The Best Way to Clean Your Tile Floors

How to clean tile floors of all types

A stainless-steel refrigerator would not be washed with an enamel cleaner. This same principle applies to tiles. Tile floors are extremely durable, but some types of tiles require special care. Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles require very little maintenance. However, coarse tiles like slate, marble and granite need to be maintained with specific cleaners.

How to clean ceramic and porcelain tile floors

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are extremely durable. However, a few simple cleaning tips will keep them looking shiny. This is how to clean porcelain and ceramic tile.

1. Remove all loose dirt and debris. Vacuum your tile floors frequently to prevent them from becoming dull. Although ceramic tiles are resistant to dirt, sand and gravel can cause a dulling of the glazed surface.

2. Select the right floor mop: Use mild detergent to clean tile. These mops are better for tile cleaning because sponge mops can push dirt into grout lines making them more difficult to clean. Make sure you change the water every time you mop; dirty water can cause a cloudy floor.

3. Look out for tile stains. First, determine the type of stain. For the best cleaning, use the appropriate cleaner to remove the stain.

4. Look out for soap residue. If your tiles appear hazy after cleaning, they could be soapy residue. Use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner to remove the film. A homemade cleaner could be used on porcelain or ceramic tiles but not on stone tiles.

5. Dry tiles: Do not let glazed tile floors dry out, as standing water can cause water spots. After washing the tiles, dry them with a clean, lint-free cloth.

How to Clean Stone Tile Flooring

Natural stone tiles such as marble, granite, and slate should be handled with care. These materials can be damaged by traditional cleaners. Use cleaners that are specifically designed for stone tiles to clean them.

• Tiles made of slate: A mild detergent can be used on slate tiles as long as it does not contain acidic properties such as vinegar or lemon juice. Avoid water spots on slate tiles that have been coated by water. Dry the tile immediately with a soft towel.

• Marble Tile: Marble is a beautiful tile but requires a lot of maintenance. Avoid cleaning marble tiles with any acidic PH levels. Avoid using vinegar or lemon juice to clean marble tiles. They can cause damage to the tiles' surface. Avoid using bristles and scouring powders on marble with brushes.

• Granite Tile:Like marble and slate tile, granite tiles must be cleaned using a mild detergent pH-neutral. A harsh cleanser can leave streaks and discolouration on the tiles. Polishing polished granite floors can help keep them looking shiny and clean.

How to Clean Resilient Tile Flooring

Resistant tile can be made from materials such as vinyl, cork, and linoleum. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for a floor that's both durable and easy to clean. These are some tips to remember when cleaning resilient tile floors:

• Vinyl Tile: This super-resilient flooring is easy to maintain. You can sweep up any debris and then mop the floor with a vinyl cleaner or water and vinegar. Vinyl can be scratched by abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools.

• Linoleum tile: Although it is often mistakenly thought to be vinyl flooring, linoleum has very specific cleaning requirements. After vacuuming the floor, clean it with a linoleum flooring cleaner or Borax detergent. Let the floor dry after rinsing. Apply wax or liquid wax to protect your floors. Buff to shine every 3 to 6 months.

• Cork Tile :The care you need to clean your cork tiles will depend on their finish. Clean the cork floor with mild detergent or vinegar if it has been sealed with polyurethane. Rinse well. Follow the instructions for waxing cork, but only apply liquid or solid wax to dry tiles.

How to clean tile grout

Clean grout is the key to beautiful tile floors. It can be difficult to clean grout because it is porous. Grout absorbs grease and other stains. Here are some tips to make your grout look new again.

1. Use baking soda and water to make your own grout cleaner.

2. Clean grout: Rub it on the stain and let it sit for a night. The next morning, scrub the grout with a stiff nylon toothbrush (a metallic brush can damage grout). You can repeat the process as many times as you need.

3. Apply a silicone-based sealer on the grout to repel future stains. This is best done between 10-14 days after the grout has been installed or replaced.

How Often Do Tile Floors Need to Be Clean?

We recommend regular dry and wet cleaning to keep tiles looking new and free from residue.

• Dry clean: Vacuum at least once per week or whenever you are able to see or feel the debris. Although it can be used on any tile floor, a soft-bristle vacuum attachment may not be able to fit into tight spaces or corners. To finish the job, use a dustpan and a hand-broom.

• Wet clean Plan to mop your tile floor in the kitchen once every two weeks and your bathroom tile flooring once per week. Germs can build up in bathrooms. Spot clean grout every other month or when it starts to look dingy.

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