How to Make a pH-Neutral Floor Cleaner

Floors tend to collect dust particles, grime, gunk and debris on a daily basis. The dust usually contains pollutants and harmful allergens, causing indoor air pollution. Stained or dingy floors can even ruin the look and feel of an entire home.

Thus, it becomes imperative to sweep and mop regularly using proper methods. This will help you retrieve your floors’ former glory without any elbow grease. However, using abrasive or too-acidic cleaners could damage the surface or dull the appearance of the flooring.

So, it is good to use a pH-neutral floor cleaner to eliminate stubborn stains and grime from laminate, hardwood, marble, vinyl, tiles and other finishes. The solution is neither too acidic nor too alkaline, which is perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces. Here is a quick guide to making a pH-neutral floor cleaner using safe and sound products. We will also unveil the right way to maintain the shine of the surface.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Understanding a pH-neutral Cleaner

According to end of lease cleaning Newcastle experts, pH neutral cleaner is a great product to clean certain surfaces, especially delicate ones. A pH level below 7 is acidic, which can discolour your floors, while a pH value above 7 is alkaline, which can cause dullness or leave residue behind. However, A pH of 7 is considered neutral. It is a gentle, non-abrasive, yet effective cleaning solution.

For instance, White vinegar has a pH value of 2.4, which is too acidic and can discolour natural stone surfaces. Lemon is also acidic, while baking soda is alkaline with a pH of 9.

2. Ingredients You Will Need

Ensure you arrange the following ingredients to prepare your gentle, pH-neutral floor cleaning agent.

• pH-Neutral Dishwashing Liquid: Take 1/3 cup of mild dishwashing detergent to mop your dirt-laden floors.
• Castile Soap is a natural, plant-based soap that is a great alternative to abrasive and chemically laden cleaning products.
• Hot water: Take 1 gallon of hot water. This can dislodge dirt and grime effectively.
• Microfiber Mop: It is an affordable, super-absorbing and effective mopping tool.
• Essential oils (optional): Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender. This will absorb bad odours from your home.

3. How to Prepare a pH-Neutral Floor Cleaner

Follow these steps and create your safe, sound and effective floor cleaner at home:

Step 1: Mix Dishwashing Liquid & Water

The first step is to mix the right quantity of pH-neutral dishwashing liquid detergent with 1 gallon of water. You can easily find the detergent at the local grocery store in Newcastle, NSW. Read the labels and avoid buying a product that contains phosphates and other harmful chemicals. Mix 1 bucket of warm water with a half cup of detergent and mix it well.

Step 2: Add Castile Soap and Essential Oil

Next, add 1/3 cup castile soap and 10 drops of essential oil to the same bucket. Use tea tree oil to banish germs, bacteria, and mould. Mix it well, and your pH-neutral floor cleaner is ready.

Step 3: Test the Solution on a Small Area

It is always good to test the cleaning solution on a hidden area of your floor. This will help you identify any potential reactions, such as discolouration or damage. Professionals always do this before performing a budget end of lease cleaning Newcastle.

Step 4: Dampen the Mop and Clean Your Floors

Now, soak your microfiber cloth in the bucket and squeeze out excess solution. Using excess water could also damage the floors or leave a nasty residue.

Make sure you mop the floors thoroughly. For sparkling results, make sure you clean nooks and crannies and underneath heavy appliances and furniture. The solution can help you remove stubborn stains, grime, and grease with ease.

Tip: Always follow the correct order to clean your home. Start from your ceilings and make your way towards floors.

Step 5: Spot Clean Tough Stains

You can also pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it on affected or stained areas. Leave it for a few minutes and gently scrub using an old toothbrush or magic eraser. The scrubbing intensity completely depends on the type of flooring you are cleaning. Natural stone surfaces and hardwood are prone to scratches, and using too much elbow grease could cause damage. So, be gentle.

Step 6: Dry the Floor

Open the fans and windows to let the surface dry completely. You can also use a paper towel to dry the surface. This step is crucial to maintain the pristine shine of your floors, especially when vacating your rental property. If you are concerned about the entire property, book experts for a professional end of lease cleaning Newcastle. They follow a pre-approved cleaning checklist to clean all rooms, important spots and dirt-laden areas to help you retrieve full bond money.

4. Important Things to Remember When Using a DIY Floor Cleaner

Here are a few important things to consider when using a pH-neutral cleaner for your dirt-laden floors:

• Read the labels carefully before buying a pH-neutral dishwashing detergent.
• Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific floor types, such as tile, laminate and hardwood.
• Though vinegar is versatile, avoid adding it or lemon to the pH neutral cleaner. Both are acidic and could damage your natural stone surfaces.
• Store your homemade cleaning agent in a cool, dark place.

A Guide to preparing a pH-Neutral Floor Cleaner

Wrapping up

Preparing your own pH-neutral floor cleaner is not rocket science. Follow this guide and spruce up your floors like a pro. This will help you achieve sparkling results without using caustic, expensive, and harmful cleaning products.