Frugal Homemade Floor Cleaner Recipes and ‘Ready Mop’ Alternatives

by Reader Contributors

Do you like the convenience of a ‘ready mop’ but hate the cost? Replace pricey prepackaged refills with these frugal homemade floor cleaner recipes from our readers.

Dear Dollar Stretcher,
I am looking for a way to make the cleaner that comes in the attachable bottles of floor cleaner on products like “Clorox Ready Mop.” I tried some ammonia with water, but it left water spots on the floor. The purchased cleaner leaves the floor clean and shiny, but it is very expensive. I love the convenience of this mop in my kitchen, but I don’t love the expense.

Can any of your readers help with a recipe for a homemade version of this floor cleaner?
Deana P.

Baby Shampoo Cleans My Floors

I use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (about 1 to 2 tsp. per gallon of water). This cleans really well. I learned this tip from a professional cleaner of a beauty shop chain.
Ann

Great Homemade Floor Cleaner: Vinegar and Water

Try a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This is actually recommended on the website of the company that produced our floors. I have a hunch it might work for linoleum or tile floors, too, though I have not tried it.
Beth E.

My Homemade Floor Cleaner: Water and Rubbing Alcohol

I happened on a bottle of cleaner at Menard’s that actually had the ingredients listed on the floor cleaner. It consisted of water, several types of alcohol and fragrance. I have laminate wood flooring and was looking for a cheaper way to use my Swiffer. So, I experimented with placing eight ounces of rubbing alcohol with 32 ounces of hot water. It works great! I still purchase the Swiffer pads in the economy box, but I spray the floor with my solution first.
Cathy, Indiana

Homemade All-Purpose Floor Cleaner

An economical, non-rinse cleaner can be made by mixing the following ingredients.

1/4 cup Dish soap
2 cups Vinegar
1 cup Lemon juice
1 to 2 cups Water

Great for cleaning floors, bathrooms, walls, etc.
Shelly

Try This Homemade ‘Ready Mop’ Recipe

I wanted to re-fill the bottle to my Clorox mop. So, I came up with a great recipe. Use two tablespoons of ammonia, 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap, and enough water to fill to the top. Give it a try!
Shana H., Minnesota

Floor Installer’s Advice on Homemade Cleaners

I have the Clorox Wet Mop system. A friend told me the Vinyl Floor Installer told her to clean the floor with diluted window cleaner. Use one part Window Cleaner to one part hot water. I just mix it and put it in my mop’s solution container. It works great!
T

• Cleaning No Wax Floors: Frugal Tips, Tools, and Techniques
• Carpet Stain Removal Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Carpeting
• 10 Ways To Cut the Cost of Cleaning
• Make Your Own Cleaners and Save

Reviewed November 2023