Cleaning your floors isn’t usually the most exciting part of the day, but a few unconventional tricks can make the job quicker, easier, and maybe even a little fun. Beyond the usual mops, buckets, and store-bought cleaners, there are plenty of surprising household items that can help you tackle stubborn dirt, stains, and odors in clever ways.

Below, you’ll find 11 unexpected floor-cleaning hacks that use simple products in inventive ways—from tennis balls that erase scuff marks to mayonnaise that magically removes crayon art. Give them a try and you might just discover a new go-to method for keeping your floors spotless.

---

1. Rubbing Alcohol for Crystal-Clear Tiles

For shiny, streak-free tiles, mix one part rubbing alcohol with three parts water and a small squeeze of dish soap. Pour into a spray bottle, shake well, and spritz onto your tile surfaces. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a spotless finish.
The alcohol evaporates quickly, preventing streaks, while the soap cuts through grime—perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

---

2. Fabric Softener for Dust-Resistant Baseboards

A little fabric softener can leave baseboards clean and fresh. Combine one part softener with four parts warm water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the mixture, wring it out, and wipe your baseboards.
The light residue helps repel dust, meaning they’ll stay cleaner for longer.

---

3. Tennis Balls to Buff Out Scuffs

Scuff marks on wood or vinyl? Slice a small “X” into a new tennis ball and attach it to the end of a broom handle. Gently rub the mark until it disappears.
The soft but textured surface of the tennis ball lifts scuffs without scratching.

---

4. Vinegar Ice Cubes to Refresh Grout

Pour white vinegar into an ice tray and freeze. Place the vinegar cubes on dirty grout and let them melt on their own.
As they slowly dissolve, the vinegar penetrates into the grout lines, loosening dirt. Scrub lightly afterward and rinse for a bright, clean finish.

---

5. Cooking Spray for Extra Shine

A quick spray of cooking oil can add a subtle sheen to dull floors. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and buff gently.
Use sparingly—this works well on wood and laminate, but too much can make surfaces slippery.

---

6. Tea Bags to Revive Wooden Floors

Black tea can naturally enhance the richness of wood. Steep a few bags in boiling water, let it cool, then dip a cloth in the tea and wipe your floors.
The tannins help highlight the wood’s natural tones while providing gentle cleaning power.

---

7. Cornstarch for Fresher Carpets

To absorb odors trapped in carpets, sprinkle cornstarch generously over the surface. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
It soaks up moisture and smells without relying on commercial products.

---

8. Baking Soda + Essential Oils for Home Scent Control

Mix a cup of baking soda with 20–30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle the mixture on carpets or rugs, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum.
The baking soda neutralizes odors while the oils leave a light, pleasant fragrance—ideal for homes with pets.

---

9. Mayonnaise for Removing Crayon Marks

For crayon scribbles on floors or walls, dab a small amount of mayonnaise on the mark and let it sit for 10 minutes.
The natural oils soften the wax, making cleanup easy with a damp cloth.

---

10. Hydrogen Peroxide for a Deep Clean

Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle. Apply to tile or sealed floors and let it sit briefly before mopping.
It lifts grime and sanitizes surfaces, but test first—peroxide can lighten certain materials.

---

11. Shaving Cream for Carpet Stains

Apply shaving cream directly onto carpet stains and leave it for half an hour.
The foam breaks down the stain, allowing you to blot it away with a damp cloth. Rinse lightly and dry—the result rivals pricey carpet cleaners.