Vinegar as Antiseptic: Floor Wash with Herbs

Numerous studies cited by Michael Mullen of the Heinz Company have shown that a 5% solution of vinegar (straight out of the store-bought bottle) kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses). And, unlike most commercial antibacterial cleaners, vinegar is non-toxic!

This terrific floor wash formula combines the germ-fighting power of vinegar with sweet-smelling herbs for clean floors that can’t be beat. Perfect for ridding the house of the stale smell of winter.

Floor Cleaner with Fragrant Herbs

1/8 cup liquid soap or detergent
1/4 to 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 cup fragrant herb tea (peppermint is great as it adds antibacterial qualities)

Combine ingredients in a pail or bucket. Swirl the water around until it is sudsy. Proceed as normal.

Shelf Life: Discard unused formula

Read more: Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning

Adapted from Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999). Copyright (c) 1999 by Annie Berthold-Bond. Reprinted by permission of the author.
Adapted from Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

KS G.

5:54AM PDT on Apr 11, 2011

Thanks for the article.

send a green star

Bon L.

11:43PM PST on Feb 2, 2011

Thanks for the info.

Sheri M.

10:42AM PST on Nov 25, 2010

I use Dr. Bonner's Peppermint (liquid) for EVERYTHING. I will try it with the vinegar. It will take the place of brewing tea as suggested. Smells heavenly.

Jeonard D.

6:36AM PST on Jan 22, 2009

I know white vinegar is antiseptic and antibacterial when used full strength and eucalyptus is also antiseptic? Antibacterial. Is lemon juice, lime juice, lavender, tea tree oil and baking soda antiseptic and antibacterial?

http://www.carpetcleaningcoop.com/providers-Mesa-AZ.html

Jeffrey M.

6:19PM PST on Jan 6, 2009

How can I get liquid activated charcoal out of my beige - apartment carpet?
I had to give my cat activated charcoal and he vomited on my carpet. I have a Little Green cleaning machine that I will use, but I am not sure what cleaner to use. Vinegar? Oxy Clean? Dawn?
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http://www.americanflooringsystems.net

Charlotte B.

10:44AM PDT on May 29, 2008

I use the vinegar w/liquid soap & borax on floors..will try the liquid soap/vinegar for counters & stove too. I use vinegar/water solution for cat box. First I wash the cat box w/liquid soap& water and dry - then spray w/vinegar/water and let stand for 10 minutes or so before refilling. This acts as a disinfectant I believe. Used to clean it w/clorox solution until I found out how bad bleach is for the environment. Vinegar also helps w/cat box odors.

Michelle N.

6:37AM PDT on May 28, 2008

I used dawn Oxy Plus any liquid soap would be fine... I use that because if I am cleaning around a stove that hasn't been clean in a while there will be grease from butter and over cooking, spills.. etc So that is what I would use vinger alone doesn't have grease cutting that is why you need the Dawn any dish soap will be fine

6:34AM PDT on May 28, 2008

I use Dawn Oxy plus ... Dawn is ok of pets too cuts grease if you might have to clean in front of the stove where you might have grease... Otherwise it is good with any kind of liquid soap...

Johanna G.

1:56PM PDT on Mar 13, 2008

On the wood floors, I rinse, but I'm not sure it's necessary. The most important thing is to keep the wood floor as dry as possible during the whole process. I pour about 1/2 cup vingar into a gallon of warm water, wring the mop as dry as I can, and then rinse with another mop barely damp with plain warm water - just small areas at a time. I'm going to try adding the mint tea - it should smell wonderful. Once in a while I do a whole room with cloths (sitting on the floor) instead of mops and get it *really* clean, including the corners, baseboards, etc. It never has that tacky, sticky feeling after it dries like you sometimes get with commercial products.

Nancy K.

7:26PM PDT on Mar 12, 2008

I am assuming that one will need to rinse w/ clear water after this..... ???? Please advise. Thanks, N