Tidy Casa cleans around 600 homes a month in Phoenix and Tucson, and here’s a simple truth: a fresh-smelling house feels clean. Let’s make that happen the right way.
Rule #1: Clean water + the right mop head
Before we talk scents, fix the biggest smell-killer: dirty mop water.
- Use clean water from the start—and change it as soon as it turns cloudy.
- Keep separate mop heads for different zones:
- Bathroom-only mop head
- Kitchen-only mop head
Bathrooms can have, uh… “extras” on the floor. Don’t spread that into the rest of your home.
Now add the good smells (safely)
Essential oils (go light!)
My go-to for a gentle, clean scent. We like tea tree (crisp) and lavender (calm). We’ve had good luck with Aura Cacia, you can find it at many health stores or on Amazon.
How much to use:
- 3–10 drops per gallon of water. Start at 3–5 drops; add more only if needed.
- A tiny amount goes a long way.
Important surface note:
- Do not add oils (or anything) to mop water for hardwood or natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone, etc.). These surfaces prefer pH-neutral cleaners or just light water per manufacturer guidance.
Pet tip:
Use oils sparingly and keep pets out of the area until the floor is fully dry. Some oils can bother pets if they lick wet surfaces. When in doubt, skip the oils and stick to neutral cleaners.
A dab of dish soap (for mixing + clean)
A little dish soap helps disperse the oil and lifts light soil.
- Ratio: 1 teaspoon dish soap per 1 gallon of water.
- More than that can leave a film or feel sticky.
Hot (not boiling) water
Hot water helps scents “bloom” and improves cleaning. Don’t go boiling; you just want it hot from the tap.
Quick Mop Recipe (print this part)
- Bucket with 1 gallon hot water
- 1 tsp dish soap
- 3–10 drops essential oil (not for hardwood or natural stone)
- Damp mop head (not dripping)
Mix water + soap first, then add the oil and stir. Keep the mop just damp, not wet.
Pro Tips from Our Team
- Mop last. Dust or vacuum first so you’re not spreading grit around.
- Less water = fewer streaks. Wring your mop well—aim for damp, not soaked.
- Swap the water. If it turns gray, dump it and refresh.
- Label your mop heads. “Kitchen” and “Bathroom” saves your nose later.
What to avoid
- Over-scenting. If your home smells like a perfume counter, you used too much. Scale back.
- Oils on hardwood or natural stone. Keep those surfaces happy with pH-neutral only.
- One mop head for the whole house. That’s how good smells die.
FAQs
How much essential oil should I use when mopping?
Use 3–10 drops per gallon. Start small (3–5). You can always add a drop or two more.
Can I just pour in more soap for extra clean?
Nope. More soap = sticky film. Stick to 1 tsp per gallon.
What scent should I pick?
- Lavender: calm, cozy
- Tea tree: crisp, “just-cleaned” vibe
- Citrus (orange/lemon): bright and fresh (again—skip on hardwood/stone)
Want the clean smell without the chore list? Book a Tidy Casa cleaning in about 60 seconds. We’ll bring the fresh, and we back it with our 200% Happiness Guarantee.
Questions? Email us anytime: [email protected].