Last year, I bought a Shark VacMop, and I LOVE it! I love its convenience, effectiveness, and how I can vacuum and mop with the same device. However, refills for the cleaning solution refill can quickly increase.
Fortunately, I’ve found an easy and cost-effective alternative that works just as well—and the main ingredient is just $1.25! This homemade solution is great for regular cleaning, but keep in mind, it could potentially void your Shark VacMop warranty, so use it at your own risk. That said, it has worked VERY well with my machine, and I don’t think I’ll ever be turning back now that I’ve used it.
Supplies Needed:
- 1 part LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner (this can be found at the Dollar Tree, Home Depot, and on Amazon. The Dollar Tree is the cheapest option).
- 1 part water
- 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional but adds a lovely scent. Choose a non-toxic kind of you have children or pets)
- Funnel (to make pouring the solution easier)
- Container (to mix solution in)
- Shark VacMop solution container
Directions:
1. Gather your materials.
Grab a bottle of LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner, some water (tap is fine!), your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent, and a funnel.
2. Clean your VacMop refill bottle.
Make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned and dried before refilling.
3. Mix the solution.
In a container, mix 1 part LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner with 1 part water. For example, if you’re using a small bottle, you might mix 1 cup of cleaner with 1 cup of water. This dilutes the strong cleaner to a safe yet effective level for regular use.
4. Add essential oils.
Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to the mixture. Lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus oils work great for freshening up your floors and adding a pleasant fragrance while you clean.
5. Use the funnel to refill your bottle.
Carefully pour your homemade solution into your cleaned refill bottle using the funnel. Screw the cap back on, and your VacMop is ready to go!
6. Test your VacMop.
Give your floors a test run to see how well your homemade solution works! It’s great for cutting through grime, leaving your floors fresh and clean at a fraction of the cost.
Natural Alternative Solution (for a gentler clean)
If you’re looking for a more natural alternative that still gets the job done, try this simple recipe:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- 10-15 drops of essential oil of choice
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Add essential oils for a pleasant scent (lemon or tea tree oils work well for natural disinfecting properties).
- Pour into your VacMop refill bottle using a funnel, just like the previous method.
Tip: Vinegar is a great natural cleaner known for cutting through grime, sanitizing, and leaving surfaces streak-free. This version is gentler on floors and completely natural, though the vinegar smell may linger temporarily. Essential oils help mask the vinegar scent and add their cleaning benefits.
Important Note About Warranties
While this DIY cleaner works well, it’s important to mention that using any cleaning solution other than the Shark-branded ones may void your VacMop warranty. Always check the terms of your warranty before using any alternative solutions. That being said, many people (myself included!) find this homemade version a fantastic option for keeping their floors clean on a budget.
FAQs
1. Can I use LA’s Awesome Cleaner in my VacMop?
Yes! Many people have used this cleaner in their Shark VacMop without issues. However, diluting it with water is essential to prevent any buildup or potential damage to your VacMop.
2. Will this homemade solution damage my floors?
LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner is safe for most floor types when diluted. However, if you’re concerned, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
3. How often should I refill my VacMop with this homemade solution?
This will depend on how often you use your VacMop. However, because this solution is so cheap, you won’t feel guilty about using it frequently!
4. Does using a homemade solution affect my VacMop’s performance?
Not at all! When diluted properly, this solution should clean as effectively as the store-bought version. However, remember that using a homemade solution may void your warranty.
5. Can I store extra cleaning solutions?
Yes! Mix up a larger batch and store it in a separate bottle. Just shake it up before refilling to ensure everything is well mixed.
With this easy, affordable DIY Shark VacMop cleaning solution, you’ll keep your floors spotless without spending a fortune. Try it out and see how it works for you!
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