Tile floors can last a lifetime, given that you take good care of them. Tiled floors are also very low maintenance compared to certain other flooring options.
Although tile floors are exceedingly durable, some types of tiles require specific maintenance. While coarse tiles like Slate, Marble, Granite, or Limestone need specialized care and frequently require certain cleansers, Ceramic and Porcelain floor tiles have relatively simple maintenance.
In this guide, you will learn methods for cleaning different tile types, how to clean tile grout, what cleaning supplies and equipment to use, and how frequently you should clean your tile floors.
Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelains Tile Floors
The most popular tile flooring, Ceramic, and Porcelain are simple to clean. Ceramic and Porcelain tiles don't easily scratch or lose their shine, so you can clean them with almost any cleaning, including all-purpose, dish soap, and plain white vinegar.
- Vacuum or sweep the tile. Be sure to clear up the corners, where dirt is most likely gathered. Dust and hair can be easily removed with a microfiber duster.
- Instead of using a sponge mop, dip a cloth or chamois mop into a cleaning solution. To keep it moist and not soaked, squeeze out the extra water.
- Sweep the floor with the mop in even, gentle strokes. In order to cover every square inch of the floor, follow a pattern as you travel around the room.
- The water will inevitably become cloudier as you rinse out the mop or rag. To prevent leaving a murky film of grime on the tile, dump the dirty water and refill it frequently.
- Spray a grout-specific cleanser on the grout or prepare a bleach solution (while wearing gloves to prevent the bleach from getting on your skin). Rinse off after letting it sit for a while.
- If your tile is prone to developing wet spots, dry it immediately after mopping.
Cleaning Natural Stone or Marble Tile Floors
You can clean Marble, slate, or granite tile floors in nearly the same way as ceramic and Porcelain, albeit with a few modifications.
- Natural stone tile floors scratch considerably more easily than ceramic and Porcelain, so be sure to sweep them with a broom with a soft bristle.
- Ensure that you're using the appropriate floor cleaner: Granite tile requires a pH-neutral, mild detergent to prevent discoloration, but slate and marble tiles cannot tolerate anything acidic, such as vinegar.
Cleaning Vinyl or Linoleum Tile Floors
Linoleum and Vinyl floors are cheaper alternatives to the costlier stone or ceramic tiles, but the maintenance is still as important. Although using a steam mop can seem like a quick fix, vinyl and linoleum aren't designed to resist high heat and humidity.
Vinyl
After sweeping, mop with a cleaning solution suggested by the manufacturer or a solution made of equal parts water and vinegar. Avoid using abrasive cleaners since they could scratch the flooring.
Linoleum
After sweeping, use a linoleum-specific cleaning solution or a solution made of borax and water. Add a coat of wax and buff it every three to six months to keep the floor's luster.
Cleaning Tile Grout
Grout stains easily, especially if it is light in color. If regular cleaning fails to remove the stain, make a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, allow it to sit for several hours or even overnight, and then scrub the stain with a nylon brush to remove it (or, in a pinch, an unused toothbrush).
Some would recommend using a steam cleaner to remove grout stains, but doing so repeatedly over time could harm the grout. Stick to a baking soda paste and, once it is clean, seal the grout with a silicone-based product to eliminate any risk.
How Often Should You Clean Tile Floors
We recommend a regular cleaning routine that includes dry and wet cleaning. This way, your tile is kept clean and residue-free.
Dry Clean
Sweep or vacuum at least once per week or whenever there is obvious debris to see (or feel). You can clean any type of tile floor with a soft-bristle vacuum attachment, but it might be challenging to maneuver it into corners or small places. Use a dustpan and hand broom to complete the task.
Wet Clean
Aim to mop the tile floor in your kitchen once every two weeks and the tile floor in your bathroom once each week (germs tend to accumulate easily in bathrooms). Every few months, or when the tile starts to look dirty, spend some time spot-cleaning your grout.
Wouldn't It Be Better To Get the Pros for Your Tile Cleaning?
Tile is a "capricious" material that requires in-depth knowledge and the ability to clean correctly, and not everyone has the time, energy, or skills for that. This is where Helping Hand Commercial Cleaning can help!
Our office cleaning services in Bloomingdale, IL, use specialized tile and grout cleaning solutions designed to remove mold, grime, limescale, and other contaminants from your office floors with outstanding results.
Our staff will hand-apply powerful, environmentally friendly cleaners to the harmed areas, brightening dull spots and removing stains completely.
