How to Make a Homemade DIY Floor Cleaner

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 05/23/23
Reviewed by
Rhea Mehta
Dr. Rhea Mehta, PhD
Reviewed by Rhea Mehta

Rhea Mehta, PhD, is an award-winning toxicologist who has worked to empower people to lead healthier lives, starting in their homes, for over a decade. Rhea holds a PhD in Toxicology, with over 15 scientific publications, and a certificate in integrative health coaching. 

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Choosing the right mop and buckets

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Total Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to 10

Cleaning floors is an essential part of keeping a home tidy and sanitary. With the variety of flooring found in many homes, you can end up with multiple bottles of commercial floor cleaner in your cabinet. Or, you can make homemade DIY floor cleaners with products from your pantry to clean every type of floor.

The advantages of homemade floor cleaners are:

  • No hidden ingredients and no toxic chemicals
  • You can add your favorite scent or keep the product unscented
  • Less expensive than commercial products
  • Easy to mix with basic supplies from the pantry
  • Solutions are simple to adjust as you move between different types of flooring

Before You Begin

In addition to the cleaning solutions you create, be sure you have the correct type of mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping equipment for the flooring to get the best results. And, clean tools = cleaner floors. Take the time to clean mop heads and vacuums monthly so you aren't just pushing dirt and dust around when you clean.

Safety Considerations

Follow the guidelines for mixing each type of floor cleaner carefully. Do not add ammonia, bleach, or even vinegar unless directed. Mixing some chemicals can result in toxic fumes that are life-threatening.

Mix only enough cleaner to use for each cleaning task. If you do make extra and plan to store the solution, use a clean storage container and label it clearly.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 set measuring cups
  • 1 large bucket or sink
  • 1 vacuum
  • 1 broom
  • 1 dust pan
  • 1 dust mop
  • 1 wet mop
  • 1 nylon-bristled scrub brush

Materials

  • 1 bottle distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar
  • 1 bottle essential oil (optional)
  • 1 box baking soda
  • 1 bottle dishwashing liquid
  • 1 bottle isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

Instructions

How to Make a Homemade DIY Floor Cleaner for Hardwood Floors

The keys to keeping hardwood floors clean and shiny are to sweep, vacuum, or dust mop often to remove grit that can scratch the surfaces and only use a gentle cleaner. The finishes on hardwood floors do not hold up well under harsh cleaning conditions like too much moisture or strong chemicals.

  1. Mix the Cleaning Solution

    In a bucket or sink, mix:

    • 1 gallon of warm water
    • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
    • 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

  2. Clean the Floors

    • Always vacuum or dust mop hardwood floors first to remove loose grit and soil.
    • Dip a microfiber mop in the cleaning solution and wring until it is not dripping and is only damp to the touch.
    • Do not overwet the flooring.

How to Make a Homemade DIY Floor Cleaner for Vinyl and LVP Floors

Solid or sheet vinyl floors can withstand more moisture than luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors but they can both be cleaned with the same homemade floor cleaner.

  1. Mix the Cleaning Solution

    In a mop bucket or sink, mix:

    • 2 gallons of water
    • 1/2 cup of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
    • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
    • 2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid
    • 2-3 drops of essential oil (optional)

    Tip

    If you have only a small area of flooring, cut the "recipe" in half. Just be sure to keep the proportions of ingredients the same.

  2. Clean the Vinyl Flooring

    • Vacuum or dust mop to remove loose grit and soil.
    • Dip a microfiber mop in the cleaning solution and wring until it is not dripping.
    • Do not overwet LVP flooring.

How to Make a Homemade DIY Floor Cleaner for Laminate Floors

Laminate floors cannot withstand excessive moisture. If a cleaning solution seeps into the cracks between the click-and-lock flooring, it can cause warping.

  1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    In a clean spray bottle, mix:

    • 1 quart of water
    • 1/4 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol OR 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar

  2. Clean the Laminate Flooring

    • Remove dust, grit, and loose soil by dust mopping or vacuuming the floor.
    • Spritz the floor lightly with the cleaning solution (work in a small area at a time).
    • Remove the soil by using a dry microfiber mop to absorb the cleaning solution.

How to Make a Homemade DIY Floor Cleaner for Ceramic Tile Floors

This DIY floor cleaner is appropriate for ceramic and tile floors. Follow the proportions carefully so you won't have too many suds and you won't have to rinse the floor after mopping.

  1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    In a large sink or bucket, mix

    • 2 gallons of hot water
    • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid

  2. Clean the Tile Floors

    • Vacuum, sweep, or dust mop to remove loose soil and hair.
    • Fill a second bucket or sink with clean water.
    • Dip your mop in the cleaning solution and wring until it is not sopping wet.
    • Mop the floor.
    • Rinse the mop in the clean water as it becomes soiled before dipping back in the cleaning solution
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