How to wash floors to remove fleas in an apartment using folk remedies? - briefly
Combine boiling water with equal parts white vinegar and a few drops of lemon essential oil, mop the whole floor thoroughly, then spread diatomaceous earth over the dried surface for several hours before vacuuming; repeat the process weekly until fleas disappear.
How to wash floors to remove fleas in an apartment using folk remedies? - in detail
Effective floor cleaning to eradicate fleas relies on thorough wet treatment, proper preparation, and repeated verification. The process begins with selecting safe, readily available substances that possess insecticidal properties.
Materials
- Warm water (approximately 40 °C)
- White vinegar (5 % acetic acid)
- Borax (sodium borate) or baking soda as a mild abrasive
- Liquid dish soap, unscented, free of harsh chemicals
- Essential oil with known repellent action, such as eucalyptus or peppermint (optional)
- Clean mop or microfiber cloths, preferably disposable for the final rinse
Preparation
- Mix 1 L of warm water with 250 ml of white vinegar.
- Add 2 tbsp of Borax or baking soda; stir until dissolved.
- Incorporate 1 tsp of dish soap to create a surfactant that lowers surface tension, allowing the solution to penetrate cracks.
- If desired, add 5–10 drops of essential oil for added repellent effect; blend well.
Application
- Remove loose debris by sweeping or vacuuming with a HEPA filter.
- Soak the mop in the solution, wring out excess liquid to avoid oversaturation.
- Mop the entire floor surface, paying special attention to joints, baseboards, and under furniture where flea eggs and larvae hide.
- Allow the solution to remain on the floor for 10–15 minutes; this dwell time ensures contact with all life stages.
Rinsing and Drying
- Prepare a bucket of clean, lukewarm water.
- Rinse the floor with a fresh mop to remove residual chemicals, preventing slip hazards.
- Open windows and activate ventilation fans to expedite drying.
Post‑treatment Measures
- Repeat the entire procedure every 3–4 days for two weeks, as flea development cycles span 5–7 days.
- Wash or replace pet bedding, curtains, and removable rugs during the treatment period.
- Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) and regular cleaning to discourage re‑infestation.
Safety Precautions
- Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area to confirm no discoloration.
- Keep pets and children out of the treated area until the floor is completely dry.
- Store Borax and essential oils away from food preparation surfaces.
Consistent execution of these steps eliminates adult fleas, destroys eggs and larvae, and prevents recurrence without resorting to synthetic pesticides.