Tough Dirt and Grease Formula Floor Cleaner

Source: The Natually Clean Home
Author: Karyn Siegel-Maier
Copyright: 2008

Tough Dirt and Grease Formula
Original Recipe:
1 Gal. Hot Water
2 Tbsp. Liquid Castile Soap
1/4 c. Washing Soda
1 c. Vinegar
20 Drops Eucalyptus, Peppermint or Tea Tree Essential Oil

Combine all ingredients in a large bucket. Dip a mop into the bucket and squeeze out excess liquid. Clean the floor by working in sections, using the short strokes and dipping the mop as needed. Rinsing is not necessary.

I have this horrible 30 year old 4x4 terracotta tile flooring. I hate it and have never felt like I could keep it adquately clean enough to walk barefooted on. This recipe appealed to me because of the vinegar and the washing soda, something the other recipes in the book didn't have. The only thing I changed about this recipe was the Essential Oils. I used 10 Peppermint and 10 Tea Tree Oil. I can't even imagine what it would have been like had I used a full 20 drops of Peppermint. That stuff is STRONG! My result was a nice, fragrant, super minty, soapy cleaning solution that was completely dirty once I finished cleaning my floor. I used a clean towel instead of a mop so I know the dirt came from my floor and not a previously used mop. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked on it this morning and didn't instantly feel like hunting down my slippers.