How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors
Ceramic tile flooring is a widely favored choice, known for its durability. However, like any flooring surface, proper care and cleaning are essential. Here are some effective suggestions for maintaining the cleanliness of tile floors.
Sweep or vacuum your tile floors a couple of times a week. Sand and grit can dull and scratch the surface. Once you’ve removed the dirt, you’re ready to mop. Mix a mild detergent with hot water and apply with a rag or chamois mop instead of a sponge mop.
A sponge mop pushes dirty water into the grout and soils it. Change your bucket of cleaning solution often so you won’t have a dirty mop that leaves a cloudy film of dirt on the floor. If you do end up with a hazy film on your tile floor, remove with an all-purpose cleaner. Make sure it’s non-abrasive so it won’t scratch the floor.
You also have the option of creating your own cleaning solution by combining lemon juice or vinegar with hot water. Apply this mixture to the floor and then polish it dry using a clean cloth, which can be easily maneuvered with your foot.
For a deeper clean, scrub your ceramic tile floor with an electric floor washer or polisher-scrubber. The thorough cleaning action should brighten the tile and joints. Use a solution of 1/4 cup low-sudsing detergent, or 1-2 tablespoons of either washing soda or tri-sodium phosphate or commercial floor cleaning powder in 1 gallon of water. Rinse well.
How to Clean Grout
Maintaining clean grout is crucial when it comes to knowing how to clean tile floors, as dirty grout can result in a lackluster appearance. Grout, being porous, readily absorbs dirt, grease, and various substances. To address this, use a commercially available grout cleaner and spray it onto the grout for effective cleaning.
You can also use a mild bleach solution. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when using these types of products. For deep stains, allow the cleaner to sit for 10 minutes. Use a toothbrush or other small scrub brush to scrub the grout, then mop the floor, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
For stubborn grout stains, mix a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, let it sit overnight and then scrub with a nylon brush. Don’t use a metal brush as it will scratch the tile. Let the grout air dry, then put on a silicone-based grout sealer to resist future stains and dirt.
How to Clean Stains on Ceramic Tile
For coffee, tea or juice stains, wash the tile surface with hot water and detergent, then blot with hydrogen peroxide. For grease stains, wash with club soda and water, or a commercial floor cleaner. For ink stains, soak a cloth in diluted bleach and lay it on top of the stain. Leave the cloth until the stain is gone. Rinse thoroughly when done.
Knowing how to clean tile floors properly will keep them looking lovely and help them last for years
Source: HGTV
