What You Don't Know About Ceramic Tile Cleaning
Resource Page: What You Don't Know About Ceramic Tile Cleaning
Ceramic tiles are commonly used for kitchens, bathrooms, entry ways and other residential floors thanks to their beauty and durability. When the tiles are glazed, they even have a protective barrier against dirt and stains. But any floor will wear down over time if it's not properly cleaned and cared for. With a few basic cleaning steps, you can keep your ceramic tile floor in great condition for as long as you use them.
Ceramic tiles are commonly used for kitchens, bathrooms, entry ways and other residential floors thanks to their beauty and durability. When the tiles are glazed, they even have a protective barrier against dirt and stains. But any floor will wear down over time if it's not properly cleaned and cared for. With a few basic cleaning steps, you can keep your ceramic tile floor in great condition for as long as you use them.
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Regular maintenance
The best way to keep your floor looking great is to not let dirt and spills sit for extended periods. Messes happen, but they should be cleaned promptly to prevent long-term staining and damage. This begins with sweeping or vacuuming a couple times a week. Doing so gets rid of dirt, sand and debris before it can become embedded in the tile, which will dull and scratch the surface. Spills should be promptly cleaned up, either with water or a tile and grout cleaner. For both spot cleaning and regular mopping, use a rag or chamois type mop, as a traditional sponge mop will push dirty water into the grout lines and cause staining. On this note, remember to change your water frequently, as dirty water will leave a cloudy film behind.
Stain removal
There are a number of substances that can cause staining on tile floors, and a different cleaning technique for each. Blood stains can be removed by dabbing with hydrogen peroxide, while coffee, tea or juice stains should also be washed with hot water and mild detergent before dabbing. Grease or fat-based stains from cooking accidents can be washed with club soda and water or a commercial cleaner. Gum, wax or tar should be covered in a bag of ice until they solidify; after removing as much debris as you can with a craft stick or popsicle stick, use paint thinner to get the rest of it off. Once applied, ensure that you use a neutral cleaner or a tile and grout cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
Tile haze
Soapy residue left on a tile floor can give it a hazy look. A nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner, or a mild acid such as lemon juice mixed with water, can be used to remove the filmy haze. After applying the cleaner, rinse with clean water, and use your foot to slide a clean cloth over the floor and buff it dry.
If it's soapy residue, use water to attempt to remove the haze. If that doesn't work, then attempt to use a neutral cleaner or grout and tile cleaner. And if you still need more help, we recommend using AquaMix for removing grout haze.
A case of grout
Grout, the material between ceramic tiles, is what holds your floor together. However, it can become dirty and discolored over time. The best way to protect your grout is to seal it right after you've installed your tile, then do so again twice a year. If it does become dingy, you can clean it with a specialty grout cleaner that's formulated specifically for tile and grout. You can also refresh tired, dingy grout using products such as Grout-Aide Markers that use a gentle, odorless formula to liven up tired-looking floors. Grout-Aide Markers come in many colors to match your grout.
The best way to keep your floor looking great is to not let dirt and spills sit for extended periods. Messes happen, but they should be cleaned promptly to prevent long-term staining and damage. This begins with sweeping or vacuuming a couple times a week. Doing so gets rid of dirt, sand and debris before it can become embedded in the tile, which will dull and scratch the surface. Spills should be promptly cleaned up, either with water or a tile and grout cleaner. For both spot cleaning and regular mopping, use a rag or chamois type mop, as a traditional sponge mop will push dirty water into the grout lines and cause staining. On this note, remember to change your water frequently, as dirty water will leave a cloudy film behind.
Stain removal
There are a number of substances that can cause staining on tile floors, and a different cleaning technique for each. Blood stains can be removed by dabbing with hydrogen peroxide, while coffee, tea or juice stains should also be washed with hot water and mild detergent before dabbing. Grease or fat-based stains from cooking accidents can be washed with club soda and water or a commercial cleaner. Gum, wax or tar should be covered in a bag of ice until they solidify; after removing as much debris as you can with a craft stick or popsicle stick, use paint thinner to get the rest of it off. Once applied, ensure that you use a neutral cleaner or a tile and grout cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
Tile haze
Soapy residue left on a tile floor can give it a hazy look. A nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner, or a mild acid such as lemon juice mixed with water, can be used to remove the filmy haze. After applying the cleaner, rinse with clean water, and use your foot to slide a clean cloth over the floor and buff it dry.
If it's soapy residue, use water to attempt to remove the haze. If that doesn't work, then attempt to use a neutral cleaner or grout and tile cleaner. And if you still need more help, we recommend using AquaMix for removing grout haze.
A case of grout
Grout, the material between ceramic tiles, is what holds your floor together. However, it can become dirty and discolored over time. The best way to protect your grout is to seal it right after you've installed your tile, then do so again twice a year. If it does become dingy, you can clean it with a specialty grout cleaner that's formulated specifically for tile and grout. You can also refresh tired, dingy grout using products such as Grout-Aide Markers that use a gentle, odorless formula to liven up tired-looking floors. Grout-Aide Markers come in many colors to match your grout.
