How to Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors

Ceramic and ceramic tiles are incredibly durable, and a few easy cleaning tips can keep these kinds of flooring appearing shiny.

Tile Cleaning Tips

Follow this simple procedure to clean ceramic and ceramic tile:
Clean up loose debris: Sweep or vacuum your tile flooring regularly to stop them from getting dull. Ceramic tiles could be resistant to dirt, but grit and sand can dull the masonry surfaces.

Choose the best floor mop: sterile tile with mild detergent and clean water using a rag or chamois-type mop instead of a sponge mop. These mops are best for cleaning tile since sponge mops have a tendency to push dirty water to the grout lines, making them harder to wash. Be sure to change the water regularly while cleaning; dirty water equals a cloudy floor.

Be on the look for vinyl stains: If you discover discoloration, then first attempt to determine which type of substance made the blot. Utilize the right cleaner for the blot for the best clean.

Remove the film with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. You may also try a homemade cleaner with a gentle acid (such as 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 because the sitting water will form water stains. Take care of this by massaging the floor with a sterile, lint-free cloth immediately after washing.

Editor’s Tip: Be kind to your knees and dry tiles the simple way: Use your foot to slide the fabric over the floor.

Be careful once you’re working with natural stone tile like granite, slate, or marble. Chemicals in conventional cleaners can harm the surface of these materials. Rather, clean your stone tiles together with cleansers made especially for organic stone.

Slate Tile: You may also use a mild detergent on slate flooring, as long as it doesn’t include acidic attributes, such as lemon or vinegar. If your slate tile is coated, avoid water spots by drying the tile right away with a towel.

Avoid cleaning marble tiles with anything that has an acidic PH degree. Cleaners with lemon or vinegar ought to be avoided, as they can etch the surface of the tile. Also steer clear of anything which may scratch the chimney, like brushes with tough bristles or scouring powders.

Granite Tile: Much like slate and marble tile, granite counter has to be washed with a mild detergent that’s pH-neutral. A harsh cleaner risks leaving streaks or discoloration on the tile. You also may want to buff a shiny granite floor to help keep it looking shiny and clean.

How to wash Resilient Tile Floors

Made of materials such as linoleum, vinyl, cork, and rubber, and a resilient tile is a fantastic 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 flooring:

Vinyl Tile: This super resilient flooring kind is also simple to keep. Only sweep or vacuum debris up and wash with a vinyl cleaning solution or water and vinegar.

Linoleum Tile: Though it is often confused for vinyl floors, linoleum is a very different material that has particular cleaning requirements. After vacuuming or sweeping, wash off the linoleum tile with linoleum flooring cleaning solution or Borax detergent and warm water. Rinse clean and allow the ground dry.

Cork Tile: The cleaning care your cork tile requires will change dependent on the finish on your tiles. If the cork surface is sealed with polyurethane (most cork floors are), clean with water and mild detergent or white vinegar, then rinse well. If the cork is bare or stained, follow the cleaning instructions for polyurethane but apply solid or liquid wax once the tile is dry.

Editor’s Hint: Never use a steam mop on any of these tile kinds. They are not meant to resist intense heat or excess moisture.

How to Wash Tile Grout

The actual secret to a great-looking tile flooring is clean grout. Because grout is porous and absorbs dirt and other spots, it can be tricky to keep clean. Here is how to Receive your grout to seem like new:

Create a DIY grout cleaner: Skip commercial cleaners and rather make a paste of baking soda and water.
Scrub grout: Rub it on the stain, allow it to sit overnight, then wash the blot in the morning using a stiff nylon brush (a metal brush will damage the grout). Repeat as necessary.

This works well when done 10-14 days following the grout is restored or installed.

Note: There’s a good deal of disagreement about whether you should use a steam cleaner to “deep clean” your tile grout. Some say it is a great way to revive dingy tile, while other experts say it can harm your grout in the long run. A steam mop typically won’t damage grout that’s in good form and sealed, however, if your flooring is old or the grout is damaged in any way, the steam could accelerate the harm and might cause pitting and discoloration over time. Regular use could also increase your risk of harm.

Related: Protect Your Carpet And Increase Its Life

How Often to Clean Tile Floors

Dry wash: Vacuum or brush at least once a week or two whenever you can clearly see (or texture ) debris. A soft-bristle vacuum attachment can be used on vinyl flooring of any sort, but it may be difficult to fit it into corners or tight spaces. Use a hand broom and dustpan to finish the job.

Wet wash: Plan to mop the tile floor in your kitchen once every 2 weeks and your toilet tile floor once a week (germs tend to build up in baths ). Take some time to spot clean your grout once every couple of months or whenever it is looking gloomy.

Read here: Why carpet steam cleaning is important?