Floors are among the most frequently dirtied areas in any home. With pets scurrying about, muddy shoes, and dust and debris settling from the air, keeping your floors clean can feel like a full-time job. However, maintaining clean floors is not just about aesthetics—it can also impact your health. According to experts at the International Sanitary Supply Association, floors play a significant role in a home’s air quality, as bacteria and dust can become airborne through regular household activities.
Every household is unique, so the frequency of sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming will vary based on how quickly your floors become dirty. Generally, dusting or vacuuming at least once a week is recommended, though high-traffic areas or spaces frequented by pets may require more frequent cleaning. Immediate spill clean-ups, using appropriate products for your flooring type, and adhering to a cleaning schedule can help prevent tough buildups. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the ingenious floor-cleaning hacks below will make maintaining spotless floors even simpler—and might even save you some money.
Use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your grout
Your tile floors and walls can suddenly appear lackluster. Even if the tiles are clean and shiny, discolored grout can make the entire surface look grimy. Grout is porous, allowing dirt and debris to settle into its tiny gaps, causing it to darken over time. If your usual cleaner isn’t effective, it’s time to check your medicine cabinet.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that releases oxygen when it contacts dirt, breaking down stains and lifting embedded grime from grout. It also serves as a disinfectant, making it a powerful yet gentle cleaner. To clean tile grout, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a paste. Start with a cup of each, adding more if needed for larger areas. Apply the mixture directly to the grout and let it sit for a few minutes.
For heavy staining, add a tablespoon of dish soap to help cut through grease and mildew, and use a toothbrush or grout brush to work out the stain. Wipe the DIY grout cleaner with a warm, damp rag, then rinse it out in a separate container. Repeat with clean water only to remove the mixture, as wiping dirty water onto the grout may undo your efforts.
Remove gum from the carpet with ice
Removing gum from carpet can be incredibly frustrating. The more you try to scrape or pull it out, the more entangled it becomes. Fortunately, the solution is likely in your freezer: ice. Instead of painstakingly pulling the gum out of the fibers, freeze it to harden it, making it easier to remove. Cold temperatures reduce the gum’s elasticity, allowing it to crack and lift off the surface.
As soon as you spot gum on your carpet or rug, place an ice pack or ice cubes in a small plastic bag and set it directly on the gum. Cover it with a dry kitchen towel to trap the cool air, and wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to freeze completely. Once frozen, it should be easy to scrape away using a metal spoon or butter knife. If any stains remain, spot clean the area with your usual carpet cleaner.
Prevent streaks when mopping your hardwood floor with one simple adjustment
If mopping leaves streaks on your hardwood floors, don’t rush to buy new cleaners or mops—adjust your technique instead. Mopping with the grain, rather than against it or in circles, helps prevent streaks and keeps dirt from settling into the grooves.
To clean hardwood floors correctly, start by using a spray bottle with cleaner to mist a small area. Use a soft, microfiber mopping pad and move in the direction of the grain. Avoid excess moisture, which can damage wood floors, so steer clear of standard buckets and mops for this type of flooring.
Walk backward while working across the surface to avoid stepping on clean areas. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning pads, as they can damage the wood. Opt for cleaners made specifically for hardwood or make a gentle homemade wood cleaner.
Lift up more fur with a pet hair carpet rake
Pets bring joy, but they also leave behind a lot of fur. This extra fur can become embedded in carpet fibers, making it difficult for even the strongest vacuum to remove completely. Using a carpet rake before vacuuming can help lift hidden, tangled pet hairs, allowing for a deeper clean. Most carpet rakes have rubber bristles that create a static charge, acting like a magnet for fur, while the raking motion dislodges extra strands. Lifting pet hair with a carpet rake not only removes more fur but can also extend the life of your vacuum and reduce maintenance.
For best results, choose a carpet rake with rubber bristles, like the Bryquelin pet rubber broom, which reaches deep into the carpet without causing damage. Hold the handle like an outdoor rake, and push and pull the tool across a small section of your carpet. The bristles will loosen dust and debris while the rubber attracts hair. Repeat this process across the entire room, then vacuum as usual to pick up the loosened dirt with less hair buildup. Clean the rake’s bristles with fresh water.
Use fuzzy socks to dust your floors
Before discarding old socks, consider repurposing them into floor cleaners. If you regularly use a floor duster, you’ve likely noticed how quickly the cost of dusting pads adds up. These single-use items also contribute to landfill waste, so using socks as reusable dusters is an eco-friendly and cost-saving alternative.
Socks, especially those made of synthetic materials like polyester, create a static charge that attracts dust and debris. Fuzzy socks are ideal for lifting dust while being gentle on your floors. While socks made of natural materials can be tried, they don’t cling to dust as effectively as synthetic fibers. Choose a pair of stretchy socks, place one on each end of your duster, and dust your floors as usual.
In areas needing more attention, spray the socks with your typical floor cleaner to help break up and absorb dirt. After cleaning, toss the socks in the washing machine. Let them dry, and they’ll be ready for reuse.
Remove floor scuff marks with a tennis ball
Scuff marks on hardwood floors can be unsightly and difficult to remove. Surprisingly, a tennis ball is all you need to eliminate these marks. Mops are usually too soft to lift residue left by shoes or furniture, while abrasive scrubbers can cause scratches or dull the finish. Tennis balls provide the right balance of toughness and gentleness. When rubbed on the floor, the flexible rubber conforms to the surface, and the outer felt layer acts as a gentle abrasive. It’s strong enough to lift the scuff mark without damaging the hardwood.
Choose a clean, new, light-colored tennis ball to avoid adding stains. The first method is to kneel and rub the tennis ball over the scuff mark until it lifts. Alternatively, cut a small X into the ball, about ¼ inch wide, and attach it to the end of a broom as a handle. This provides more leverage and allows cleaning without crouching. After removing the mark, the residue should transfer to the tennis ball, leaving your floors looking new.
Use mayonnaise to remove water stains on your hardwood floors
Hardwood floors add charm to any room but are prone to water stains. Even with immediate cleanup, stains can occur from condensation, humidity, and other issues. Dark water stains from long-term damage are tougher to remove than surface-level light stains.
Surprisingly, mayonnaise, a favorite sandwich ingredient, may effectively remove marks, even if water seeped into the floor. Mayonnaise contains oils that penetrate the wood, lift trapped moisture, and restore the floor’s appearance. Some brands have acidic ingredients, like vinegar or lemon juice, which further help break down stains. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, mayonnaise is non-abrasive and safe for wood surfaces.
To use mayonnaise to remove stains, start by cleaning the affected area with a damp cloth. Then, apply a generous amount of mayonnaise over the stain and let it sit for at least an hour or overnight. Use a soft cloth to wipe off the mayonnaise and buff the surface with a clean, dry towel. Repeat if necessary. To prevent future water stains, reduce moisture with a dehumidifier and consider sealing your floors to prevent water seepage.
