Tiles have been a staple feature in many homes since the 1870s. This means people have been coming up with creative ways to clean them for centuries.
To learn more about how to get the sparkling tiles you want, follow the seven top tips for tile cleaning listed below.
1. Deep Clean Your Tiles Once a Week
Those who do it will attest to the fact that regular deep cleaning has its perks—it not only makes your home look great, but also gets rid of harmful bacteria from your floors.
To effectively deep clean, remove any small furniture to ensure every square inch of your tile and grout gets attention. For optimal results, start with vacuuming to remove loose dirt from ceramic tiles and other types of tile floors before you mop. (Don’t forget to dry your tiles before vacuuming) When mopping, use hot water mixed with a mild detergent to remove stubborn dirt without damaging your tiles.
2. Choose the Right Water and Cleaning Solution
The type of water and cleaning solution used make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your cleaning. For the best results, use warm water mixed with the appropriate cleaning solution, such as a mild detergent or a commercially available non-abrasive tile cleaner. This mixture should be spread evenly over the floor to lift dirt and allow it to air dry for a streak-free finish. Ensure the cleaning solution is right for your specific type of tile, as acidic cleaners can be used on ceramic and porcelain but can damage natural stone tiles.
3. Invest in a Steam Cleaner
A steam cleaner is a great tool to keep in your home. Steam helps to lift dirt and kill off any bacteria that may be on your floor. It lives your tiles with a sheen that will make any tile owner envious of your stunning floor or walls.
If you’re new to tile installation, a steam cleaner is a great product to purchase in addition to your new tiles. Steam cleaners are also great for drying out stubborn stains so that they lift easily with a clean cloth or mop.
Steam cleaners are also useful following grout repair, repairing broken tiles, or any other repair project that you might be undertaking with your tiles. Dust and dirt are, unfortunately, part of any tile repair project.
Dust gets lifted as tiles are removed and replaced, and dirt can come from the many people walking over your new floor. A steam cleaner will lift these elements from your tiles and leave your floor sparkling clean.
A steam cleaner will make your repaired tiles look even better than they did when you first bought them. They won’t break the bank and are worth whatever you decide to pay.
4. Focus on the Grout Lines
Your tiles may be squeaky clean. But if those grout lines aren’t sparkling too, they can ruin the look of a clean tile surface. Grout lines are culprits for trapping dirt and hiding it until you get into some deep cleaning.
But with the right grout cleaning product, the lines that separate your tiles can be as clean as ever. What you use to clean your tile surface can also be used to clean your grout lines. You will just need to get up close to them to get rid of the dirt.
A smaller utensil may also be needed to scrape the dirt from your grout lines.
If your floor has just undergone grout repair, make sure to allow enough time for the grout to settle before cleaning. This will make sure that no new grout is damaged.
Grout cleaning services are also a great option for anyone interested in tile and grout cleaning. These services can offer grout line cleaning during tile restoration or if your tiles feature other elements such as natural stone. They also work great for general tile and grout cleaning.
5. Using Baking Soda to Remove Stubborn Stains
Baking soda is a great way to get rid of the most stubborn stains. It works as a kind of scrub that lifts stains and really polishes off your tiles.
For a more enhanced DIY cleaning product, combine your baking soda with vinegar. The best ratio to use is two parts vinegar to one part baking soda, as this combines the mixture well.
Use baking soda on tile floors and any type of tile to really get them looking like new again.
If you’ve just used repair surfaces on your tiles, baking soda is a great way to scrape away the dirt and grime that usually reveals itself after your tiles are repaired. When you replace the tile and it has had time to settle, mix baking soda and water in your mop bucket and give them a deep clean.
You can use baking soda on any of your tile surfaces, including in bathrooms. It’s a great way to get rid of any tile backsplash from sinks and showers.
6. Use the Right Mop
The right mop will make your tile cleaning experience easier. While any kind of mop will get produce a clean tile, some will do the job more efficiently than others.
A flat mob is an excellent option because they allow you to get a wide area of your tiles clean quickly. Depending on the size, they can cover several tiles at once, so they are efficient as a cleaning tool.
Another good mop option is a spray mop. These mops allow you to press a button to release water and whatever cleaning solutions have been added onto your tiles. You then simply wipe over with your mop, so there’s no annoying wringing involved.
A sponge mop is also a great tile mop option. You’ll wring it out as you and your tiles require. This gives you the ultimate freedom of choice in terms of how much fluid gets on your tiles.
A final mop option is a string mop. These are simple and traditional but are gentle on your tiles. A string mop is also useful following tile repair, as it is a gentle way to clean your floor.
7. Taking Care of Mold and Other Issues
There’s more than one reason to get rid of mold that can grow between tiles. As well as looking unsightly, mold can also be a danger to homes.
To really rid your tiles of mold and keep them that way, it is best to invest in a professional tile cleaning service. They will know how to clear your tiled surface of mold in the most effective way.
These cleaning services also help keep mold away. They are experts in tile and grout cleaning, so you know you’re getting the best service possible.
Mold can be caused by many factors, including water damage within your home. If you’re concerned about mold in your tiles, speak to an expert. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction to get your mold problems fixed and have your tiles looking spick-and-span.
Tile Cleaning Will Make Your Home Feel Brand New Again
No matter the type of tile floor you have—be it marble, ceramic, or stone—regular cleaning is a must. Using the right techniques and tools, like a steam cleaner and the proper mop, can ensure your floors always look their best. For more tips on how to clean tile grout and maintain pristine tile floors, or for a professional level cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact us anywhere in Thurston County, from Tacoma to Seattle.
What Sets Hammond Knoll Apart?
We’ve been keeping our community clean since 1939, and we’re excited to continue for long after. With our experienced team and creative approach to every issue, big or small, we’re well equipped to care for your space the way it deserves to be cared for. From floors to furniture–if it’s dirty–we can clean it.
Ready for the Hammond Knoll experience for your tile and grout? Let us know today!
