How to make a homemade mixture to mop the floor and keep cockroaches away from the kitchen

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#### **Instructions**:

1. **Prepare the Mopping Solution**:
In a large bucket, combine 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. White vinegar is known for its powerful cleaning properties and also has a pungent scent that cockroaches dislike. The dish soap helps to break down grease and grime on your floors.

2. **Add Essential Oils**:
Next, add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil. Peppermint oil is one of the most effective at repelling cockroaches because they can’t tolerate its strong scent. Other essential oils that work well include lavender and eucalyptus. Not only will these oils deter cockroaches, but they will also leave your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.

3. **Add Warm Water**:
Pour 1 to 2 cups of warm water into the bucket, mixing everything thoroughly. The warm water will help the solution spread easily across the floor and ensure that the cleaning agents dissolve effectively.

4. **Mop the Floors**:
Dip your mop or cleaning cloth into the solution and mop your kitchen floors as you normally would. Pay extra attention to areas where food and moisture tend to accumulate, such as under the sink, around the stove, and in cracks or corners where cockroaches might hide.

5. **Allow the Floors to Dry**:
Once you’ve mopped the floor, allow it to air dry. The scent of vinegar and essential oils will linger for a while, continuing to repel cockroaches and other pests. If you have pets or children, this method is safe for them as well.

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### **Why This Mixture Works Against Cockroaches**

– **Vinegar**: Cockroaches dislike the strong scent of vinegar. It also helps clean surfaces, removing dirt and grease, which could attract pests.
– **Dish Soap**: Dish soap not only helps in cleaning the floor but also breaks down oils and grime, making it harder for cockroaches to find food and water sources.
– **Essential Oils**: Many essential oils have insect-repelling properties. Peppermint, in particular, is known to deter cockroaches, as they find the smell overwhelming. Other oils like eucalyptus and lavender work similarly to create an environment cockroaches avoid.

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### **Additional Tips to Prevent Cockroaches in the Kitchen**

While this mopping mixture will help keep cockroaches away, there are a few other measures you can take to make your kitchen less inviting for pests:

1. **Seal Entry Points**:
Ensure there are no cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing where cockroaches could enter. Seal these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping.

2. **Regularly Clean Food Crumbs**:
Cockroaches are attracted to food sources. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and store food in tightly sealed containers.

3. **Eliminate Standing Water**:
Cockroaches are drawn to moisture. Fix any leaks and dry out areas where water may pool, such as around sinks or dishwashers.

4. **Use Natural Traps**:
If you’re already dealing with a cockroach problem, you can set out homemade traps using ingredients like borax, sugar, and baking soda, which cockroaches are attracted to. These traps can help you catch them without resorting to harmful pesticides.

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### **Conclusion: A Safe and Effective Solution**

Using a homemade mopping solution with vinegar and essential oils is a fantastic way to keep your kitchen clean while also deterring cockroaches. Not only is this mixture natural and safe, but it also provides an effective way to maintain a pest-free environment without relying on toxic chemicals.

Incorporate this simple solution into your regular cleaning routine, and you’ll soon find that your kitchen is not only sparkling but also less inviting to cockroaches and other pests. Try it today and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home!