How To Clean Tiles?

How To Clean Tiles?

The downside of tile flooring is sand and grit, which corrode the surface. These elements can scratch the floor if not removed. Cleaning your tile floors regularly will prevent them from being permanently damaged. Furthermore, dirty tiles can make even the cleanest of rooms appear dirty, especially since dirt can settle into the grout over time.

We often sweep or vacuum the floor as part of regular cleaning. But your tiles and floor are not properly cleaned until you scrub them and clean them with some liquid or supplements that are used for tile cleaning. So, how will you know it’s time for deep cleaning of your tiles? The easiest way to determine is by keeping an eye on stains, dirty grout, and other things.

You can keep your tiles clean by using a damp mop, tile cleaner, chlorine bleach, and then properly rinsed by wiping clean the surface of the tiles. You can clean the trapped dirt by using the grout brush to deep clean the grout lines. This can be a general way of cleaning your tiles regularly. But, when you are cleaning your tiles, make sure you use the right method and technique depending on the type of tile you have. Tiles of different types are supposed to be clean with different materials.

Let’s have a look at some of the best ways to clean your tiles.

The Best Way To Clean Tiles (All Types)

It is not recommended to use dish soap on your clothes, since it would cause them to deteriorate. Similarly, every tile type has a different way of cleaning. Even though tile floors are extremely resistant to damage, there are some types of tile that need to be handled differently. Floor tiles made of ceramic and porcelain need little care. Whereas coarse tiles made of marble, granite, or limestone need individual attention and can often be difficult to clean.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors

A ceramic tile’s glazed surface may resist dirt, but grit and sand can dull its appearance. Rather than using a sponge mop, clean tiles with mild detergent and clean water. Sponge mops strain dirty water into grout lines, making it difficult to clean. These mops work best on tile because sponge mops push dirty water into the grout lines. Be sure to change the water frequently while mopping; dirty water equals a cloudy floor.

Try to determine the type of stain that has appeared on tiles and determine what caused it. Clean it with the correct cleaner. Ceramic or porcelain tiles can also be cleaned with a homemade cleaner that contains mild acids. You shouldn’t let the standing water on your glazed tile floor dry on its own as it will leave water stains. Immediately after washing the floor, dry it with a lint-free cloth.

Stone Tile Floors

Natural stone tiles such as slate, granite, and marble need to be handled with care. Cleaning products containing chemicals may damage the surfaces. Instead, use an exclusive slate or granite cleaner.

Slate Tile: If the detergent does not contain acidic properties, such as lemon juice or vinegar, you may also use it on slate tiles. To prevent accidents like slipping and water spots on slate tiles with coatings, dry the tiles immediately.

Marble Tile: Marble tiles are incredibly beautiful, but they can be hard to keep clean. You can use any type of floor cleaner with low Ph and water with a cotton cloth. You should not use lemon or vinegar to clean marble tiles, since these substances can ruin the tile’s surface. Be careful not to scratch the marble with brushes that have hard bristles.

Granite Tile: Granite tiles should be cleansed with a pH-neutral mild detergent. Streaks or discoloration may result if a harsh cleaner is used. For a clean, shiny appearance, you should also buff polished granite floors.

Resilient Tile Floors

Vinyl Tile: Remove any dirt with a vacuum or sweeper, and then mop with a vinyl cleaning solution or water and vinegar. Avoid using harsh cleaners on vinyl, as they can scratch the surface.

Linoleum Tile: Linoleum requires special cleaning methods. Linoleum flooring can be cleaned by sweeping or vacuuming the tile with a Linoleum flooring cleaner or a solution of borax and water. Once clean, wipe dry. Apply a coat of wax or liquid wax every 3 to 6 months and polish it to a shine.

Cork Tile: Cleaning your cork tiles depends on their finish. In the case of polyurethane surfaces, use a mild detergent or white vinegar, then rinse. To clean unfinished cork or to wax it, use the same instructions as for polyurethane, after which you should apply solid or liquid wax.

Tile Grout

An attractive tile floor is all about clean grout lines. Porous grout soaks up grease and other stains, so it is hard to maintain. You can have a DIY grout cleaning by using baking soda and warm water, followed by scrubbing it with a hard bristle brush. Or grout cleaning becomes easy if you apply a silicone-based sealer to prevent stains.

To conclude

Keeping your floors clean regularly will save you a lot of hard work in the future. Once a week or whenever you see visible debris, vacuum, or sweep. Tile floors can be vacuumed using a soft-bristle attachment, but corners and tight spaces may be difficult to reach. Finish the job with a dustpan and broom. Every two weeks, mop your kitchen tile floor and the bathroom tiles weekly. Once every few months, or whenever your grout seems dirty, spot clean it.