How to prepare a natural detergent for the floor that degreases and cleans the escapes

#### **2. Add the Vinegar**

Pour **1 cup of white vinegar** into the water. The vinegar will serve as the primary degreaser and help break down stubborn grease and grime on your floors, particularly in kitchen areas. It’s also an excellent disinfectant, ensuring that your floors are not only clean but sanitized as well.

#### **3. Stir in Baking Soda**

Add **1 tablespoon of baking soda** to the mixture. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which makes it great for scrubbing away dirt, food particles, and grease. It will also help neutralize any odors left behind, giving your floors a fresh scent.

#### **4. Add Liquid Castile Soap**

Next, pour in **1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap**. This soap is gentle but effective at cleaning and won’t damage your floors. It will help lift dirt and oil without leaving behind any soapy residue.

#### **5. Squeeze in Lemon Juice (Optional)**

For an extra burst of freshness and cleaning power, squeeze in the juice of **1 lemon**. Lemon is naturally acidic, making it a fantastic option for cutting through grease and dirt. Plus, the lemon scent will give your cleaning solution a pleasant, natural fragrance.

#### **6. Add Essential Oils (Optional)**

If you want to add a more fragrant touch to your floor cleaner, drop in **10 drops of your favorite essential oil**. Popular choices include **lavender** for a calming aroma, **eucalyptus** for a refreshing scent with antibacterial properties, or **tea tree oil** for its antifungal and disinfectant qualities.

#### **7. Mix the Solution**

Give everything a good stir to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. You should notice the water becoming slightly cloudy, which indicates that the ingredients are working together to form an effective cleaning solution.

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### **How to Use the Natural Floor Cleaner**

Now that your homemade floor cleaner is ready, it’s time to put it to work!

#### **1. Sweep or Vacuum First**

Before applying the cleaning solution, sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This step helps prevent dirt from getting stuck in the cleaning solution and allows the detergent to work more effectively.

#### **2. Mop the Floor**

Dip a **microfiber mop** or a soft cloth into your natural floor cleaner, making sure it’s damp—not soaking wet. Mop the floor using gentle strokes, making sure to cover the entire surface. For stubborn stains or grease spots, you can **apply a little extra cleaner** directly to the area and scrub with a soft brush or sponge.

#### **3. Clean the Corners and Hard-to-Reach Areas**

To tackle **corners**, **edges**, and other difficult spots that are often ignored, soak a **small scrub brush** or a cloth in the cleaner, and gently scrub the areas. The natural ingredients in the cleaner should dissolve grease and grime, leaving your floors sparkling.

#### **4. Let It Dry**

Once you’ve mopped the floor and cleaned the edges, let the floor air dry. The vinegar will leave a streak-free finish, and the lemon will leave a fresh, clean scent lingering in the air.

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### **Why This Natural Floor Cleaner Works**

The combination of these ingredients creates a highly effective cleaning solution. Let’s break down how each component helps:

* **Vinegar**: Cuts through grease and grime with its acidity. It also has antibacterial properties, making it great for sanitizing your floors.
* **Baking Soda**: Acts as a gentle abrasive that scrubs away dirt and neutralizes odors.
* **Castile Soap**: Cleans the surface of the floor without leaving behind any residue, unlike some chemical cleaners that can cause sticky buildup.
* **Lemon**: Adds extra acidity for tough grease and grime removal while providing a pleasant citrus scent.
* **Essential Oils**: Add a lovely fragrance and enhance the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the cleaner.

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### **Additional Tips for Floor Cleaning**

* **For Wood Floors**: While this natural detergent is safe for most types of floors, be cautious when using it on wood floors. Too much water can damage wood, so use it sparingly. It’s best to use a damp mop rather than soaking the floor.
* **For Tile Floors**: This solution works wonderfully on tile, especially in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, where grease and soap scum tend to build up.
* **For Linoleum or Vinyl**: These floors can handle a stronger solution, but always test a small area first to ensure no damage occurs.

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### **Conclusion: A Fresh, Clean Floor Without Harsh Chemicals**

Making your own natural floor cleaner is not only easy and cost-effective but also a healthier alternative to store-bought products that can be filled with toxic chemicals. With simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, you can keep your floors clean, degreased, and streak-free, all while protecting your home and the environment.

Try this natural floor cleaner next time you need to mop, and watch your home shine with a refreshing, chemical-free glow!