Floors stay cleaner for longer and 'repel dust' when cleaned with 2-ingredient DIY mixture

Tidying your home can feel like an enormous task, particularly when you allow numerous smaller jobs to accumulate throughout the week. Whilst certain chores require just a few minutes to finish, others demand considerably more time, making them even more unappealing.

Maintaining spotless floors represents one such challenge. Dirt from animals and young children, along with everyday spillages, scratches and stains, can rapidly leave your flooring appearing tatty. However, Richard McKay, flooring specialist and managing director at flooring firm Sprung, has revealed a straightforward mop solution that "repels dust and keeps floors cleaner for longer".

For dust-resistant floors, Richard recommends incorporating fabric conditioner into the water within your mop bucket, reports the Express.

"By adding one to two teaspoons into one litre of warm water and then using it to mop as usual with a microfibre mop, you can say hello to clean floors that are easy to maintain," he said.

"This is because the softener leaves a thin anti-static layer which repels dust, dirt and hair. And it means your floors are cleaner for longer."

Fabric conditioner contains cationic surfactants, which leave a treated finish behind. In the same manner that it functions on your garments and laundry, reducing static properties, it also prevents fluff from adhering to hard floors.

"Not only does this handy cleaning hack work well for homes with kids and pets where daily dirt becomes a nuisance, but your floors will likely smell great, too," Richard added. To preserve the appearance and texture of your floors throughout the home, it's crucial to avoid drenching them during cleaning.

Richard advised you should instead utilise a lightly dampened mop when cleaning laminate, wood or vinyl surfaces.

"Rugs and furniture should also be rotated regularly to prevent pressure spots," he added. "And, if you're looking for a more natural solution rather than the one mentioned above, combining a teaspoon of white vinegar and a few drops of essential oil works just as well.

"When mopped onto floors, it will repel dust, neutralise odours and again leave your floors smelling nice."

Additional methods to ensure your floors remain in superior condition include steering clear of abrasive cleaners and employing a pH-neutral cleanser with a microfibre cloth.

You can also tackle stains with a magic eraser rather than over-saturating the floor with a wet mop.