You lie on them, your kids play on them, but floors are one of your home's dirtiest surfaces. These three green ideas are the ones experts say work best (without harsh chemicals) – so you can save on cleaning products and save the planet.
Carpets
Just have your family kick off their shoes at the door. This simple switch immediately eliminates almost all of the dirt, mold, germs and pesticides that get tracked into your house. Since this outdoor grime accounts for 80% of the dirt that settles into carpets, you'll need to vacuum and shampoo much less frequently, saving time and money.
Wood and laminate floors.
A damp cloth is just as effective on wood floors as a more expensive type of cleaner and safer for the envionment too. For laminates simply mix 1 cup white vinegar into 1 gallon warm water and mop. Why does it work? The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through the grease and grime leaving you with laminates that shine.
Tile and linoleum floors.
Disinfect them with this green solution: Mix 2 cups water with a squirt of liquid soap and 20 drops of tea tree oil (found at health food stores). The soap lifts dirt, while the tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that kills germs, so your kitchen and bathroom floors are sparkling and safe.
Thanks to Pillar to Post for these great tips.