How to Clean Floors by Mopping with Bleach

When it’s time to clean your floors, mix up a bleach and water solution, and let the power of Clorox get to work. Bleach works great on vinyl, nonporous tile and even grout.

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By Mary Gagliardi

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Use as directed.

Hard, nonporous flooring surfaces, especially those in bathrooms and kitchens, can be easily cleaned with a Clorox bleach and water solution. It’s as simple as mixing up bleach and water, mopping it on, rinsing it off and letting everything air dry.

Do not use on aluminum, chipped or cracked enamel, copper, brass, silver or unsealed wood, marble, tile or granite. Avoid contact with aluminum; if accidental contact occurs, rinse immediately with water.

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Steps to clean your floors with bleach

  1. Open windows to improve ventilation.

    Start by opening windows to allow good air circulation in the area you’re cleaning. For rooms without windows, you can also use a fan to improve air circulation.

  2. Sweep up or vacuum loose dirt and dust.

    Getting rid of loose dirt before applying the bleach solution will make mopping easier.

  3. Mix up the bleach and water solution.

    Fill a plastic bucket with 1 gallon of cool water, then add 1/3 cup Clorox® Bleach. Wear gloves and clothing that you don’t mind accidentally splashing with bleach solution.

  4. Sponge or mop the solution onto the floor.

    Apply the solution and allow it to contact the surface for 6 minutes. Scrub as needed with a nylon brush if necessary to remove tough stains.

    Tip

    To disinfect with this bleach and water solution, pre-clean the floor by wiping away organic matter before applying the bleach and water solution.

  5. Rinse with clean water and air dry.

    Empty the bucket with the bleach and water solution, rinse it, and fill with clean water. Use this to rinse the floor before letting the area air dry completely.

    Tip

    This solution is safe to use in a home with pets and children — just be sure to keep them out of the area while you are working, until the floor has dried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use bleach to clean hardwood floors?

In general, bleach is not recommended for cleaning hardwood floors. Pine-Sol is a great product for hardwood floors; just be sure the polyurethane finish on your flooring is in good condition with no worn spots before cleaning. Always test a small inconspicuous area before cleaning a hardwood floor.

Can I use Clorox® Splash-Less Bleach~1~ to mop my floors?

Yes, but the amount of bleach per gallon of water is different. With our Splash-Less® Bleach, use ½ cup bleach per gallon of water.

Does this solution disinfect floors?

Yes, as long as the floor is free of visible soil before you begin. For visibly soiled surfaces, pre-clean the surface before disinfecting and be sure the bleach and water solution contacts the surface for 6 minutes before rinsing.

I bought my bleach at warehouse store and it has a different name. Can I use it instead?

Yes. Depending on where you buy your bleach, you could also use any of the following: Clorox® Bleach1, Clorox® Regular Bleach3, Clorox® Performance Bleach2 and Clorox® Germicidal Bleach4.