All-purpose floor cleaner
Mix 2 tablespoons liquid soap in 1 gallon hot water. Mix, mop and wipe dry with a cloth. (If streaking occurs, try a water rinse and use less soap in the mixture next time.)
Linoleum: Damp mop using 1/4 cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap in 2 gallons warm water.
Vinyl floor: Damp mop using 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 2 gallons warm water.
Tile floor: Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 gallon hot water. Mix, mop and wipe clean.
Wood floor: Damp mop with mild vegetable oil soap.
Unvarnished wood floor
Option 1: Damp mop with mild vegetable oil-based soap.
Option 2: Damp mop with:
- 1/4 cup liquid vegetable oil-based soap
- 1/2 teaspoon glycerin
- 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
- 2 gallons warm water.
Varnished wood floors or no-wax floors such as polyurethane or Swedish finishes: Damp mop using one part vinegar to 10 parts water.
No-wax floor cleaner: Damp mop with:
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 2 tablespoons liquid soap
- 1 gallon of hot water
Wipe clean.
Crayon marks: Rub with toothpaste and a damp cloth. Do not use on porous surfaces.
Heel mark remover: Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and enough vegetable oil-based soap to make a paste. Test on a small portion of the scuff mark by washing and rinsing well.
Tip: Try cleaner on small area of floor first. If floor finish is accidentally removed during spot cleaning, try 1/2 cup cornstarch and enough water to make a paste. Rub this mixture into the spot and let it dry. Buff to a polish.