Scuffed wooden floors can make even the cleanest home feel and look untidy, and while refinishing or deep cleaning might seem like the only solution, there’s actually a much simpler trick. Homeowners are discovering that just one popular condiment can breathe new life into tired or dirty wooden floors (or if you have carpet floors, then discover how to remove stains naturally here).
It’s quick, affordable, and surprisingly effective. The trick? Mayonnaise. The experts at Kitchn highlighted: “Who knew a kitchen condiment could pack such a powerful punch when it comes to cleaning? If you have a tub of mayonnaise waiting in the fridge (or are simply looking for a new, go-to cleaner), check out some of its top uses and instructions on exactly how to put your mayonnaise to work.”
How to use mayo for scuffed floors
Mayonnaise is a great “mask” for wooden floors. Its oily texture creates a greasy film in the tiny cracks of wood floors, which should take on the floor’s colour and “heal it”.
The expert at Kitchn went on to explain how to use it for scuffed marks: “Instead of dumping the jar, grab a paper towel or an old rag and use it to wipe out the leftover mayo.
“You can even use a butter knife to stick the paper towel farther into the jar to wipe out as much as possible from the sides.
“Once you have a good dollop on your paper towel or rag, you can use the mayo to buff out scuff marks and water stains from your hard-working wooden kitchen floors.”
They continued: “It’s easy: Just spot clean the floor and then spread the mayo over the scuff marks and allow it to sit for half an hour before buffing it out and wiping it cleanly away.
“If marks remain, spread more mayo over the affected areas, and leave it overnight before wiping it all up.”
Sticky marks
According to the cleaning service TMF, mayonnaise can also remove sticky spots on floors. When left to sit for a few minutes, it softens the dirt, making it much easier to remove.
“Simply spread a layer of mayonnaise over the sticky spots and leave it for five minutes. For more stubborn sticky spots, you may have to leave it twice as long,” said the cleaners.
Lastly, make sure you quickly wipe the area with a damp cloth to ensure no oily film or stickiness is left behind. Mayonnaise also works to get rid of pesky water marks on your wood floors.
Put a dab of mayo on a paper towel and press it into the watermark. Allow it to sit for an hour or so before wiping it clean and buffing the spot with a clean cloth.