Cleaning your tile floors can be time-consuming, especially if you are not aware of clever tips for specific types. However, with a few smart cleaning techniques, you do not need to spend hours on your needs trying to remove dirt and stain on your prized floor.
Your bathroom and kitchen are the most common areas that accumulate dirt really fast. It is especially true if you have children or pets at home. Water spots are also common in areas that are always wet, such as shower stalls or countertops.
Tile floors are incredible durable. However, you cannot use just any cleaning solution as some may damage their enamel surface. You may opt for all-around solutions like Bring It On Cleaner that can handle both your kitchen and bathroom. However, your cleaning process still depends on the type of tiles that you have at home.
Worry not! Here is a quick guide on how to clean the most common types of tile floors in your house.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors
Porcelain and ceramic tile floors are two of the most durable tiles around. They are also the easiest to clean. However, there are a few things that you can do to keep them looking good easily and for a much longer time. Here are some basic steps that you can follow:
- Remove loose debris first. Regularly vacuuming or sweeping your tile floors will prevent it from getting dull too soon. While these types of tiles are resilient to dirt, grit, and sand can damage the surface that may cause dullness if not cleaned every day.
- Use the right floor mop along with your favorite mild solution. A combination of mild detergent and clean water will do as well. Instead of using a sponge mop, use rags or chamois-type mops. Sponge materials tend to push dirty water deep into the grout lines, which make them very hard to clean. Furthermore, make sure to replace your water with a clean one often as dirty water will result in a cloudy floor.
- Watch out for specific tile stains. If you notice any discolorations, immediately determine the type of substance that caused the stain. Try to use your all-around cleaner, but if it does not work, you can always look for specific cleaning solutions that would target the stain. Just be sure to use the cleaning product little by little to avoid any damages.
- Be on the lookout for soap residue. If your floor is still hazy even after cleaning, you may be dealing with soap residue. You can remove the it with all-purpose cleaner paired with a non-abrasive rag. You can also use a homemade cleaner by mixing a type of mild acid, such as lemon or line juice, with water.
- Do not let your ceramic or porcelain tiles air dry. Letting the water sit on the surface will form ugly water spots. Use a lint-free cloth right after cleaning will prevent any residue from forming.
Stone Tiles
Stone tiles like marble, granite, or slate can be a bit complicated to clean as typical cleaning solutions can damage these types of surfaces. However, you can use cleaning solutions specifically made for such tiles. Here are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning specific tiles:
- Marble - It is one of the most high maintenance tiles around. Avoid cleaning solutions that are considered acidic. The lower the pH level is, the more acidic the solution is. You cannot use homemade cleaners that use vinegar or lemon as these components can etch the surface. Additionally, do not use abrasive tools such as bristles, brusher, or similar ones.
- Slate - Much like marble, you cannot use acidic solutions as these can deteriorate the slate tile. Moreover, if the tile is coated, avoid air-drying the surface as these can leave ugly spots. Use a soft towel to remove any excess liquid.
- Granite - Much like many types of stone tiles, opt for pH neutral cleaning solution, which can be found in mild cleaners. Harsh cleaning products may leave discoloration and streaks that are difficult to remove. It is also a good idea to buff a granite floor to keep it clean and shiny. This helps the tile resist dirt and dust.
Other Types of Tiles
Resilient tiles are popular these days as they are much cheaper and much more durable. These types of tiles are also quite easy to maintain. Here are a few things that you may want to remember in cleaning them:
- Linoleum - These tiles look very similar to vinyl. However, it requires specific cleaning methods to keep fresh and clean. First, remove dirt and other debris by vacuuming or sweeping. Use linoleum cleaners or a mixture of water and borax to clean the surface. Rinse with clean water then let the floor dry. Enhance its durability by applying wax and buffing the surface every three to six months.
- Vinyl - This type of tile is popular due to its resiliency. Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust or debris. Use a mop with an all-around cleaning solution to remove any discoloration or stains. Avoid using any type of scrubbing tool as these can scratch the surface and will leave your tile floor dull.
A Note on Grout
The real secret to a clean looking tile is clean grout. The latter is porous, and it can easily absorb dirt and stain. After scrubbing your tiles and doing some general cleaning, you can give the grout a little bit more attention. Make sure that you have rinsed the surface well. Then, apply an amount of your all-purpose cleaner enough to cover the grout. Leave it for a few hours. If you are dealing with the worse built-up, you can leave the solution overnight. This will lift the deep-seated dirt on the grout. Rinse well.
You can do this every couple of months. Soaking it in cleaning products too often will erode the grout.
Conclusion
Making sure that you are using the right products and methods to clean your tile floor is essential to making it last for many years to come. The tips above are just a few basic things that you have to keep in mind. Still, the key to keeping these tiles looking fresh and clean is frequent cleaning.
Hard water stains on the tiles are usually caused by minerals like calcium and lime. These minerals lead to spots and streaks after the water gets dried. Due to regular mineral layer buildup, the spots get darkened. No doubt you can use a good tile and grout cleaner for this purpose, but there’s always a better to apply preventive measures.
Through this blog post, we discuss the best methods for protecting your ceramic tiles.
Use a squeegee
After each use, wipe down shower walls and tub using a squeegee. A towel is also a good option for wiping the moisture.
Soft towel for water spills
In case you notice water spills, wipe up immediately using a soft towel. In case water dries, it can result in hard water marks.
Protect with mats or rugs
The area like tubs and sinks where water splashing occurs can be protected using mats or rugs. Tracked in water won’t dry on the floor if you place rugs at entryways.
Use ceramic tile cleaner to mop the floor
A good tile and grout cleaner should be used regularly for mopping up of ceramic tiles. Make sure the tile has been dried with a towel this process.
All of these methods will increase the life of your ceramic tiles. If you are seeking a good cleaner to remove water stains from tile, get Bring It On Cleaner. It is convenient, safe, and highly effective. Order it today from here: bringitoncleaner.com.