My nana knew her stuff

Keeping your floors clean and dust-free can feel like a never-ending battle. We’ve all tried different sprays, mops, and fancy gadgets. But sometimes, the old ways are the best. My grandmother, who knows a thing or two about keeping a house spotless, taught me a simple trick that she’s used for years. She adds one special thing to her mop water to get her floors incredibly clean and keep the dust away. What is it? Plain old baking soda. In this article, we’ll talk about how this common kitchen ingredient can totally change your floor cleaning routine.

My Grandmother’s Secret Ingredient: Baking Soda

Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is something most of us have in our cupboards. We use it for baking cakes and cookies, and sometimes to freshen up the fridge. But it’s also a fantastic cleaner. My grandmother discovered that a little bit of baking soda in her mop water makes a huge difference. It’s her go-to method for getting rid of dust and keeping her floors gleaming. She’s been doing this for ages, and her house always looks amazing!

Why Baking Soda Works So Well

Baking soda is a mild alkali. This means it can help break down grease and dirt in water. It also has a slightly abrasive texture, which helps scrub away grime without scratching your floors. Another great thing about baking soda is that it gets rid of smells. So, if your floors have picked up any odors, baking soda can help neutralize them. It also helps balance the pH levels, which helps to loosen tough stains. All of these things together make baking soda a powerful, yet gentle, cleaner.

Making Your Baking Soda Mop Solution

It’s really easy to make the baking soda solution for your mop. First, fill your bucket with warm water. You’ll need enough water to mop the area you’re cleaning. Then, add about half a cup of baking soda to the water. Stir it until the baking soda dissolves completely. If you want to add a nice scent, you can put in a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or lemon. Now you have your cleaning solution ready to tackle the dust and dirt on your floors.

Mopping Your Floors with Baking Soda: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start mopping, make sure you sweep or vacuum your floor to get rid of any loose dirt or debris. This will help your mop solution work better. Dip your mop into the baking soda solution, making sure it’s wet but not dripping. Start mopping in one corner of the room and work your way towards the door. This way, you won’t step on the clean floor. Use smooth, even strokes to cover the whole floor. If you have any stubborn spots, pour a little of the solution directly on the spot and let it sit for a few minutes before you scrub it gently. Rinse your mop often in the solution to keep it clean and effective.

Tips for the Best Results

For the best results, try to mop your floors with the baking soda solution once a week. If you have hardwood floors, make sure they are properly sealed. Too much water can damage unsealed wood. If you’re not sure how your floor will react to the baking soda solution, test it out on a small, hidden area first. Also, remember that regular sweeping or vacuuming between mopping sessions will help keep dust and dirt from building up.

Baking Soda: A Safe and Smart Choice

Baking soda is a natural and non-toxic substance. This means it’s safe to use around kids and pets. Unlike many commercial cleaning products, baking soda doesn’t have harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that can irritate your skin or lungs. It’s also good for the environment and doesn’t cost much, which makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to be eco-friendly and save money.

The Bottom Line: Try My Grandmother’s Trick!

Using baking soda to clean your floors is a simple and effective way to get them clean and dust-free. My grandmother’s trick has been working for years, and it proves that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. By using this natural cleaning method, you can have a cleaner and healthier home without having to buy expensive or harsh cleaning products. So, give it a try and see how well it works for you!