Floor tiles flooring may last a lifetime if properly maintained. Fortunately, in comparison to certain other forms of flooring, floor tiles require very little care. To keep the floor clean and gleaming, all you need is warm water, a little amount of soap or cleaning agent, and a chamois mop or cloth.
How Frequently Should Floor Tiles Be Cleaned
At least twice a week, floor tiles should be “dry cleaned,” or swept or vacuumed, to remove the gritty particles that may diminish the floor tiles’ gloss. Every two weeks, wet clean or mop the floor tiles in the kitchen, and once a week in the bathroom. Once every two to three months, spot-clean the grout.
Ceramic or Porcelain Floor tiles Cleaning
Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles are the easiest to clean, however, it’s sometimes difficult to detect the accumulation of filth under your feet. To clean ceramic or porcelain tiles, you may use almost any sort of cleanser, whether it’s all-purpose, dish soap, or plain white vinegar—tiles are resistant to scratching and losing their luster.
1. Vacuum or Sweep the Floor tiles
Ensure that you reach into the corners, where dirt likes to accumulate. A microfiber duster efficiently collects dust and hair.
2. Combination of Cleaner and Warm Water
Dip a rag or chamois mop into the solution—not a sponge mop. Squeeze out extra water until the fabric is wet but not soaked.
3. Distribute the Mop in Even, Gentle Strokes Across the Floor
As you travel across the area, follow a routine to ensure that no inch of the floor is ignored.
4. Replace Water on a Regular Basis
The water will naturally get cloudier as you rinse the mop or cloth. Regularly drain and replace the filthy water to prevent creating a hazy layer of grit on the floor tiles. If you finish and notice the haze, make a solution of white vinegar and hot water and wipe the film away with a moist towel.
5. Clean the Grout Spray
The grout with a grout cleaner or make a bleach solution (using gloves to avoid getting bleach on your bare hands). Allow it to remain for a few minutes before rinsing.
6. With a Clean Cloth, Dry the Floor
If your floor tiles are prone to wet stains, dry them promptly after cleaning with a clean towel.
How to Clean Natural Stone or Marble Floor tiles
Marble, slate, or granite floor tiles may be cleaned in a similar fashion as porcelain and ceramic tiles, with the following exceptions:
- When sweeping natural stone floor tiles, use a soft-bristled broom, since they scratch much more readily than ceramic or porcelain.
- Use the proper sort of cleanser for the floor: Slate and marble tiles are incompatible with acidic substances such as vinegar, while granite tiles need a pH-neutral, mild detergent to prevent staining.
Cleaning Vinyl or Linoleum Tile Flooring
While vinyl and linoleum flooring are less costly than stone or ceramic tiles, maintenance is just as critical. While a steam mop may seem to be a convenient shortcut, vinyl and linoleum are not designed to handle excessive heat and dampness.
- Vinyl: Mop with a manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution or a solution of water and vinegar after sweeping. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on the flooring, as they might damage it.
- Linoleum: After sweeping, clean with a linoleum-specific solution or a solution of borax and water. Apply a layer of wax and buff the floor every three to six months to retain the sheen.
Taking Stains Out of the Grout
Grout, particularly light-colored grout, is prone to staining. If you are unable to remove the stain with normal cleaning, mix a paste of baking soda and water. Allow it to settle for a few hours—or even overnight—before scrubbing the stain with a nylon brush (or, in a pinch, an unused toothbrush).
While some may propose utilizing a steam cleaner to remove grout stains, steaming the grout on a regular basis for an extended period of time may cause harm to the grout. To prevent any danger, use a baking soda paste and, once clean, cover the grout with a silicone-based sealant.
Floor tiles is becoming a more popular option for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and other areas of the house. They are elegant and provide an easy-to-clean, long-lasting alternative to carpeting. Tile flooring, on the other hand, may reveal it with a little wear and tear. They collect dirt and filth, which discolors, stains, and detracts from the elegance of your home’s décor. The most typical causes of staining and discoloration on floor tiles are as follows:
- Daily exposure to water, dust, dirt, and other liquid spills
- Excessive moisture and lack of air, which promote mold and mildew growth
- Porous grout that collects spills more readily
How Do Homeowners Take Care of Floor tiles?
While routine sweeping and mopping of floor tiles is a necessary element of home maintenance, it is sometimes insufficient to avoid dull, dusty floor tiles. To maintain their luster, tile flooring needs a little extra delicate loving care (TLC). Consider the following advice from Rainbow International to help maintain the brilliance of floor tiles:
- Immediately clean up spills to prevent discoloration of the grout or floor tiles.
- Frequently sweep or vacuum the tile floor to remove dirt and prevent it from drying on the floor tiles or being crushed into the tile by foot movement.
- After washing the tile floor, rinse it well with water to eliminate any detergent residue.
- Avoid using strong chemicals on the tile floor, such as bleach or other cleaners, since they may harm the sealant.
- After showering or bathing, always rinse or wipe off bath tiles to eliminate any remaining soap scum or moisture to avoid mold and mildew. Click here to read about Some uncommon ways to vet floor tiles.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been sourcing for ways to clean your floor tiles without many expenses, this article will steer you in the right direction. In summary, we talked about the simple ways you can clean your floor tiles. Feel free to revisit this article for proper grasping.