How To Clean Ceramic Floor Tiles
Ceramic floor tiles are beautiful, simple, durable, and have been rising in popularity recently. Even though these floor tiles are known for lasting for a very long time, they still demand regular care and cleaning to keep them in their best shape. We have collected some of the top advice when it comes to cleaning your ceramic flooring, so read on to learn more!
CLEANING THE FLOOR TILES
First, it’s important to start by sweeping or vacuuming your tile floors a few times each week. Why? Sand and grit you naturally track in from the outdoors have a tendency to dull and scratch the surface of your tile. Sweeping and removing the dirt regularly is a good way to ensure that your tiles’ surfaces remain smooth. Once you have all the grit and dirt swept away, you can begin to mop.
Make sure not to use too much detergent, as this can damage your tile. Instead, mix a mild detergent with some hot water and opt for a rag or chamois mop. We recommend staying away from a sponge mop, as these can push dirty water into the grout and lead to stains. Change your bucket of cleaning solution frequently so you can avoid a dirty mop, which has a tendency to leave behind a film of dirt even after you mop. If you do end up with a cloudy film on your tiles, you can wipe it away with a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner. If you are feeling more DIY, make your own cleaner by mixing lemon juice or vinegar with hot water! You can apply it to the floor tiles and wipe it away with a clean cloth or towel.
CLEANING THE GROUT
We don’t often think about the grout of our tile floors, but we should. Dirty grout makes the floors look dingy, and no one wants to cheapen the appearance of their home. Keep in mind that grout is naturally porous, and it will likely absorb any grease, dirt, and other gross substances it comes in contact with. Spray your grout with a grout cleaner or a very mild bleach solution. We recommend wearing gloves while dealing with the products. If the stains are a little deeper, let the cleaner sit for about ten minutes before scrubbing the grout with either a toothbrush or another small scrubber.
If you find that you are dealing with stubborn stains that just don’t want to be lifted, mix a bit of baking soda and water together. Apply to the stain, let it sit overnight, then scrub it in the morning with a nylon brush (not metal, as this will scratch the tile). Allow the grout to air dry, then put a grout sealer over the top to help prevent future stains.
STAINED CERAMIC TILE
If the grout isn’t the issue, and instead, you are having problems with tiles that have been stained, have no fear! A little coffee, tea, or juice can be pulled up with a little extra care. Wash the surface of the tile with hot water and detergent, then blot the stain with hydrogen peroxide. If the stain was caused from grease, we recommend washing the area with club soda and water or a commercial floor cleaner. For those of you with an ink stain, the situation is not hopeless. Soak a cloth in diluted bleach, the place it over the stain and leave it there until the stain is gone. Rinse the tile thoroughly once you are done.
TRANSWORLD TILE
If you are interested in installing tile floors in your home, this is a wonderful decision! Come to Transworld Tile today; we can help you choose the perfect match for you.
