When it comes to flooring, you have to choose your cleaning solution very carefully. Not all cleaning solutions will have the same effect on your flooring. Some might seem effective at first but they might damage the material in the long run. For example, if you use ammonia-based solutions to clean hardwood flooring, it might take the dust and stain off the flooring but it will discolor, deteriorate, and dull the finish over time. The point is you have to be as careful choosing the right cleaner as you would picking up the flooring for your house. Then, you have to be mindful of the ways you can clean your floors. That being said, in this article, we will be discussing some of the most effective tips to clean floor tiles.
Tips to clean floor tiles
Tiles can be of different types based on the materials. There are ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, stone tiles, and resilient tiles, but they do not share the same cleaning principles. That is why we will be discussing cleaning tips based on the material a tile is made of.
Ceramic and Porcelain tiles
Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are very tough. But cleaning them is not. If you follow some basic tips, your floor will never look old. However, before you begin, it is important to choose the right mop for cleaning the floor. When cleaning a ceramic floor, use a chamois mop Instead of a sponge mop. Because a sponge mop can push the dirty water on the grout line, which later makes it very difficult to clean. Mix a small amount of detergent in lukewarm water. Then clean the floor using this solution with the mop. And do not forget to change the water every time it becomes dirty when mopping. You should never clean the floor with dirty water.
Stone tiles
You have to be extra careful when cleaning the stone tiles. Avoid using traditional cleaners. Because they contain chemicals that are harmful to naturally found materials such as stones. Use the ones made specifically for natural stones. For example, if you use acidic substances such as vinegar, lemon, or anything that has a pH level below 7 to clean slate tiles, they can corrode the material. Also, always keep the stone tiles dry. Additionally for marble tiles, do not scrub or rub them with force while cleaning. It may leave permanent stains or marks on them. Gently rub them with a clean cloth or mops but not in a circular motion.
Resilient tiles
Resilient tiles are made from linoleum, vinyl, cork, and rubber materials. This type of tile is super convenient and low maintenance. For Vinyl tiles, use vinyl cleaners. They are easily available in the market. You can also vacuum the floor. But never use corrosive substances or abrasive materials to clean resilient tiles. Otherwise, they will leave permanent marks. For Linoleum tiles, you can wash them with detergent after vacuuming. The same goes for Cork tile but you can use white vinegar as well.
Tips to clean floor tiles naturally
Not only just homes, the need of having your workplace cleaned and disinfected has become more important than ever. And there are ways to clean them naturally without the use of any chemicals.
- Baking Soda Scrub – Take 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid dishwasher, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 2 gallons of hot water. Mix them all together. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for fragrance.
- Remove mold and fungus – Mix equal parts lemon juice and baking powder in a container. Spread the mixture on the mold or fungus-affected areas. Leave the solution for a few hours before being washed.
Now if you want to bring back the shine, use equal parts baking soda and water. Then gently rub with a sponge.
Tiles are amazing. They can be used anywhere from kitchens, bathrooms to bedrooms. But for kitchens and bathrooms, you have to be extra careful because of the dampness. This is also the reason why they collect the most germs and can have mold build-up. We have an excellent article with amazing kitchen cleaning tips to help you out.
All in all, we hope this article helped you find a solution to clean your floor tiles the right way. If you have any questions don’t forget to let us know in the comments sections below.
