Wooden floors frequently represent a substantial financial investment, so it makes sense to take every precaution to keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning is vital to preserve their appearance and protect your investment.
However, certain cleaning methods and products can damage a floor’s finish, leaving wood that once gleamed looking lacklustre and worn. The positive news is that restoring and maintaining the shine of your hardwood floors doesn’t have to be a complex undertaking. Experts have disclosed that a commonplace kitchen staple can help preserve your flooring’s natural sheen for years while also reducing dust accumulation.
According to flooring experts at Hyperion Tiles, the key to sparkling floors can be found in black tea. They said: “This method is a fantastic example of how natural ingredients can be just as effective as modern cleaners, without the risk of damaging high-quality flooring.
“We always recommend gentle, pH-balanced cleaning solutions for hardwood and tiled floors, and black tea fits perfectly into that category. It’s an easy, affordable trick that anyone can try at home.”
Why is tea an effective cleaning solution for wooden floors?
Cleaning hardwood floors can prove a rather challenging task, especially when you realise you’ve run out of floor cleaner. Fortunately for tea enthusiasts, the answer could be sitting in your kitchen cupboard in the form of black tea, reports Liverpool Echo.
The experts noted: “Tannins found in black tea help bring out the natural richness of wooden floors, adding a subtle shine without damaging the surface. Unlike modern cleaning sprays that often leave residue or dull the finish over time, tea is a gentle yet effective alternative.”
All it takes to keep your wooden flooring looking its best is some black tea (Image: VICUSCHKA via Getty Images)
Furthermore, tea can penetrate and dissolve grime, leaving your floors spotless while keeping dust at bay for extended periods.
While other teas do contain tannins, anything other than black tea is not recommended. Different varieties of tea have differing tannin concentrations, and alternatives to black tea either contain a lesser amount or prove unreliable.
The longer you brew the tea, the greater the concentration of tannins infused into the water. Laura Harnett, founder of eco-cleaning brand Seep, recommends using 10 to 15 tea bags in a large saucepan filled with water.
She said: “Leave them boiling for about 15 minutes to make sure all the tannins have been extracted.”
How to clean wooden floors with black tea
Start by bringing just under two litres of water to the boil in a large pan over a high heat on the hob. Once the water has reached boiling point, turn off the heat and leave the tea bags to steep in the hot water for approximately 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes have passed and you are ready to remove the tea bags, be sure to squeeze all remaining liquid from them back into the tea before disposing of them. Allow the tea to cool to a barely warm temperature to avoid causing any damage to the floor’s finish.
Once the mixture has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, pour it into a bucket and carry it to a relatively hidden or less prominent area to test the tea on your flooring. A corner spot would be the ideal location.
Take a clean cloth, dip it into the tea, and wring it out thoroughly. Never soak your wooden floors with water. Always work in the direction of the wood grain when applying the tea to the test area.
Once you’ve trialled the tea and are happy with the improvement it makes to the floor’s colour, you can clean the rest of the floor with a mop, using as little water as possible. Leave the floor to dry and enjoy your freshly restored hardwood.