Category: DIY

Get a sparkling clean and an inviting scent at the same time.

Mopping isn’t exactly my favorite chore — carrying a heavy bucket and scrubbing floors isn’t my idea of fun — but I do love the payoff: that fresh, welcoming smell in a clean home. Even a simple mixture of warm water and soap leaves a subtle scent that lingers for a little while. But I started wondering: is there anything I can add to my mop water to make my floors smell even better?

I reached out to two cleaning experts to find out their favorite mop water boosters. Here are the eight things they recommend adding to your mop water for cleaner, fresher-smelling floors — and I can’t wait to try them all!

Essential Oils

Want a scent that’s unique, not just your typical lemon smell? Essential oils are the way to go. Kathy Cohoon, Director of Operations at Two Maids, says, "Essential oils are an easy way to boost the scent of natural cleaning ingredients like baking soda without harming your floors. For example, when making a solution for tile floors using ½ cup of baking soda and a bucket of warm water, adding a few drops of essential oil can give it a lovely aroma."

Sara Aparacio, Resident Cleaning Expert at Homeaglow, adds, "Lemon oil helps break down grease, tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and lavender provides a calming scent that helps you truly relax in your home."

Affiliate links: Lavender Essential Oil | Lemon Essential Oil | Tea Tree Oil

Lemon Juice

The classic never goes out of style. Adding ¼ cup of lemon juice to your mop water not only leaves behind a fresh scent but also helps lift grime and kill germs, especially on tile or vinyl floors. Plus, it’s great for cutting through soap scum and hard water spots.

Dish Soap

No lemon juice or essential oils on hand? Dish soap works wonders. Just a few drops of dish soap can go a long way. It cuts grease, lifts dirt, and breaks down sticky residues. For kitchens or high-traffic areas, dish soap also leaves a great aroma, especially scented options like green apple or berries.

Use sparingly — 1-2 teaspoons per gallon — to avoid suds buildup or streaks on shiny floors.

Affiliate link: Dawn Dish Soap

Baking Soda

For dried spills, scuff marks, or sticky residue, baking soda is a hero ingredient. Add around 2 tablespoons per gallon to your mop water for a gentle scrubbing solution. It’s especially effective on sealed tile, vinyl, and linoleum. It lifts scuff marks and deodorizes pet areas, entryways, or kitchens that tend to trap smells.

Affiliate link: Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

Citrus Peels & Herbal Tea

Looking for a sustainable hack? Try citrus peels or herbal tea. Boil leftover peels and strain the liquid into your mop bucket. Citrus oils cut grease and leave a fresh, fruity scent — plus, it’s a great way to reuse scraps.

Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, or green tea also work. Steep a few bags and add them to your mop water. Herbal teas offer natural antibacterial properties and leave a subtle, earthy aroma.

Affiliate links: Chamomile Tea Bags | Dried Orange Peel

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a cleaning classic. Vinegar’s acidic properties dissolve grime, dirt, and mineral deposits. It deodorizes naturally, neutralizing odors, and also has antibacterial properties. Recommended simple solution: 1 part vinegar to 10 parts warm water.

Affiliate link: Heinz Distilled White Vinegar

Castile Soap

For a gentler option, try Castile soap. Mix a teaspoon into a bucket of warm water. It’s cost-effective, breaks up stains, and can be enhanced with essential oils for a fresh smell.

Affiliate link: Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap

Commercial Floor Cleaner

Of course, you can always use a few drops of your favorite commercial floor cleaner. They clean and deodorize in one step. Many contain surfactants that break down dirt and oils, plus strong aromas for long-lasting freshness. Follow the label for dilution, and pick herbal or citrus scents for the best results.

Affiliate link: Method Squirt + Mop Hard Floor Cleaner