6 / 7

Homemade Vinegar Floor Cleaner

First, a quick note about DIY cleaners: While they’re good for many occasions, Greenstein says they may not be robust enough for serious disinfecting tasks.

“Many pet parasites and harmful germs are surprisingly hearty in the environment and may not be destroyed by more gentle formulations,” she says. “If you’re trying to disinfect your home from a particular pet pathogen, talk to your vet about the right product and protocol to make sure you’re keeping everyone safe.”

Now, on to the simplest DIY cleaner:

Mix them in a bucket and make sure the floor is swept before mopping. If you want to get a little fancy, or if the vinegar smell disagrees with you, add a few drops of essential oil. Once the vinegar evaporates, the fresh scent of the oil will remain. For particularly grimy jobs, add a few drops of natural dish soap. Some people also like to add 0.25-cup of baking soda to the mix. If you do that, go over the floor a second time with fresh water for a better shine.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p63MoqOyoJGjsbq5wKdlnKedZLmqv9Nop56sXaiup7GMn6Oop6JisK2xwKecq6tf