Flooring experts have revealed that a common kitchen staple—black tea—can help wooden floors stay shiny and reduce dust build-up. According to Hyperion Tiles, the tannins in black tea bring out the natural richness of wooden floors, adding a subtle shine without damaging the surface.
The experts 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 Tea Works on Wooden Floors
Cleaning hardwood floors can be challenging, especially when floor cleaner runs out. 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."
Tea can also penetrate and dissolve grime, leaving floors spotless while keeping dust at bay for extended periods. While other teas contain tannins, anything other than black tea is not recommended, as different varieties have differing tannin concentrations—alternatives either contain less or prove unreliable.
How to Clean Wooden Floors with Black Tea
The longer the tea brews, 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."
Start by bringing just under two litres of water to the boil in a large pan over a high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat and leave the tea bags to steep for approximately 15 minutes. After that, squeeze all remaining liquid from the tea bags back into the tea before disposing of them. Allow the tea to cool to a barely warm temperature to avoid damaging the floor's finish.
Once lukewarm, pour the mixture into a bucket and test it on a hidden or less prominent area, such as a corner spot. Take a clean cloth, dip it into the tea, and wring it out thoroughly—never soak wooden floors with water. Always work in the direction of the wood grain when applying the tea to the test area.
After trialling the tea and being happy with the improvement to the floor's colour, clean the rest of the floor with a mop, using as little water as possible. Leave the floor to dry and enjoy the freshly restored hardwood.
