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You know bay leaves—the humble little leaves you toss into a pot of soup and fish out later? Well, turns out they’ve been keeping a big secret from us. They’re not just for cooking.
A while back, I heard someone mention adding bay leaves to mop water. I thought, Okay, that sounds… weird. But curiosity got the better of me, and let me tell you—it works. And not just in a “this is nice” way, but in a “why didn’t I know this sooner?” way.
So, grab a few from your spice jar, and let me tell you why these leaves are about to become your new favorite cleaning buddy.
1. They Naturally Fight Germs
Bay leaves aren’t just fragrant—they actually have antibacterial properties. So when you drop them into hot mop water, you’re not just making your floors look clean, you’re helping to keep them really clean, without drenching everything in chemical disinfectants.
2. Your House Will Smell Cozy-Fresh
Ever catch that warm, herby scent when bay leaves simmer in a pot? That same gentle aroma floats through your home when you mop with them. It’s not fake or overpowering—just a subtle, fresh smell that makes cleaning a little more enjoyable.
3. Bugs Aren’t Invited
Fun fact: pests like cockroaches, ants, and fleas want nothing to do with bay leaves. Mopping with bay leaf water isn’t going to replace pest control entirely, but it does give you an extra, natural layer of defense.
4. It’s Kind to the Planet (and Your Skin)
No unpronounceable chemicals here—just leaves and water. If you’re trying to cut back on store-bought cleaners, this is such an easy step in a greener direction.
5. It’s Easy on the Wallet
A pack of bay leaves costs just a couple of bucks, and you only need a few at a time. Compare that to fancy-smelling floor cleaners, and… well, you know which one wins.
How to Give It a Go
It’s as easy as making tea:
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Fill your mop bucket with hot water.
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Toss in 4–6 bay leaves.
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Let them steep for a few minutes.
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Mop like you normally do and enjoy that fresh scent.
You can add your regular mild cleaner if you like, but some days I skip it and just let the bay leaves do their thing.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes the best little hacks don’t come from a store—they come from the pantry. Adding bay leaves to my mop water has made cleaning feel a little less like a chore and a little more like a self-care ritual for my home.
Go ahead, try it once. You might just find yourself telling everyone you know, “You won’t believe what I put in my mop bucket…”