12 Lifehacks That Will Make Your Floors Shine Brighter Than the Sun

Cleaning is not on most people’s list of favorite chores. But sometimes, when you give it a good clean, it’s as if your home’s been transformed. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of cleaning tips and tricks to help you keep it in tip-top condition.

Here at CHEERY, we want your floors to be so clean, that you can see your own grin on them. Let’s make it happen!

1. A tennis ball gets rid of scuff marks on the wooden floor.

Sometimes chairs, shoes, and other day-to-day objects can leave scuff marks on wooden floors. In this case, a simple tennis ball can help. Just use the tennis ball to clean the scuffs off the floor. Works like magic! For convenience, you can put the ball on a stick or the handle of your mop.

2. A cup of tea adds shine to your laminate flooring.

Why enjoy tea by yourself, when you can share it with your laminate flooring? Tea leaves contain compounds called tannins that help restore the wood’s natural colors. All you need to do is brew 5 to 8 tea bags (depending on the color of your floor) in about 2 liters of boiling water, allow the solution to cool, and wash your floor with it. You can find more detailed instructions here.

3. An iron will help you deal with stains on the carpet.

Usually, an iron on the carpet is the source of the problem, not the solution. But in this case, a special solution will help you get rid of stains on your carpet. To do this, take 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water, and a few drops of dish soap. Mix it together, soak a cloth in the solution, and put it on the stain. Run an iron over it for a couple of seconds, lift the cloth, and, voilà! The stain gets lifted up by the cloth. Though keep in mind, that it may not work on all types of stains.

4. There’s also a special solution for cleaning tiles (even the grooves).

We all know how annoying soap, watermarks on tiles, and dust clogged up in the grooves, can be. But even these will be no match for you if you’ve got the magic concoction...

You’ll need 1/2 a cup of baking soda, 1/3 a cup of household ammonia, 1/4 a cup of white vinegar, and 7 cups of warm water. Mix it all in a container (pour the water first). Then pour it into a spray bottle (use gloves, and be careful not to get it on other surfaces), then apply it to the tiles and joints. Wipe it all down with a damp cloth or brush, and the tiles will shine like they’re new.

5. Hand sanitizer removes tough stains.

If you have a stubborn stain on your tiles that just won’t budge no matter what you seem to do with it, try using a generous dollop of alcohol-based sanitizer. Then cover it with dry tissues and leave it for a while to activate. After a little time, the dirt should come off much easier. But we don’t recommend trying this method on other surfaces as there is a risk of damaging the varnish or paint.

6. A scraper will help you deal with hair and fur on your carpet.

An ordinary squeegee can get so much pet hair out of your carpet that you wouldn’t have thought possible. The photo above, from a Reddit user, is obvious evidence of this.

7. A water-soluble wipe that will clean most surfaces.

Progress never stands still, and nowadays, one small wipe is enough to clean the entire floor. These wipes are actually a strong, concentrated cleaning solution that dissolves in water. They leave behind a wonderful fragrance, are suitable for most surfaces, and don’t take up as much space as other products.

8. Mop socks can be useful, however ridiculous they might look.

We’re not going to argue, they look weird. But these socks are effective because they can help clean up the dirt you missed with a regular mop. And it does make cleaning more fun. Just don’t forget to take them off and give them a rinse before you move on to another room.

9. Laundry detergent will help after a long break from cleaning.

According to an expert, this can, indeed, be effective when the floor is in dire need of cleaning, but it’s not advisable to use it on marble, wood, or natural stone.

10. A steam cleaner will ensure the long life of your flooring.

Yes, you might have to spend a bit of money. But the benefits are well worth the investment. Steam cleaners remove a higher percentage of dirt and germs without the risk of abrasions. Plus, they don’t use chemicals, making the process more environmentally friendly. Just remember to check that you can use it on your floor before buying one, to avoid damage.

11. Lemon juice is great for cleaning the floor.

According to experts, the low pH level and antibacterial properties of lemon juice make it an excellent floor cleaner. It also leaves a nice fragrance. To make the cleaning solution, mix one part lemon juice with one part white vinegar and two parts water, and you’re ready to go!

12. Olive oil will give your wooden floor the shine you always dreamed of.

There’s another gem in the natural remedy box for shining up your wooden floor. Mix a little olive oil with white vinegar and add essential oil to your liking. Then, spray the mixture evenly on the floor and give it a good wipe down with a mop until it shines. A lovely smell and a refreshed appearance on your floor are guaranteed.

Are there any lifehacks for cleaning the floor that you use and love?