You may have tried every floor cleaning hack under the sun from expensive sprays to so-called miracle mops but your wooden floors still look dull or scuffed. Turns out the secret to smooth, shiny, scratch free flooring is already sitting in your kitchen cupboard. A household staple for most Brits, black tea is being hailed by cleaning experts as a powerful, all-natural alternative to commercial floor cleaners.

An expert from Hyperion Tiles told Ideal Home: "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."

Black tea contains tannins, which have natural astringent and cleaning properties.

These tannins can help remove dirt, add a subtle shine, and even enhance the colour of dark wood. It’s also gentle, making it less likely to damage wood or strip finishes.

Start by ensuring the floors are clean and then boil some water, then steep the tea bags in the hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes. 

Before cleaning the entire floor, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage.

Then, let the tea cool to a safe temperature. Next, dip a mop or cloth into the tea, wring it out well as you want to avoid excess moisture on wood.

Finally, wipe down your wood floors following the grain and let the floor air-dry, or buff with a dry microfiber cloth for extra shine.

For less than a pound, this method offers a natural and affordable alternative for cleaning and shining wooden floors. 

Tea can also be used for cleaning windows and mirrors. Simply brew a strong cup of tea, let it cool, and then dip a clean, soft cloth into the tea.

Wring out any excess liquid, and gently wipe the glass surfaces. The natural tannins in the tea help to remove dirt and grime, leaving your windows and mirrors streak-free and sparkling clean.