January 10, 2013
Daily Cleaning Tasks – Thursday is Floor Washing Day
I wash floors on Thursdays because all the hard floors were vacuumed or swept on Wednesday. Yes, it would be better to vacuum and wash floors all on the same day, but I just don’t have that kind of time. So, I split it up and vacuum on Wednesdays and wash floors on Thursdays.
What’s my Method?
I’ve experimented with more floor cleaning products then I’d like to admit and have finally come around to washing my floors with vinegar and water. You can read more about my technique in this post. I prefer a steam mop for tile (bathrooms) and vinyl (mudroom and laundry room). I use the spray mop pictured on days when I only have time for a quick wash or if the floors need to be washed before Thursday. I use water, vinegar, and essential oils in the spray mop as well. Why do I use the water and vinegar method? It’s the only floor cleaner that I’ve found that gets up everything and doesn’t leave a sticky residue or a film. I add the essential oils so my house doesn’t smell like a pickle factory (I don’t like the smell of vinegar – at all). And in all my research, I’ve found that vinegar and water is what is professionally recommended by most flooring companies and installers.
If you haven’t grabbed the free cleaning schedule for this month, you can always grab it on the sidebar.
Monday – Bathrooms
Tuesday – Dusting
Wednesday – Vacuum
Thursday – Wash Floors
Friday – Catch-All Day
Saturday – Sheets + Towels
Come on back tomorrow for Friday’s cleaning task explanation – and don’t forget to like me on Facebook and/or Twitter for daily reminders in your feed. If you’re a Pinterest-er, you can follow me here. And if you haven’t subscribed to posts in your inbox – just go to the little white box on the sidebar and enter your email address.
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House Cleaning Says
Thanks for the free cleaning schedule. Very helpful. As for your cleaning solution, what type of oil do you mix with the vinegar? Tea Tree? I’m surprised that would work since oil and vinegar separate so readily.
Becky Says
Post authorIt’s just essential oil – and it’s just a drop or two so it doesn’t have any oil/water issues.
xo, Becky
Lisa W Says
What steam mop do you use?
Becky Says
Post authorIt’s a Black and Decker – love it!
xo, Becky
Gina Says
Hi Becky
love your blog! I have been using vinegar and water on my laminate hardwood floor and hope that I am not ruining it. Can you tell me anything about this? Also I have been using vinegar and water on my ceramic tile floor that the dogs will piddle on. There seems to be a slick film on the ceramic tile even after wash and dry immediately with towels (even on my hands and knees–oh my aching back!!) Any advise?
Becky Says
Post authorHi Gina!
I don’t have laminate, but I have seen that sometimes the vinegar/water will leave laminate floors slightly sticky – I recommend switching up your combo to 1/3 water-1/3 white vinegar-1/3 rubbing alcohol. It will dry quickly and not leave a residue. As for the tile, I use a steam mop with great results – but the ratio of 1c. vinegar to 1 gallon of warm/hot water should work on your tile. You can also use a little baking soda and a scrub brush to clean the grout if you need to. I hope this helps!
xo, Becky
Samantha Says
Love your blog! I too have laminate floors that get sticky using vinegar and water. I found that using hydrogen peroxide and water works much better for me and leaves the floors smooth and not sticky. Hope that helps!
Kristy Says
What ratio do you use with hydrogen peroxide? I am struggling to find a solution for my laminate floors that doesn’t leave horrible streaks!
Lisa Says
I vacuum everyday we have 3 inside dogs 2 shed plus 2 boys would love to have robot vacuum can’t afford hubby only one that works .thanksfor all ur tips if you have any for me please do share.
Karen Says
Becky do you use the vinegar solution in your steam mop as well??
Becky Says
Post authorHi Karen-
I just use water in my steam mop 🙂
Robin k Says
I’m new to cleaning with microfiber clothes, so far I love them. Bought mine at target. What’s your preferred brand.
Becky Says
Post authorCasabella is my favorite 🙂
Rebecca Says
I love your blog! I’m following your cleaning routine and it’s amazing how much better my house looks and how less stressed I am about it (most of the time!). What solution do you use to clean your hardwood with? I want mine to shine again…they are still new floors!
Becky Says
Post authorI have my favorites here:
http://www.cleanmama.net/cleaning-favs