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Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Hardwood Floors with TeaBoil the Water: Start by boiling a pot of water. The amount of water you need depends on the size of the floor area you’re treating. A good rule of thumb is about 1 gallon (4 liters) of water for an average-sized room.
Brew the Tea: Once the water has come to a boil, add 4-6 black tea bags to the pot and let them steep for about 10-15 minutes. The longer you let the tea steep, the darker the brew and the more tannins will be released, which is ideal for giving the wood a deeper color and shine.
Cool the Tea: After steeping, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. You want the tea to be warm but not hot to avoid any risk of damaging the floor’s finish or burning yourself.
Prepare the Floor: While the tea is cooling, thoroughly sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. This step is crucial to ensure the tea solution can effectively clean and shine the wood.
Mop with Tea Solution: Once the tea has cooled, pour it into a bucket. Dip a clean, soft mop or cloth into the tea solution and wring it out thoroughly. The mop should be damp, not soaking wet, to prevent water damage to the wood.
Apply the Tea Solution: Gently mop the floor with the damp mop, following the grain of the wood. The tea solution will not only clean the surface but also deposit tannins that enhance the wood’s natural color.
Let It Dry: Allow the floor to air dry completely. The tea will leave a slight sheen and enhance the wood’s natural tones, giving it a refreshed, polished look.
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