Ceramic tile floors are easy to maintain, but they still need occasional cleaning. Here are eight things you should know about ceramic tile cleaning.
1) Prep For Cleaning:
Before you start cleaning, take time to prepare your work area. Ensure that everything you’ll need is within reach. This will not only make your life easier, but also keep your back from getting strained as you hunch over to pick up supplies. This is especially important if your ceramic tiles are large and heavy.
2) What Cleaner Is Right For You?
There are a lot of tile cleaners out there, but not all of them will meet your needs. If you’re wondering which cleaner is right for you, consider your expectations and intended use. Are you looking to cleanse, sanitize or disinfect? Do you want to remove soap scum? Are greasy fingerprints an issue in your kitchen? Do you need something on-the-go or do you have more time to mix up a solution? Think about these factors when searching for a cleaner that fits with your home needs.
3) Keep Floors Looking Nice And Shiny
If you’re cleaning a floor with a light-colored tile, it can be difficult to see dirt and grime once it sets in. The best thing to do is clean your floors as often as possible, but if you do miss a day or two, use white vinegar mixed with warm water. The ingredients will work together to scrub at stubborn dirt and freshen your floors. Vinegar also works great for getting rid of odors that build up in corners and along cracks—simply sprinkle baking soda on surfaces after cleaning with vinegar. Then make sure to wipe up any spills immediately so they don’t leave stains behind. For stains that are already there, try mixing equal parts of chlorine bleach and ammonia for an effective solution.
4) Avoid Scratches From Sliding Furniture
If you have a ceramic tile floor and chairs with casters, be careful how you position them. You can easily scratch tiles when trying to pull a chair out from a table. Instead, grip each chair at its back while pulling it backwards. If your furniture doesn’t have casters, consider getting rid of it and buying pieces with glides instead. Glides will slide over your floors without causing any damage or scratches on your tiles.
5) Follow Directions For Grout Care
Let’s start by pointing out that you can’t really clean grout. You can remove some buildup, but it is impossible to ever make it perfectly clean again. Grout in between tiles is porous, which means it absorbs dirt and grime. And unfortunately, getting rid of every last bit of dirt in there is nearly impossible with a simple home remedy or cleaning product.
6) Use Self-Cleaning Grout Products
Using a cleaning product that has chemicals that are safe for grout can help you save time and money. All you have to do is spray it on, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then wipe it off. While natural products are often safer to use, they can be more expensive. Chemicals are usually cheaper but take more work. It’s up to you to decide what works best for your tile floors at home!
7) Seal Mugs After Washing Dishes
Make sure you follow up your washing with a thorough drying. Any remaining moisture left on your dishes can lead to bacteria growth, which will require an additional round of cleaning. Always make sure your mugs are dry before sealing them back in their cupboards.
8) There's So Much More!
The best way to keep your tile floors looking their best is regular maintenance, especially for areas near entryways where lots of dirt accumulates. Regularly scrubbing dirty areas removes stains before they have time to set in permanently. It’s also essential to wipe up spills as soon as possible because certain liquids—including coffee and soda—can stain and discolor grout over time if left unattended for long periods of time.