Is it possible to wash floors with vinegar after painting - what are the threats of old methods?

It is possible, even necessary, to wash floors with vinegar after painting, but it is only important to do it correctly: observe proportions accurately and do not wash too early until the paint has dried. Read about how to wash the floor without prejudice to a fresh coating and why use vinegar.

We prepare the solution with vinegar correctly

Household vinegar is universal: it not only destroys odors and has a disinfecting property, but also removes greasy stains. Quickly and efficiently cope even with minor dirt and dust that appear on a freshly painted surface, especially after drying. Housewives love this method of mopping for the effect of enhancing color saturation.

The first thing to do before washing is to properly prepare the vinegar solution. The procedure is important, because too hot water or a high concentration of vinegar will only aggravate the matter and cause ugly scatters.

Acetic solution for mopping after painting is prepared as follows:

1. We take a standard plastic or zinc bucket of 10 liters.
2. We collect a full bucket of hot water. The most important thing when washing the floor is to choose the right water temperature. It should not be boiling water, but not just a warm liquid. A suitable temperature is one at which you can hold your hand in the water, but not for long - up to 5-7 seconds.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of simple vinegar to the water. It is also called household or home. Concentrated acetic acid, even if there is one in the house, cannot be used.
4. Mix thoroughly for 15–20 seconds.
5. Getting to the floor.

Exceeding the concentration of vinegar in the solution, you can achieve the first loss of color of enamel, and subsequently - its peeling. Vinegar, even household, is a very aggressive substance, and it should be used very carefully.

High-quality and inexpensive substitute for vinegar can be ammonia. But the proportions are different - just 1 tablespoon per 6-8 liters of water is enough. Remember that a large amount of the drug in solution will give the opposite effect.

How to wash the floor with vinegar without consequences?

A solution of vinegar is ready: water of the required temperature, and the amount of vinegar does not exceed two tablespoons. You can start washing the floor.

The sequence of proper floor cleaning with acetic solution:

1. Moisten a soft rag in the solution and squeeze it well. Remember: too wet rags will provoke the appearance of new stains or the final enamel fading. Therefore, the rag should be moist, but not wet at all.
2. Gently flushing no more than 3 m² floor, you need to change the solution to fresh. And so on until the whole freshly painted surface is washed.
3. Under no circumstances should you wash the already clean surface repeatedly. Better to do it in a few days. Rubbing the surface is also not recommended, because vinegar, even of a weak concentration, remains too active a substance capable of splitting some paints and varnishes.
4. After the area has been treated with vinegar, you should gently wipe the floor with a cloth moistened with clean water, without adding any detergents.

It is better to use soft rags for mopping and after several procedures replace it. Dirty rags with small or large debris will be the first cause of scuffs and scratches on the newly painted floor.

When can I start washing the floor?

The floor is painted and shiny with fresh enamel, floor paint or varnish.The question arises: when can I start washing? Answer: not immediately and not even after 2-3 days.

• First, enamels should be allowed to dry well.
• Secondly, the coloring composition should be absorbed into the tree. This process is lengthy - even with proper air circulation and constant room temperature, it takes at least two weeks.

Some home masters make a mistake: after a few days they try to touch the painted floor and, if the enamel or paint does not stick to the hand, then immediately start washing. It is not right. The topmost layer dries up very quickly, after a day it seems that you can walk on the floor. But the lower layers will take time, sometimes a lot of time. Therefore, remember: you can wash the painted floor no earlier than after 1.5–2 weeks.

What should not be done?

Never try to get rid of stains on a freshly painted floor with a simple laundry soap and hot water. This is a gross error that will lead to new problems:

• even more divorces;
• enamel fading;
• possible peeling of the coating.

Vinegar is a proven household product that ideally combines quality, productivity and affordability. When used correctly, a beautiful, sparkling floor surface and a long service life of enamel or paint are guaranteed.