Wooden floors are usually quite easy to keep clean, but in summer they can quickly become filthy even if you are sweeping and vacuuming up any dust regularly. Floors tend to become dirty at this time of year as more static electricity builds when the weather is dry, and it will attract any nearby debris.
If you keep your windows open then pollen will blow into your home and become a sticky layer on the floor, which can sometimes create a gritty texture that can mark the wood. However, the cleaning experts at AshBre Taylored Services have shared a really simple way to keep a wooden floor clean, polished and free of any scratches – and all you need are a couple of teabags.
They said: “Many commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the finish of your floors and pose risks to your health and the environment. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective solution right in your pantry: black tea.”
It might sound bizarre, but using teabags to clean a wooden floor is an old-fashioned method that is very effective, as tea contains a substance called tannins.
Tannins are acidic so will be able to quickly dissolve any stains or build up dirt on the floor so it will be incredibly easy to clean.
What is also fantastic about using teabags is that it can also help to shine wood so it looks glossy and well-maintained without much effort.
Tannic acid can help restore the appearance of wooden floors by slightly darkening exposed wood, allowing scratches and marks to blend in more naturally.
While using tea bags won’t make scratches disappear completely, they can reduce the visibility of light surface marks, making your floor look cleaner and more even.
How to clean a wooden floor with teabags
You will need:
- 950ml of water
- Three tea bags
- 120ml of white vinegar (optional)
- A few drops of essential oil (optional)
White vinegar is also acidic and known to greatly help get rid of any build up on your floor and is also naturally antibacterial so is useful to have as a natural cleaner.
Adding essential oils can help make a room smell lovely, but be careful as some essential oils can be toxic to pets. Always do your own research on essential oils before using them for cleaning.
Instructions
To begin, fill the kettle up full of water and let it boil. Then, pour it into a big bowl, add the teabags and let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once the water is at room temperature and safe to handle, remove the teabags and strain out any loose tea. Place the cooled-down brewed tea in an empty mop bucket. Add white vinegar and essential oils as well if you wish.
Then, you simply use it to mop like you normally would. Vacuum beforehand to get rid of any dust, and then mop in small sections.
Your wooden floor should look cleaner and shiner using only items in your kitchen, so you clean without harsh chemicals or even having to spend a penny.
