Cleaning your floors with a regular mop may not have the desired impact (Image: Getty Images)
Cleaning wooden floors at home can be tricky, especially when they’ve lost their shine. Having your floors replaced can be expensive, so it’s important to restore them when you can. You might clean your floors regularly, but it might not have the effect you’re hoping for.
Luckily, there’s one cleaning method which you might not have tried which could do the trick. There’s one affordable item you might already have at home that could completely transform your floors. Wooden floors have a timeless style, but only when they’re well-maintained. Over time, dust, footprints, and everyday wear can leave the hardwood looking dull and lifeless.
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Wooden floors can loose their shine over time. (Image: Getty Images)
Regular cleaning is essential not just for appearances, but also to protect the wood and extend its lifespan.
You might be using expensive chemicals to clean your floors or endlessly mopping them, but there’s one item you should try instead, which could be cheaper and better.
Some chemical floor cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can strip away natural finishes, irritate allergies, or harm the environment.
Homeowners often turn to natural cleaning solutions instead, which offer a gentle alternative.
One surprising and highly effective natural cleaner is something you probably already have in your kitchen – black tea.
Ideal Home says it’s essential to clean your wooden floor regularly. It reports that a former royal cleaner confirmed that one cheap item is key to sparkling palace floors – black tea.
Natural cleaners can be effective (Image: Getty Images)
Ideal Home says it’s essential to clean your wooden floor regularly. It reports that a former royal cleaner confirmed that one cheap item is key to sparkling palace floors – black tea.
A spokesperson for Hyperion Tiles says: “This method is a fantastic example of how natural ingredients can be just as effective as modern cleaners, without the risk of damaging high-quality flooring.
“We always recommend gentle, pH-balanced cleaning solutions for hardwood and tiled floors, and black tea fits perfectly into that category. It’s an easy, affordable trick that anyone can try at home.”
To use the tea to clean your floor, you will need to steep 10-15 tea bags in a large saucepan full of boiling water – leave them to boil for 15 minutes.
Don’t forget to test a small patch of your floor first to be cautious.
To clean, use a microfibre cloth with the mixture and work around the floor in small circles.
Known for its deep colour and strong flavour, black tea also contains natural compounds called tannins.
These tannins give the tea its rich hue and, interestingly, can enhance the appearance of wood surfaces by gently lifting dirt and adding a subtle shine.
It’s a simple, eco-friendly choice that’s also cost-effective. You won’t need to break the bank on any expensive cleaning products.
Keeping wooden floors clean doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of regular attention and the right natural ingredients, you can keep your floors looking their best for years to come.
Black tea proves that sometimes the best cleaning solutions are the simplest – and this item might already be sitting in your kitchen.
