Floors tend to look grimier in autumn once the heating is turned on, but there is a simple DIY solution that can help repel dust and keep them looking clean for longer.
When radiators are switched on for the first time in October, any dust that has built up inside is released and settles on the ground. The warm, dry indoor air also creates static electricity on surfaces, which causes dust to cling to the floor.
How Fabric Softener Works
Marissa, the founder of The Frugal Navy Wife, has shared a simple way to keep floors clean: wipe them with a little fabric softener. She said: “Grab a microfiber towel, dip it in a fabric softener, and use it to wipe down your floorboard to remove dirt and dust that can easily accumulate.”
Fabric softener contains conditioning ingredients designed to neutralise static charge, which prevents clothes from becoming tangled in the washing machine. Static electricity needs a dry environment to accumulate, which is why floors tend to be dustier during colder months.
Simple Cleaning Method
Using fabric softener neutralises the static charge on a floor and leaves behind a very thin coating that helps prevent dust, fibres, or other debris from sticking. This can keep the floor cleaner for longer, reducing the need to vacuum as often.
It should be noted that using too much fabric softener will make the floor slippery or even sticky, so it should not be poured directly onto the floor. Only a few drops are needed to reduce static, and it is better to dilute it in warm water and use it as a cleaning solution.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To clean a floor with fabric softener, you will need 500ml of warm water, one or two teaspoons of fabric softener, microfiber cloths or a mop, and an empty spray bottle.
Place the warm water in an empty spray bottle. Do not use boiling hot water from a kettle, as it can damage laminate, vinyl, or wooden surfaces. Add the fabric softener, close the bottle, and gently shake to mix the solution together.
Do not spray the solution directly on the floor, as it will make it really slippery and too much moisture can damage floors. Instead, spray the solution onto a cloth or mop head until slightly damp, and do not soak the cleaning materials. Wipe or mop the floor as normal and leave it to air dry. The floor should stay sparkling and clean for a lot longer this autumn.
