DIY Eco-Friendly Floor Cleaner: Gentle Yet Effective Recipe for Hardwood Floors

Let’s clean hardwood floors, non-toxically, with herbs.

I’m not as diligent with floor cleaning as I should be, but when I do tackle the task, I like to keep it simple, natural, sustainable, and nontoxic! I opt for a gentle soap instead of using vinegar, which some worry might be too harsh for hardwood floors.

Likewise, a small amount of water can make a big difference when cleaning wood floors. It’s essential to avoid using excessive water, as it can seep into the wood and cause damage. Before mopping, ensure your mop is only damp, not dripping wet, by wringing it out thoroughly.

This simple recipe has been a staple for me for years. What’s a bonus is that I also infuse the castile soap with herbs, which I did months ago, and add my fav essential oil for extra disinfecting and freshening power. While lavender is my top pick, I also like peppermint or rosemary.

The recipe can be adjusted as needed.

If you’re interested in more natural cleaning recipes, check out my ebook: A Guide To Natural Cleaning, which contains this recipe along with 19 other common everyday natural housecleaning recipes with the plant in mind! 🌎

Ingredients:

2-3 drops of infused Castile soap or plain or scented (See recipe below)

2 cups of warm water

10 drops of essential oil

Here’s how to do it: Gently mix all ingredients in a large glass or bowl until you see some foam but no large bubbles. Transfer the mixture to your mop bucket, dip the mop in, and wring it out until it’s slightly damp. Then, using circular motions, mop the floor to remove dirt. Rinse the mop as needed, wring it until slightly damp, and continue until the entire floor is clean. Once done, allow the floor to mostly dry before wiping it down with a dry towel.

Infused Castile soap recipe:
1 cup of dried herbs
2.5 cups of bulk soap

Directions: Infuse for 2-4 weeks and strain, if necessary for use.