Water and Bleach
Many DIY floor cleaners, such as vinegar, are efficient at eliminating dirt from surfaces but not at eradicating bacteria and viruses. If a human or cat has been sick on the floor, or if you just want a thorough cleaning, follow your homemade floor cleaner with a bleach and water solution. Because a bleach solution must air dry, it can only disinfect rather than wash away dirt and filth.
Bleach should only be used in well-ventilated rooms without children or pets, and it should only be used on hard surfaces like vinyl and nonporous tile floors. Bleach is not recommended as a hardwood floor cleaner. If you're going to take a chance, test the solution on a small patch of skin and let it dry before proceeding. Clorox suggests mopping surfaces with a 1/3 cup normal bleach solution in 1 gallon of water. When working with bleach, always use gloves and old clothes.
Water and Borax
Borax isn't something everyone has on hand these days, but if you have a box in your laundry room, you might be able to use it to clean your floors. Borax (also known as sodium borate) is a powdered mineral with a reputation for being an all-purpose cleaner. In truth, it's only safe to use on tile or vinyl floors that aren't porous. To produce a mopping solution, dissolve 2 tablespoons of borax in a gallon of warm water.
Water, Rubbing Alcohol, and Vinegar
Because of its disinfecting characteristics, rubbing alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol) makes a good floor cleaner. It's too abrasive for wood and porous surfaces, but it's perfect for laminate floors. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and water. Spritz the solution on the floor. After that, mop with a damp mop.
Water and Ammonia
Although ammonia should not be used to clean most types of flooring, it can be used as a DIY stain remover for natural fiber carpets, particularly for stains caused by spilled food or drinks. Mix one part ammonia with around eight parts water to get a solution. Using a dry cloth or sponge, dab the area where the solution was sprayed onto the carpet. As needed, repeat the process.
Water and Oxygen Bleach
If you currently use oxygen bleach to whiten your clothes, you may use it to clean your carpets as well. Using 16 ounces of water and enough oxygen bleach powder to fill the scoop that comes with each tub to line one, OxiClean recommends making a carpet cleaning solution. Spray the mixture onto the soiled carpet, wait five to ten minutes, then blot the area with a dry cloth. Always test oxygen bleach on a hidden piece of carpet before using it to cure stains to ensure it doesn't damage the fibers.
