Flooring specialists at Hyperion Tiles say a common kitchen staple—black tea—can enhance wooden floors' shine and slow dust build-up. The 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. The tea can work its way into grime and break it down, leaving floors clean while keeping them dust-free for extended periods.
Why Tea Works for Wooden Floors
The specialists explained: "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." They added: "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."
While other varieties of tea do contain tannins, nothing apart from black tea is recommended. Different teas contain varying levels of tannins, and options other than black tea either have lower concentrations or prove inconsistent. The longer the tea is allowed to brew, the greater the quantity of tannins released into the water.
How to Clean Wooden Floors with Black Tea
Laura Harnett, founder of eco-cleaning brand Seep, recommends using between 10 and 15 tea bags in a large saucepan filled with water. She advised: "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 on the hob. Once the water has come to the boil, turn off the heat and allow the tea bags to steep in the hot water for around 15 minutes. When the 15 minutes are up, squeeze any remaining liquid from the tea bags into the tea before throwing them away. Let the tea cool to a lukewarm temperature to prevent any damage to the floor's finish.
Once the mixture has cooled to lukewarm, decant it into a bucket and test the tea on a discreet or less prominent area of the flooring, 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. Working in the direction of the wood grain, apply the tea to the test area.
Finishing the Job
Once you've trialled the tea and are happy with the improvement it brings to the floor's colour, you can clean the rest of the floor with the mop, using as little water as possible. Leave the floor to dry and enjoy your freshly revitalised hardwood.
