Tile floors are popular for a whole host of reasons. They look great, they’re durable, and they’re eco-friendly.
One of the main advantages of tile floors is how easy they are to clean. They’re a low-maintenance surface, seemingly requiring only a quick sweep of a brush and mop to get rid of dirt and debris and restore them to their former glory.
However, if you want to keep your tile floors in the best condition, it’s important to do a little more from time to time. Sand, grit, and small particles can scratch and damage the floors over time, which can darken the tiles and make them look unattractive.
To prolong the lifespan of your tiles as much as possible, and keep them in perfect condition for many years, it’s important to regularly clean them the right way. In this article, we’ll show you how to do that.
How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors
Ceramic tile floors are tough, water-resistant, and durable. They also look great and don’t require a huge amount of maintenance to keep in shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by removing all the loose dirt with a brush
- Next, clean the grout between the tiles using something like a plastic knife. You could also use an old credit card, or anything firm and thin enough to fit between.
- Then, use a mild detergent and clean, warm water to mop the floors. A rag or chamois style mop is better than a sponge mop for this because sponge mops can push water into the grout lines.
- For best results, dry the floor yourself with a cloth, don’t let it air dry
Stone Tile Floors
Stone tile floors have an elegance and sophistication that other materials can’t quite match. When it comes to cleaning this surface, you’ll need to take a different approach, since stone tiles can be quite sensitive to damage.
The usual cleaning chemicals can harm stone tiles. Marble, granite, and slate floors require a low-acid detergent, and you’ll need to take extra care not to scratch or damage the tiles when cleaning them.
Each material needs to be cleaned differently.
Cleaning Marble Tiles
Marble tiles and sensitive, and require a relatively high level of maintenance. To clean them, the Marble Institute recommends using a mild, phosphate-free biodegradable liquid dishwashing soap or powder, or a specific stone soap.
They also advise against using old vacuum cleaners, as the wheels can scratch and damage the marble surface.
Cleaning Granite Tiles
For granite tiles, it’s best to avoid using bleach or abrasive cleaners.
Light granite floors can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, and for darker granite, it’s best to use acetone. As a preventative strategy, it’s best to clean up spills immediately — especially things like red wine, soda, and coffee.
Cleaning Slate Tiles
With slate tiles, it’s important to sweep daily. This is especially important during the first few months when small pieces will break off the tiles (a normal process called ‘spalding’ which stops after a while).
Use a gentle cleanser, and be careful with furniture such as chairs — you don’t want to scratch the tiles.
How to Clean Grout
The grout between your tiles is what holds them together, and requires its own special kind of maintenance. Stained grout looks bad, and it doesn’t take long for it to get into that condition if left to its own devices. Here’s how to keep it clean:
- Use warm water and a stiff-bristled brush
- For more persistent stains, use equal parts vinegar and warm water, and spray for several minutes
- For the most persistent stains, combine warm water with baking soda and spray onto the grout. Leave until it stops foaming and then use a brush to clean before rinsing with water.
Hire a Professional
If you really want to keep your tiles in the very best possible condition, it’s always best to work with a professional. They can bring their years of expertise, an arsenal of the most advanced and well-suited equipment, and a team of cleaning experts.
At Tailored Services, we help businesses and individuals keep their homes and businesses as clean as possible. We aim to build relationships with all our customers, getting to know their unique needs and delivering the best possible results.
To find out more, get in touch with us.