Keeping your tile floors clean at all times requires more than doing your daily round of sweeping and mopping. Regular deep cleaning is still the best way to go in keeping the entire floor surface squeaky clean and extra sparkly.
So how exactly do you clean tile floors? In this article, we’ll show you the best ways to tidy up your tile floors effectively and efficiently.
Identify the Best Cleaner for Your Tile Floor
Before you even start scrubbing your way into the entire thing, take a step back and make sure that you have the best cleaner for your tile floors.
Ideally, you will need to get a cleaner that is harmless and can complement your tile surface. This is extremely important as it can be the deciding factor of whether or not your tile floor comes out extra shiny or extra murky.
A lot of tile floors — especially natural stone surfaces such as marble — require specific cleaning solutions as they are naturally made of materials that can be susceptible to chemical damages.
For the best measure, refrain from using acidic cleaners and harsh organic materials like vinegar and other similar ingredients. You can always buy chemical cleaners with gentler cleaning properties from your nearest hardware or grocery store. These cleaners are specially formulated to bring out the best shine and sparkle from your floor, making it easier to clean and maintain in the long run.
Read below to find more out about these different types of tile cleaners.
Different Types of Tile Cleaners
Before you even start to clean your tile floors, here are 3 of the most common types of tile cleaners that you should consider:
1. Chemical cleaners
This type of chemical cleaning agents are usually made up of bleach, ammonia and other strong-smelling cleaners. They are always on top of every cleaning list due to their great cleaning properties that can both disinfect surfaces and break down stains.
However, due to these cleaners’ high chemical properties, they can also be dangerous to your health. Chemicals such as ammonia and a strong, acidic smell can have side effects on the human body when exposed for too long. These effects include eye and throat irritation, headache, dizziness and even skin allergies.
If you’re using a chemical cleaner, it’s always recommended to strap on a pair of rubber gloves and a cleaning mask to minimize these health risks.
2. Natural solutions
If you want to ditch the chemical-heavy properties found in a lot of commercial cleaners, you can always go the organic route by using natural alternatives. Popular choices include baking soda powder mixed with hydrogen peroxide and distilled white vinegar and warm water.
These natural ingredients are just as capable as your store-bought cleaning products. For example, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can whiten tiles and grout just as much as bleach can. Vinegar’s acidic properties are also perfect for disinfecting and cleaning non-carbonate tiles.
3. Dry solutions
If you’re dealing with smaller stains and cleaning issues such as scuffs and spills, dry solutions can work just as fine in the extreme cleaning department. These liquid cleaners are the perfect alternative if you want to perform a quick deep clean on an isolated area on your tile flooring.
Deep Cleaning Your Tile Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know how to choose the perfect tile cleaner, it’s time to begin the cleaning process! Here’s how you can tidy up different tile floors:
1. Cleaning the tiles
If you’re cleaning marble and other similar tile surfaces, make sure to avoid acid-based cleaners to avoid discoloring and damaging your flooring. Instead, apply a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide onto the surface of the floor. Use a mop or a clean cloth when applying the solution on the floor. You can finish it off by using a steam mop to disinfect the surface and break away any traces of dust and dirt.
For ceramic tile floors, porcelain and other similar tile surfaces, the best way to clean is to use bleach, ammonia and other acidic cleaners like calcium lime rust. For natural alternatives, sodium bicarbonate powder and hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and citric acids are your best choices.
You can use a clean mop, rag or any similar cleaning tool that allows you to apply the solution generously onto the surface. Treat away bad spots using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for additional cleaning powers.
2. Cleaning grout lines
When cleaning grout lines, it’s recommended that you use bleach and natural alternatives such as sodium bicarbonate powder and hydrogen peroxide. These solutions are known to do a good job in restoring the grout to its original, squeaky clean color.
To start, simply use an old toothbrush to apply the mixture thoroughly. Scrub it deep into the grout to give every corner a good clean. You can also use a magic eraser or a pencil eraser — both are fine choices in giving you the extra fiction that you need to clean your way through the build-up.
3. Rinsing and drying the tile surface thoroughly
Once you’re done with all the scrubbing and stain removal, you will need to rinse the entire tile flooring thoroughly. Simply splash a clean bucket of warm water onto the surface and make sure all of the tiles are free of any cleaning solution. Do this repeatedly until you’re certain that there are no more suds present on the surface.
After rinsing, let the entire surface dry by using an electric fan or mopping it with a clean and dry mop or rag. Make sure that the entire area has dried up before stepping on it again — or you’ll encounter a new set of shoe stains for additional cleaning.
Deep Clean Tile Floor with the Experts
If you want to make sure your home or office floor gets the right cleaning materials and techniques, then we recommend hiring a professional floor cleaning service.
