No kitchen or bathroom is completely clean until you have scrubbed the floor. Tiles are a popular option among homeowners as they are easy to clean and do not require special maintenance. But as with any other material, tiles can become dirty and stained if you don’t care for them properly.
How often you clean the floor and what type of cleaners to use will depend on the material of the tile. For example, you should not use acidic or harsh cleaners on natural stone tiles. Some materials may require a specific cleaner with a key ingredient. For others, you can easily whip up a homemade cleaning solution.
With proper care and attention, your tiles will last longer and look new for years. Here’s how to care for bathroom or kitchen tile depending on the material:
Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are extremely durable. But with time, they can become dull and dirty. How often you clean the tiles will vary according to use. Some people mop the floors every week while others can get by with doing it twice a month or so.
- The first thing to do with floor tile is to clear it of any debris. Sweep or vacuum the floor every other day to keep the tile clean.
- Mop the floor with a mild detergent solution. Swap the water frequently if you notice it getting dirty. There’s not much point in cleaning the floor with dirty water is there?
- Homemade or natural cleaners with lemon juice work well on this type of tile. Don’t use abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the tile or damage the grout.
- Wipe down the surface with a dry cloth. Don’t leave wet spots on the floor.
Natural Stone Tile
Tiles made with natural stone like marble or granite look stunning. But apart from being expensive, they also require a bit more care. The most important thing to remember with natural stone is to never use as acidic cleaners. Avoid any solution which has vinegar or lemon juice as a key ingredient. It’s best to use a cleaner that is made specifically for natural stone tile floors.
Marble
Natural marble tiles are amazing to look at but they are high-maintenance. Marble is a soft stone and you can easily damage tiles by using abrasive surfaces or harsh chemicals. You can read more about all things marble on our previous blog post. Don’t use any cleaner with high pH levels. Mild cleaning solution with lint-free/microfiber cloth is the way to go for marble tiles.
Slate
Slate is a bit easier to clean. You can use any mild detergent to wipe down the floors. For coated tiles, dry the surface immediately with a soft towel to avoid water spots.
Granite
Granite is stronger and more resilient than marble. But you shouldn’t use acidic cleaners on this material either. A pH neutral solution is the best option here. It easy to streak or discolor granite tiles by using strong chemicals on it.
Keeping Grout Clean
It’s one thing to take care of your tiles. But what about grout? Your clean tiles won’t look so shiny with stained or discolored grout. Grout is a porous material and that means it’s a magnet for dirt, water, oil, and other liquids. Use a dedicated grout cleaner regularly to keep it looking new. Regular maintenance also helps the grout last longer before you have to replace it.
Avoid brushes with abrasive metal bristles. An old toothbrush or something with nylon bristles is your best bet. If you notice stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Rub it in with the brush and rinse with clear water.
General Tips to Clean Tile Floors
Daily and Weekly Routines
It’s hard to keep track of cleaning chores as it is and who can remember if you have to clean the floors once or twice a week? Tiles are easier to maintain if you do a general cleanup every day. A deep clean once every two weeks will help them last a while longer.
Work from Top to Bottom
This is the number one mistake people make when cleaning any room in the house. Always start from the top of the room and work your way down to the floor. Not the other way round. As you clean shelves and countertops, all the dust and dirt will fall to the floor. This way you don’t have to clean the tiles twice!
Take Your Time
Don’t rush when cleaning. Take your time and make sure to use the right tool for the job. Some cleaners are more effective if you leave them to sit for a while. The best thing to do is to spray the cleaners and leave the room. Do something else for 5-10 minutes and then come back. You’ll find that cleaning is a lot easier this way!
