Floors will 'shine like mirrors' without bleach if you follow 1 ancient Japanese method

A Japanese hotel cleaner has revealed an unusual barefoot technique she says can make floors shine "like mirrors" without using bleach or expensive products. Aiko Sakamoto has spent more than 20 years cleaning the floors of Tokyo's most luxurious hotels.

She told flooring experts at Decking Superstore that the secret to spotless floors is a simple, centuries-old ritual that begins with washing your feet and cleaning barefoot. "I never wear shoes. I never wear socks. Before I clean, I wash my feet," she explained. "That way, I don't bring any dirt onto the floor I'm cleaning. Even clean socks carry dust."

Aiko's method is entirely chemical-free and focuses on treating the floor with care and respect. It follows five key steps.

First, she sweeps or dust mops the surface to remove crumbs and dirt. "You have to remove all dust and crumbs before any water touches the floor," she said. "Otherwise, you're just pushing the dirt around."

Next, she uses a natural cleaning solution of warm water mixed with a splash of rice vinegar, although white vinegar also works. "It sanitises gently and brings out the floor's shine," she added.

Instead of a mop, Aiko uses thick cleaning cloths by hand. This lets her feel the floor and clean more precisely.

She moves in straight, deliberate lines in a zig-zag pattern, always stepping backwards so her feet never touch the cleaned surface.

Once the floor is completely dry, she finishes by buffing it with a fresh cloth to bring out a natural gleam.

"You can't clean the floor properly if you're stepping on it with socks or shoes," she said. "People don't realise how much they undo their own work."

While her technique is meticulous, Aiko says it's also enjoyable. She often listens to traditional Japanese music or sometimes pop songs while she works.

"It makes the process feel more like dancing than working," she said.

The barefoot cleaning approach is rooted in Japanese tradition, where homes are often shoe-free and floors are seen as an important part of the living space.

Aiko believes that by slowing down and cleaning carefully, anyone can achieve professional-level results without harsh chemicals.

She added: "You might not just transform your floors, you might enjoy it, too."