We all desire our hardwood floors to have a shine – especially considering their cost – and that requires proper cleaning. Hardwood floors can quickly lose their luster and discolor if not cleaned correctly. The question is, what is the right product to use?
Surprisingly, you can opt for a highly recommended cleaning product straight from your pantry – black tea. Yes, the tea you drink. Black tea is slightly acidic with a PH level ranging from 4.9 to 5.5, making it mildly acidic. It contains tannins responsible for its dark color.
Let’s explore how black tea can restore shine to your hardwood floors. Before you start brewing and mopping, remember not to overuse water when mopping hardwood floors as it can cause swelling. Always test the black tea on a small hidden area to ensure compatibility with the finish and other products on the flooring. Ready? Let’s begin.
How to mop your floors with black tea, of all things
The process of mopping your floors with black tea is similar to brewing black tea. First, boil a pot of water with eight tea bags for about 15 minutes. Let the water cool to lukewarm temperature. Test the tea on a hidden spot before mopping the entire area.
Sweep the floor and then vacuum. Use a spin mop with soft cotton or microfiber material to mop the floor in a circular motion with firm pressure. Rinse the mop and repeat the process, focusing on high traffic areas. Allow the floor to dry before walking on it.
The advantages of black tea as a floor cleaner
By removing dirt and contaminants, the slightly acidic nature of black tea reveals the natural shine of the finish. Tannins in the tea along with polyphenolic chemicals from Camelia sinensis plant act as antimicrobial agents, disinfecting the floor. The dark hue of the tea can add color to worn wood fibers. This DIY cleaning recipe is effective and safer for hardwood floors compared to vinegar solutions. Black tea might just be the solution your floor needs.
