3 things in your kitchen you can add to mop water for fresh-smelling floors — and one is a real surprise

Anyone with hard floors knows the perils of trying to keep them clean, sanitized and stain-free from daily foot traffic, accidental spills or dust. And a quick run over with a mop and bucket usually does the trick in getting floors shiny again. But even if you’ve learned the skill of how to mop your floors properly, you don’t want to be left with lingering odors in the air.

According to experts, there are some fragrant ingredients you can add to your mop water to keep your floors smelling fresh. What’s more, these common items can be found in our kitchens, free from harmful chemicals. So try one of these easy hacks to make your home smelling sweet.

1. Lemon or citrus peel juice

If you want a zesty smell, you can always rely on a lemon to do the job. Known for its natural bleaching and deodorizing properties, there are so many things you didn’t know you could clean with a lemon. And that includes adding fresh lemon juice to your mop water for a fresh scent. “ Fresh lemon juice leaves a clean, bright scent and the mild acidity helps remove light buildup on tile and vinyl,” states Tatyana Dimitrova, cleaning specialist for Fantastic Services.

“However, it’s not suitable for marble, travertine or limestone.” If in doubt, always test on a small area first before mopping the entire room. After all, you don’t want to risk expensive repairs or replacements.

Method: Cut a lemon and squeeze half a cup of juice before adding to your mop water. Not only will it leave your home smelling fresh, but its acidity will help to break down grease and easily lift grime on surfaces. Win-win!

What’s more, don’t throw out your orange peels and put them to good use. Simply boil in hot water for a few minutes, strain and pour the citrus-infused ‘tea’ in your mop water.

2. Essential oils

Essential oils are known for their potent fragrance and calming effects, but did you know that they also contain antimicrobial and degreasing properties? This makes the perfect addition to your mop water. “Use essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and orange,” advises Dimitrova.

“They provide a natural, long-lasting scent. Lemon and orange oils, specifically, can also cut through grease, while eucalyptus helps neutralize musty odors.”

Method: Simply add about 10 drops of your chosen oil into a bucket of warm water, and a half cup of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to banish germs. Stir around before mopping your floors as normal, and this should leave your room smelling fresh as well as clean. For more tips, check out 7 ways to use essential oils around your house.

Note: Essential oils can be harmful to pets and children, so always use with caution.

3. Herbal teas

It’s not as strange as it sounds, but you can repurpose your favorite tea bag by adding to your mop water.Again, this will leave behind an aromatic, pleasant scent after you clean. Ideally, herbal tea bags such as peppermint, cinnamon, or even fruit teas are effective to neutralize odors.

Method: Steep a few bags of tea before adding them to your bucket. "Herbal teas offer natural antibacterial properties and leave behind a subtle, earthy scent, making it another great sustainable and eco-friendly option."

Just bear in mind that most herbal teas are acidic, so avoid delicate surfaces such as marble, limestone, or natural stone. However, it’s recommended for floor types such as ceramic, and PVC vinyl flooring as these tend to handle acidic liquids well.

Of course, if you have mainly hard floors in your home, you can invest in a wet and dry vacuum to do the hard work.

Shark Shark HydroVac MessMaster floor cleaner: $199 at Amazon

This 3-in-1 floor cleaner can vacuum, mop and self-clean at the same time. It also has the option to clean area rugs. With its powerful suction to tackle dirt and debris, wet messes, and stains in no time. It also comes with an antibacterial brush roller and odor neutralizing solution to eliminate lingering smells.

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So if you’re out of your favorite floor cleaner, or simply want a quick fix to refresh your room, give these kitchen ingredients a try. For more tips, try these top tips on how to make your home smell amazing.

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