A Simple Floor-Cleaning Trick from a Janitor with 30 Years of Experience

Just a few days ago, I learned a very effective cleaning trick from a janitor who has worked in this field for more than 30 years. She taught me a simple method that makes the floor not only shine but also stay dust-free much longer than usual.

Many people often complain that even after mopping, the floor quickly becomes dusty again and sometimes develops an unpleasant odor. This is especially common in the summer, when humidity is high and an unclean floor can produce a stale, musty smell that spreads throughout the room.

That is why this technique caught my attention. After trying it myself, I was surprised at how clean, fresh, and long-lasting the results were.

Step 1: Sweep the floor first

Before mopping, it is very important to sweep thoroughly. If you try to mop directly on a dusty or dirty floor, the dirt will smear around, making it harder to achieve a spotless finish.

Step 2: Prepare a special cleaning mixture

Fill a bucket with water and gradually add the following ingredients:

1. A small amount of salt
   Salt helps the floor dry faster while also acting as a natural disinfectant. It prevents bacteria from lingering on the surface.

2. A few drops of dishwashing liquid
   Dish soap has excellent grease-cutting power. If there are any oily stains or food residues on the floor, the soap will break them down quickly, leaving the floor grease-free.
   
   

3. White vinegar or lemon juice
   Both ingredients soften stubborn stains and make them easier to wipe away. They also leave the floor with a natural freshness.

4. A splash of alcohol
   Alcohol disinfects the floor and prevents mold or mildew growth, keeping your home more hygienic.

5. Baking soda
   Known for its powerful deodorizing and cleaning properties, baking soda helps remove difficult stains and keeps the surface looking bright.
   
   

6. A little fabric softener (the secret ingredient!)
   In the summer, floors can become dry and static electricity builds up. This static attracts dust, making the floor look dirty very quickly. Adding fabric softener prevents static, meaning dust and dirt are less likely to cling to the surface.

7. Optional: a few drops of medicated oil (such as eucalyptus or peppermint oil)
   This not only adds a refreshing fragrance but also helps repel mosquitoes and insects, keeping your home more comfortable.

Step 3: Mop as usual

Stir the mixture well so that all the ingredients dissolve. Dip your mop into the bucket and clean the floor as you normally would. You’ll notice that even heavily soiled areas become clean after just one wipe.

The Results

After using this method, I was amazed at how spotless and shiny the floor looked. More importantly, it stayed clean for days—sometimes even up to a whole week without the need to mop again. The air in the room also smelled fresher, with no trace of the unpleasant odor that often lingers in the summer.

This simple trick doesn’t require expensive products, only a few basic items that are probably already available in your kitchen. By combining them, you can achieve a professional-level clean and enjoy a fresher, more comfortable living space.

✨ In short: If you want your floors to stay clean, dust-free, and pleasantly fresh for longer, try this easy method. It’s budget-friendly, effective, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain water mopping again.