Professional Cleaner Reveals Budget-Friendly Tip for Sparkling Floors

A professional cleaner renowned for her work at luxury hotels, including The Ritz in London, has shared her expert tips for achieving spotless, streak-free floors. In an exclusive interview with flooring specialists at Decking Superstore, Melissa Browning emphasized the effectiveness of a common kitchen item: lemons.

Simple Solutions for Pristine Floors

With 18 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Browning has developed a straightforward cleaning strategy that challenges the reliance on strong chemical products. She believes that many people overuse cleaning solutions, mistakenly thinking that a strong scent equates to cleanliness. “In five-star hotels, we don’t depend on overpowering products — we clean more intelligently,” she explained.

One of her go-to ingredients is half a lemon. Lemons are rich in citric acid, which offers natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They are versatile cleaners suitable for various surfaces, from countertops to cutting boards. The price of lemons remains affordable; for example, Aldi currently sells a pack of four for 79p, roughly 20p per lemon.

Browning’s approach involves adding the juice of half a lemon to her cleaning solution. “I still use a small amount of cleaner,” she stated. “But I always add half a fresh lemon to the bucket. It cuts through grease, kills lingering smells, and gives that naturally fresh finish you just can’t fake.” Her method gained recognition in the high-end hotel sector, where the use of strong chemicals is often prohibited.

Common Mistakes and Best Practices

According to Browning, one of the most frequent mistakes she observes is the excessive use of cleaning products. “More doesn’t mean cleaner. It means sticky floors and residue that attracts even more dirt,” she cautioned. She recommends changing mop water between rooms to prevent the spread of germs, a simple practice that can significantly enhance cleanliness.

Having cleaned both £700-a-night hotel suites and smaller flats, Browning insists that the fundamentals of cleaning yield the best results. “People notice what they smell before they see what’s clean,” she remarked. To achieve both shiny floors and a fresh-smelling home, she advises turning to the natural power of lemons instead of chemical cleaners.

When using lemon juice for cleaning, Browning stresses the importance of mixing it with water before application. It’s essential to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the flooring. While lemon juice can be effective on various surfaces, it should not be used undiluted on tile or hardwood floors, and caution must be taken to avoid mixing it with bleach due to the release of toxic chlorine gas.

In conclusion, Melissa Browning’s approach not only highlights the effectiveness of using natural cleaning agents like lemons but also promotes a more sustainable and cost-effective cleaning routine. Her insights serve as a reminder that achieving cleanliness and a pleasant atmosphere can be simple and accessible to everyone.