If your floors have seen better days, or simply don't shine like they do in catalogs (or on Instagram), you're not alone. Many people would happily sacrifice half an afternoon for those "like new" floors, but two things stop them: the smell of a chemical factory and the doubt about what all the cleaning products are leaving in your home.
The good news? Shiny, clean floors don't require an army of chemicals or expensive specialty products. All it takes is a few basic home-cooked ingredients, a pinch of patience, and a touch of home alchemy. The result? Surfaces that not only shine, but leave behind a natural freshness – not an unpleasant feeling in the throat.
1. A versatile home cleaner for all types of floors
If you want one cleaner for most floor surfaces—from laminate to tile and even varnished wood—this blend is your new best friend.
You need:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of table salt (great for dissolving impurities)
- 100 ml white vinegar (natural degreaser and disinfectant)
- a few drops of essential oil (mint for freshness, lavender for relaxation)
Process:
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Dilute with 5 liters of hot water.
- Wet a mop or cloth and wash the floor as usual. No rinsing is necessary - the surfaces will be clean, tack-free and with a non-industrial smell.
Bonus: It also works great on glass surfaces and bathroom tiles.
2. Citrus Infusion – A Miracle Cleaner for Wood and Laminate Floors
For anyone who wants to give their home gentle cleaning power with a fresh aroma - and an extra "wow" effect on shiny floors.
You need:
- citrus peels (lemons, oranges, limes or tangerines – use whatever you have on hand)
- white vinegar
- glass jar with lid
Process:
- Fill the jar halfway with the peels.
- Pour over white vinegar until they are completely submerged.
- Seal tightly and place in a dark place for 2 weeks – the vinegar will absorb the citrus essence during this time.
- To clean, use 2 deciliters of this infusion to 1 bucket of warm water. Wash the floors and enjoy the scent reminiscent of freshly squeezed juice – without a drop of sugar, of course.
Suitable for: floating floors, varnished wood, vinyl surfaces.
3. Express cleaner for fast action
When you need an effective solution in five minutes – without fermentation and essential drops.
You need:
- ¾ gallon of water (about 2.8 liters)
- 7 tablespoons of hand dishwashing detergent (not aggressive, but mild, organic)
Process:
- Mix all ingredients in a bucket.
- Use a mop and clean the floor.
- If necessary, rinse with clean water if you notice any residual foam.
Ideal for: vinyl, tiles, PVC – anything that can withstand a little more moisture.
Sparkling floors are no longer the domain of expensive cleaners or professional services. With the recipes above, you can create clean, shiny, and naturally scented floors yourself – without destroying nature or compromising your own health. Plus, the feeling of having done something so simple yet effective is… well, almost therapeutic.
