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How to clean floor tiles of all kinds (and grout too!)
How to clean floor tiles of all kinds
You wouldn't wash a stainless steel refrigerator with a cleaner designed for an enamel surface. The same concept applies to your tile. Although tiled floors are incredibly durable, certain types of tiles require special care. Ceramic and porcelain floors require relatively little maintenance, while coarse tiles such as slate, marble, granite or limestone require individual care and often specific detergents.
How to clean ceramic and porcelain stoneware floors
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are incredibly durable and some tips for cleaning easy can keep these types of floors sparkling. Follow this simple process to clean ceramic and porcelain tiles:
Clean loose debris: Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dullness. Ceramic tiles can be dirt resistant, but sand and grit can dull glazed surfaces.
Choose the right mop: Clean tiles with mild detergent and clean water using a cloth or chamois type broom. of a sponge. These mops are best for cleaning tiles because sponge mops tend to push dirty water into grout making them harder to clean.
Be sure to change the water frequently when washing; Dirty water equals murky soil.
Watch out for tile stains - if you find discoloration, first try to determine what type of substance the stain produced. Use the appropriate stain remover for more effective cleaning.
Beware of soap scum: If your tiles look cloudy even after cleaning, you may be dealing with soap scum. Remove the film with a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner.
You can also try a homemade cleaner with a mild acid (like fresh lemon juice) on ceramic or porcelain tiles (but never on stone tiles).
Dry the tiles: Do not let your glazed tile floors air dry as standing water will form water spots. Take care of it by wiping the floor with a clean, lint-free cloth immediately after washing.
How to clean stone tiled floors
Be careful when working with natural stone tiles such as slate, granite or marble. The chemicals found in conventional cleaners can damage the surface of these materials.
Instead, clean stone tiles with specific cleaners for natural stone.
Slate tiles: You can also use a mild cleaner on slate tiles, as long as it does not contain acidic properties, such as aslemone or vinegar. If your slate tile is tiled, avoid water spots by drying the tile immediately with a soft towel.
Marble Tile: Marble produces beautiful tiles, but also requires significant maintenance. Avoid cleaning marble tiles with anything that has an acidic PH level.
Lemon or vinegar cleaners should be avoided as they can affect the surface of the tile. Also, stay away from anything that could scratch the marble, such as hard-bristled brushes or abrasive powders.
Granite Tiles: Like slate and marble tiles, granite tiles should be cleaned with a mild cleanser with a neutral. pH. An aggressive cleaner is likely to leave streaks or discoloration on the tile. You can also buff your polished granite floor to keep it shiny and clean.
How to clean resilient tile floors
Made from materials such as linoleum, vinyl, cork and rubber, resilient tile is a great option if you want a surface that's easy on the feet and requires minimal maintenance. Keep these tips in mind when cleaning your resilient tile floor:
Vinyl tile: This type of super resilient flooring is also easy to maintain. Simply sweep or vacuum debris and clean with vinyl cleaning solution or water and vinegar. Never use an abrasive cleaner or vinyl cleaning tool as it may scratch the surface.
Linoleum Tile: Although often confused with vinyl flooring, linoleum is a very different material that requires specific cleaning.
After sweeping or vacuuming, wash the linoleum floor with a linoleum floor cleaning solution or a borax and water-based cleaner. Rinse and let the floor dry. To protect your linoleum floors, apply a coat of wax or liquid, shiny wax to a shine every 3-6 months.
Cork Tiles: The Cleaning Care Needed For your cork tiles vary by tile finish. If the cork surface is sealed with polyurethane (most cork floors are), clean with water and a mild detergent or white vinegar, then rinse well.
If the cork is rough or waxed, follow the polyurethane cleaning instructions but apply solid or liquid wax once the tile is dry.
How to clean tile grout
The real secret to beautiful tile is clean grout. Because grout is porous and absorbs grease and other stains, it can be difficult to keep clean. Here's how to make your grout shine again:
Make a grout cleaner yourself: Avoid commercial cleaners and create a paste of baking soda and water instead.
Sealant Scrub: Rub it into the stain, let it sit overnight, then scrub the stain in the morning with a stiff nylon brush (a wire brush will damage the seal).
Repeat if necessary.
Sealant Polish: Apply silicone sealant to grout to repel future stains. Works best if done 10-14 days after installation or re-grouting.
How often to clean tiled floors
To keep tiles clean and free of residue, regular cleaning and a wet mopping schedule is recommended.
Dry Cleaning: Vacuum or sweep at least once a week or whenever you can visibly see (or hear) debris.
A soft-bristled coat rack can be used on any type of tile floor, but it can be tricky to fit in corners or tight spaces. Use a hand broom and dustpan to finish the job.
Wet Cleaning: Plan to clean your kitchen tile once every two weeks and your bathroom tile once a week (germs tend to accumulate in bathrooms ). Take the time to clean the grout once every few months or whenever it looks dirty.
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