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Fun, Effective Floor Wash Formula

posted by Cait Johnson Nov 19, 2005 9:00 pm
Fun, Effective Floor Wash Formula
10 comments

By Cait Johnson, inspired by Better Basics for the Home by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

If you’re like me, you don’t usually use the words “fun” and “washing the floor” in the same sentence. But when I discovered Annie’s floor-wash formula, it put keeping my floor clean in a whole new category. It uses one of the most effective microbe-busting ingredients known: Vinegar. But it also calls for a secret ingredient that makes the formula even more effective and gives it a heavenly fresh smell. And you probably have it in your kitchen cupboard.

Now that we’re not tracking dirt into the house with our summer-bare feet and the windows are shut for cooler weather, clean floors are important to me. This formula is completely safe for the environment, smells delicious, and really works. And the secret ingredient makes it fun to make and use. Get the great formula here:

INGREDIENTS
1/8 cup liquid soap or detergent
1/4 to 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
1/2 cup strong peppermint herb tea (peppermint adds antibacterial qualities)

1. Combine ingredients in a pail or bucket.

2. Swirl the wash around until it is sudsy, then proceed to mop as normal.

3. Discard any unused formula.

More on Non-Toxic Cleaning (122 articles available)
More from Cait Johnson (396 articles available)

10 comments

Go to the Source

Better Basics for the Home

Simple solutions for less toxic living.buy now

10 comments

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10 Comments       add a comment »
Bob Sekerak

Sounds wonderful, But would it work on wood floors too.

Angela B.

Is there a special kind of soap you need to use? The soap in mine left my floor really sticky. Could someone give a specific brand of good soap and where to find it?

Jessica Nentikobe

I used this - never rinsed and its lovely. I think I just needed to use stronger peppermint tea because the vinegar is still the strongest smell. BUT - it works beautifully on tile/lino.

Mc Schmidt

My mother has a sick kitty and is having trouble with odors in her hardwood floors. I recommended this wonderful peppermint tea wash - but she needs to know if it's safe for hardwood floors and do you rinse it afterwards? I LOVE this site. Thank you.

Terri Blankenship

Does this also work on tile floors? Is there rinsing afterwards? Thanks

islndbluesgrl CCCC

d]Does this solution need to be rinsed with the soap in it? I've used just plain vinegar water without rinsing, but this sounds even better.....I just hate the rinsing process as it's like mopping twice.

Lorraine Ea

Would this work on sealed hardwood? I just had my carpet removed and hardwood refinished.

Ann Simpson

I HAVE hardwood floors in may home would this work on them without dulling the finsh?

Annie Bond

All of this is added to 1 gallon of water!
Annie

Mo Surgeson

Sounds great, but do you add it to water, and what mop are you using to wash the floor or are you doing it by hand?

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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