While learning to maintain your tile floors is no rocket science, knowing the correct procedure saves you money and time. Even though you don’t need to deep clean floors, regular upkeep is necessary. With this guide, we’ll help you master it.
How Do Professionals Clean Tile and Grout?
Tile, in particular, is a flooring type that accumulates dirt, eventually diminishing how it looks. If you neglect tile cleaning, it will get to a point where it will always look dirty. Professional tile cleaning involves steam cleaning. Although this can benefit stain removal, it’s recommended to do it once you require a deep clean. If not, you need to do regular tile cleaning yourself. Let’s take a look at everything that needs consideration.
What Cleaning Products To Use On Tiles?
When we finish, you’ll find that not a lot of effort is required as far as the technique for tile cleaning. What truly makes an impact are the products and tools you choose, which you’ll have to select carefully depending on the type of tile flooring you have:
- Ceramic or porcelain tile: Due to their resistance, they will handle any cleaner, even all-purpose cleaner. You could also use something mild that you have at hand, like dish soap. You can also apply diluted grout cleaners and rinse them off for a deeper clean.
- Marble or natural stone tile: The same principle applies, but you’ve got to be careful with the tools and cleaners. Use a soft bristle broom in case you’ll sweep or scrub the tiles because they can get scratched. The products should also be gentle, avoiding acidic ones. Look for those explicitly labeled for marble tile.
- Granite tile: Discoloration can be an issue when you own granite tiles. Still, there is nothing to fear. All you have to do is pick ph-neutral detergents.
- Vinyl tile or LVT: We have an entire post dedicated to cleaning vinyl floors. You can check it out here.
What Is The Best Way To Clean The Tiles?
After you’ve gathered the right supplies, all you have to do is follow the proper steps. Here are they:
Before
Before you rush to apply your tile cleaning products, you first want to remove all dust from the surface. Dust will impede the cleaning product from sanitizing the actual tile surface. You have to remove it before you clean it and as routine maintenance. You can opt for sweeping or vacuuming your tile floors to remove dust.
During
On average days, you can mop your floors once they’re dust-free. However, once in a while, you will need to perform deeper tile cleaning.
If you scrub tile, you can dilute the right product for tile cleaning with water and apply it on top. A sprayer can help do your tile cleanings without kneeling. However, if you don’t want to invest in one, you can always use a simple spray bottle. After spraying the solution, go ahead and scrub the floors with a soft brush or just let it sit and rinse them off.
Spot treatment is also necessary once every 2 or 3 months because tile tends to stain. Some stains get removed by scrubbing them but try a baking soda or vinegar and water mixture if it’s not working. Be careful not to mix lemon or anything acidic over marble or natural stone tiles like slate.
After
If you aren’t deep cleaning your tiles, you can skip the steam cleaning and let the floors dry entirely. You can let it dry or use a cloth for leftover spots. You may opt for sealing your tiles to take them a step further, which should be executed after tile cleaning.
Get Floors That Last Forever!
Well-installed and well-maintained floors can last ages, especially tile flooring. At Davila Floors & Tile, we want to help you achieve them through first-hand knowledge, and our tile floor installation services will do just that. If you need any of both, don’t hesitate to contact us today!