Vinegar has become an extremely popular and effective cleaning solution for individuals that prefer more natural and affordable cleaners. You can use vinegar to clean many different areas of your home, including stainless steel, windows, and even appliances like your washing machine. Among these, cleaning vinegar or distilled white vinegar can also help clean multiple types of flooring.
"Distilled white vinegar is an ideal cleaning solutions for floors, because the acidity helps to cut through grease, dirt, and grime," says Alisha Firestone-White, co-owner of Northwest Housekeeping.
Learn how to clean floors with vinegar, using the correct methods for different flooring types so you can keep your floors sparkly and sanitized.
Meet the Expert
Alisha Firestone-White is the co-owner of Northwest Housekeeping.
How to Clean Hardwood and Laminate Floors with Vinegar
Vinegar can be a good solution for cleaning hardwood floors, but use it with caution. This particular type of flooring is especially prone to discoloration and swelling, and the acidity in vinegar can damage your hardwood if you're not careful.
In fact, even water can dull the finish on your hardwood floors if you use too much. Similarly, laminate flooring is also sensitive to moisture, as liquid can seep between the boards and warp the material.
With this in mind, it's important to use a small amount of vinegar when cleaning hardwood and laminate floors.
"Vinegar should only be used on sealed hardwood floors," Firestone-White says." Always dilute and use a high quality microfiber cloth to apply."
- Sweep or vacuum your floors. This first step removes any dirt or gritty debris that could scratch the floor as you mop.
- Make your cleaning solution. Combine 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar with one gallon of water in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to help mask the vinegar smell.
- Mop your floors with the vinegar solution. Many experts recommend a flat mop for hardwood and laminate floors to avoid exposing the floor to too much moisture and potentially causing damage. Spritz your floors lightly with the DIY vinegar solution, then mop in sections. This will help you avoid leaving the solution for too long.
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How to Clean Tile Floors With Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent ingredient to use when cleaning porcelain and ceramic tile flooring. It can be sensitive to acidity and abrasive materials, so make sure you use your homemade vinegar cleaner in moderation to prevent any damage. Follow the steps below to clean and protect your tile floors.
- Start with a quick sweep. You can avoid spreading excess dust and dirt across your floors with this first step.
- Create your DIY cleaner. Mix 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar with one gallon of warm water. You could also add a tablespoon or two of your favorite dishwashing liquid for an extra cleaning boost.
- Mop the floors thoroughly. Once your homemade cleaner is ready, dip your mop in the solution and wring it out so it's not too damp. Mop the floor in five foot by five foot sections and allow the floors to air dry.
Tip
Although vinegar can be a good cleaning solution for tile floors, you should never use it on natural stone, as the acidity can damage the finish.
How to Clean Carpet With Vinegar
You can rent a carpet cleaner to deep clean your carpets or even hire a professional, but vinegar is also an effective solution you can use. Follow the method below to clean your carpets with vinegar.
- Vacuum thoroughly. Pull up as much dirt and pet dander as you can before applying liquid cleaning solutions to your carpet.
- Mix your cleaning ingredients. To create a homemade carpet cleaner, we suggest combining one cup of distilled white vinegar with three cups of cold water in a spray bottle. Keep in mind you'll likely need more to clean the whole carpet. For stubborn stains, mix your vinegar cleaner with a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar, plus a teaspoon of dish soap.
- Apply your cleaner in sections. As with the previous flooring types, you'll want to clean your carpet in small sections. Spray the vinegar solution liberally, then leave it to absorb into the carpet fibers for five minutes.
- Blot the cleaning solution. Using a microfiber cloth, blot the damp carpet to pull up the vinegar cleaner, and dirt and dust along with it. Rinse your cloth often in a bucket of clean water as you go.
- Allow the carpet to air dry. Carpet will take longer to dry than alternatives like laminate or tile, so consider opening windows and perhaps even adding a fan or two to increase airflow in the room. Avoid walking on the carpet until it is completely dry.
How to Get Rid of Vinegar Smell
Some people dislike the smell of vinegar, making this eco-friendly cleaner less attractive than store-bought alternatives. Fortunately, the vinegar smell typically goes away once the surface has dried, and there are also ways to minimize the scent in your cleaning routine while you wait. Here are a few tips to help:
- Open windows and doors as you clean.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your vinegar cleaning solution.
- After cleaning your floors, wipe them down a second time with clean water, then finish with a clean, dry cloth.
- Spray a light air freshener in the room to mitigate the smell.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Floors With Vinegar
- "Test an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire floor to ensure there will be no discoloration," says Firestone-White. "It's best to review manufacturer recommendations."
- To remove stubborn stains on your floors, consider adding baking soda or dish soap to your cleaning solution. Keep in mind baking soda is an abrasive powder, so it is not well-suited for floors like hardwood that are prone to scratches.
- Create a versatile DIY vinegar cleaner that you can use on multiple surfaces, so it's ready to use when it's time to clean your floors as well as other areas of your home.
- Check your flat mop or microfiber cloth often while you clean. If it's getting noticeably dirty, be sure to clean your mop or cloth before continuing to clean the rest of your floors.
FAQ
Can I mop with Dawn and vinegar?
Yes! Dawn dish soap and vinegar form a strong and affordable pair in your homemade cleaning solution.
What is the best solution to mop floors with?
The best cleaning solution for your floors will both disinfect the floors as well as rid them of dirt. Consider combining both distilled white vinegar and a mild dish soap in your homemade cleaning solution to accomplish these goals simultaneously.
What do professionals use to clean floors?
Professional cleaners use a variety of solutions and tools to clean floors. For many, their ideal methods depend on the type of flooring as well as personal preferences.