elbow grease into getting the floor clean. I was sweating when I was done, lol, but it was most definitely a good workout. You can also use a sponge/brush to clean your hardwood if its easier and to get into tight spaces or corners. I soaked my mop in bleach and water overnight afterwards to disinfect my mop and get it clean sparking white again.
Water (Warm)
Vinegar (White)- Vinegar is a potent cleaner. It has been around for ages and is cheap and effective. Smells funny.
Dr. Bronner's Soap or an all natural soap- I use Dr. Bronner's in a lot of my home cleaning and personal skincare products. This is a very potent soap, meaning it gets the job done. This is a soap I trust but you can use any natural soap base or dish detergent. You do not want to use too much soap, or it will cause your floor to be full of suds and slippery. That may take a while to mop up. Be careful and you should wear a non slip shoe.
Essential Oils (Optional)- Take your pick of essential oils but I like the Lavender, Tea Tree, and Orange oil combo. This combination of essential oils are antibacterial, antiseptic, disinfecting, and smells good. (The essential oils also mask that stinky vinegar smell.) You can also use mint, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, or melaleuca, pretty much whatever essential oil you want.
Once you get your combo into your bucket, mix well with the mop, and get to work. I found it was best to presoak the dirty areas before actually mopping. Some areas were tougher than others so I had to go over with the mop a few times.
It took a while but I love the results and in this case didn't have to spend a penny. I had everything at home! #winning
Check out my experience below.
Share with me and the world your natural cleaning tips!
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