Natural Wood Floor Cleaner

by Andrea Fabry

Looking for a simple and effective way to clean your hardwood floors? Black tea makes the ideal natural cleaner!

natural wood floor cleaner, cleaning tips, flooring, hardwood floors

WHY BLACK TEA?

Black tea contains polyphenolic compounds that inhibit microbial growth. Also, the tannins found in black tea add a subtle sheen to your hardwood floor.

Black tea is also less acidic than the common DIY cleaner, white vinegar. Therefore it’s less harsh and more apt to protect your floor’s finish.

THE CLEANING PROCESS

Boil two to four black tea bags in a quart of water. The longer you allow it to brew, the darker and more efficient the cleaner. (If you have light colored wood, you’ll want to stick with a shorter brew time.)

Pour the tea into a small bucket. Immerse a soft cloth in the tea. Remove and wring thoroughly. (The cloth should be damp, not wet, to allow for quick drying.) Wipe the floor in the direction of the grain and enjoy the beauty of your hardwood floor!

Black tea is not suitable for laminate flooring. For laminate, try a gentle castile soft soap diluted in a bucket of water.

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 14 questions

Rachelmary on Mar 17, 2016
Love this idea. Could green tea be used?

1
Susan on Mar 17, 2016
I have raw wood in my kitchen so would be like a stain right? Wouldn't this make the floors sticky and invite bugs??

2
Sherry on Mar 18, 2016
What about cork floor?

2

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3 of 17 comments

Pun2630932 on Mar 22, 2016
I hoping this is ok on bamboo floors, I gave dark floors. Bamboo is natural so I think it would be ok, any how I am going to try this on a small area

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- Andrea Fabry on Apr 02, 2016
  @ I'd love to hear back!
  
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Jim Greene on Apr 16, 2016
Most modern floors have polyurethane on them and I doubt this would penetrate that sealant .

3 Reply