Freshen Your Home: 8 Simple Additions to Cleaning Water

Creating a fresh-smelling home can be as simple as enhancing your cleaning routine with everyday items. Cleaning experts Sara Aparacio from Homeaglow and Kathy Cohoon from Two Maids suggest several effective additions to your mop water that not only improve the scent but are also cost-efficient.

Essential Additives for a Fresh Scent

One of the easiest ways to boost the aroma of your cleaning solution is by using essential oils. These oils, such as lavender and lemon, offer a pleasant fragrance while providing additional benefits. For instance, Kathy Cohoon recommends mixing half a cup of baking soda with a bucket of warm water and adding a few drops of essential oils. Lavender promotes a calming environment, while tea tree oil possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lemon oil effectively cuts through grease, making it an ideal choice for kitchens.

Dish soap is another versatile option. Cohoon explains that just a few drops can significantly enhance your mop water, as it is designed to cut through grease and remove dirt. Many dish soaps have appealing fragrances that can leave your floors spotless and your home smelling delightful.

Baking soda is particularly useful for tackling stubborn stains and odorous areas. According to Sara Aparacio, adding a few tablespoons to a gallon of water creates a gentle scrubbing solution that deodorizes areas prone to smells, such as pet spaces and hallways.

Natural and Eco-Friendly Solutions

For those inclined towards sustainable cleaning, using citrus peels is an excellent way to reduce waste while freshening your home. Leftover peels from oranges, lemons, and mandarins can be boiled in water, strained, and added to your mop bucket. Aparacio notes that the natural oils in citrus peels help cut grease and impart a refreshing fruity scent.

Similarly, herbal tea can be utilized as a powerful cleaning agent. Making a strong infusion with green tea, chamomile, or mint and using the cooled liquid in your cleaning water offers natural antibacterial properties along with a subtle, earthy aroma.

White vinegar is another effective cleaning agent known for its acidic properties, which effectively dissolve grime and neutralize odors. Cohoon advises mixing one part vinegar with ten parts warm water for a straightforward cleaning solution.

Furthermore, Castile soap, a natural soap made from vegetable oils, is also recommended. Just a teaspoon in a bucket of hot water can break down tough stains. Enhancing this solution with essential oils can provide an additional layer of pleasant fragrance.

For those who prefer commercial cleaners, Cohoon suggests using a small amount in your mop water, but emphasizes the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions on product labels.

Incorporating these simple ingredients can transform your cleaning routine, making it easier to maintain a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your home. With a few tweaks, anyone can enjoy the satisfaction of a clean space that smells as good as it looks.