While a spot of dirt might appear innocuous, it’s crucial to clean wooden floors properly before autumn arrives, as dust can harbour minuscule grains of sand, grit or other damaging particles. Should these particles become lodged beneath socks, they can be dragged across the timber as you move about and function like sandpaper, leaving the flooring covered in numerous fine scratches. Fortunately, the cleaning specialists at Ashbre Taylored Services have revealed there’s a straightforward technique to deep clean wooden flooring without any expense, as it merely requires a few tea bags.

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.”

Tea bags can prove remarkably useful as a cleaning agent since they contain a mild acidic plant compound called tannins, which can dissolve grime while remaining gentle on the flooring surface.

It has emerged as a favoured cleaning approach for wooden floors, as it can enhance the timber’s natural hue, making it appear richer and helping to conceal light scuff marks.

This method can also leave floors looking considerably shinier, giving wood a more polished appearance without the need for any additional cleaning products in the mop bucket.

Recycling used teabags is a wonderfully simple way to clean your floors using items you already have at home, turning what could be a lengthy chore into a swift and straightforward task.

How to use teabags to clean wooden floors

You will need:

• One litre of water


• Two to three black tea bags (or two to three tablespoons of loose leaves)


• 120ml of white vinegar (optional)


• A few drops of essential oil (lavender or lemon)

If you happen to have white vinegar tucked away in your kitchen cupboard, it can be a handy addition to your floor cleaning solution, as it helps to cut through any grease on the surface.

It is worth noting, however, that while white vinegar is generally safe to use when heavily diluted, it can dull or damage certain wooden surfaces, so it should be applied with care.

You should always spot-test any natural cleaning solutions before use, but vinegar in particular warrants a prior test, just to be on the safe side.

Adding essential oils is a fantastic way to make your home smell wonderful and feel cosy as autumn arrives, though pet owners should exercise caution, as most essential oils are highly toxic to cats and dogs.

Always conduct your own research regarding essential oils, but as a general rule, it is best to avoid adding them to your cleaning solution if you share your home with animals.

To get started, boil your kettle and pour the hot water into a basin, add the teabags, and allow the solution to brew. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the teabags to steep, ensuring the water cools to room temperature.

Avoid using boiling water on wood, as this can cause expansion and warping.

Once the steeping time has elapsed, transfer the solution into a mop bucket. Add the vinegar and essential oil if desired.

Dip the mop into the bucket and wring it out thoroughly before use. The mop should be damp rather than wet, as saturating the floor will cause damage.

Work in small sections and ensure no puddles remain on the floor. Allow it to dry naturally, and within a few minutes, you should have a gleaming floor with minimal effort.