Cleaning floors can sometimes feel like a repetitive chore, but a simple household trick has gained attention for using an ingredient many people already have in their kitchen. The method involves adding two or three dried bay leaves to a mop bucket along with warm water and your regular floor cleaner. As the leaves sit in the water, they can release their natural aroma, giving the cleaning solution a fresh, herbal scent.

Bay leaves are also commonly associated with natural antimicrobial properties, although adding them to mop water should not be considered a substitute for a proper disinfectant. Their essential oils and strong fragrance are often credited with helping create a fresher-smelling environment, while some people believe the scent may discourage insects such as flies and mosquitoes from lingering nearby.

The process itself is remarkably simple and inexpensive. Fill your bucket with warm water, add the amount of floor cleaner you normally use, and place two or three dried bay leaves into the mixture. Allow them to soak briefly before mopping, giving the leaves time to release some of their aroma into the water.

While the bay leaves may add a pleasant scent to your cleaning routine, the main cleaning and shine of the floor still come from using an appropriate floor cleaner and proper mopping technique. For anyone who enjoys natural household scents, however, this easy trick can be an inexpensive addition to a regular cleaning routine—using something as ordinary as a few dried bay leaves in a surprisingly different way.