Tile can be an attractive and versatile type of flooring for kitchens, bathrooms, and many areas of your home. But, if you want to keep them looking their best, you should keep them free of any dirt by giving them deep cleans on a regular basis. Tile floors can last a lifetime if you take care of them properly, and they don’t require as much maintenance as other types of flooring. Tile cleaning is not a difficult process, and it doesn’t take a great deal of time. You do, however, have to use the right method for the right type of tile. A tile floor should be “dry cleaned” (swept or vacuumed) at least twice a week to get rid of any gritty debris that can dull the finish. Wet clean (or mop) the tile floor in your kitchen every two weeks and in the bathroom at least once a week. You should also spot clean the grout once every two or three months.
Cleaning Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floors
Porcelain and ceramic are the most common types of tile flooring, and they’re easy to maintain. To clean these types of tile, you can use almost any type of cleaner (whether it’s all-purpose, dish soap, or even white vinegar) because they don’t scratch or lose their shine very easily. Here are some tile cleaning steps you can take for this type of flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum the tile — Make sure you get into the corners, which is where dirt tends to pile up. A microfiber duster can pick up dust and hair pretty easily.
- Combine the cleaner with warm water — Dip a rag or chamois mop (not a sponge mop) into the solution, and squeeze out the excess water so it’s damp, but not soaking.
- Run the mop over the floor in even, gentle strokes — Follow a pattern as you move through the room, which will make sure you cover the entire floor.
- Change the water on a regular basis — As you rinse the mop or rag, the water will get cloudier over time. Dump the dirty water and refill it on a regular basis, so you don’t leave a hazy film of grime on the tile.
If you notice any film after you have finished, create a mixture of white vinegar and hot water and run a damp rag over the tile to get rid of it. Marble, slate and granite tile can be cleaned in a similar manner as porcelain and ceramic, but there are a couple of caveats. You want to use a soft-bristled broom when you’re sweeping tile floors made of natural stone, because they can scratch more easily. You also want to make sure you’re using the right type of cleaner for the floor. Slate and marble tiles can’t handle anything acidic (such as vinegar), while granite needs a mild detergent that’s pH-neutral so it doesn’t get discolored.
Steps for Proper Grout Cleaning
Grout can stain very easily, especially if it’s light in color. That’s why grout cleaning starts with good prevention. This can include resealing the grout whenever it’s needed, wiping up kitchen spills right away, and using a mild homemade or commercial grout cleaning solution. You want to start with the mildest approach, because you’re less likely to damage or discolor the grout while you’re cleaning it.
You can clean the grout on your tile floors by performing the following steps:
- Remove any surface dirt with hot water and a towel.
- Use grout clean solution with neutral PH
- Do not let water stand
- Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
- Spoon the cleaning agent onto the grout and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub the grout lines with a brush. Be sure to scrub hard to agitate the grout and cleaning solution, which will break up any dirt that’s really stuck.
- Wipe the surface clean.
You can also use a commercial grout stain remover, which will quickly remove any mold or mildew and will bring back those white grout lines. For the most stubborn grout stains, you can use a steam mop. There are several manufacturers that make steam cleaners built for residential use. You only want to use chlorine bleach in the most extreme cases of grout cleaning, so it shouldn’t be your go-to choice for this type of application. After you have finished cleaning your grout, spray it with household vinegar or a mild grout cleaner and wipe it down once a week so it stays free of stains. Wiping your grout with rubbing alcohol will also keep mold and mildew from forming.
If you’re looking for one of the best tile stores in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Tile Source of Texas.