How to Clean Tiles at Home: Daily Cleaning Tips

Your kitchen or bathroom isn't completely clean until you've scrubbed the floor. But you don't have to do this every time you wash down the kitchen countertops, if you know how to clean tile floors properly and look for indications of dirt or filth, you can keep them from becoming too dirty. A grout film or dirty grout are indicators that your floors need more than a foggy film or dirty grout are signs that flooring requires more than a quick sweep.

When cleaning your tile floors, use the appropriate procedure for your tile type, as recommended cleaners and mops range by material. This guide describes how to clean tiles, regardless of the material, to know more let’s dive in and look after.

Tips to Clean Tile for All Floor Types

You wouldn't clean a stainless-steel refrigerator with a solution designed for enamel surfaces. The same principle applies to your tile. While tile floors are quite durable, certain tiles require special care.

Porcelain and ceramic floor tiles, for example, require little maintenance, whereas rougher tiles such as limestone, slate, marble, or granite require specific consideration and, in many cases, special cleaning products.

These are the types of tiles and they are being cleaned:

How to Clean Tiles Floors Made of Stones

When working with natural stone tiles such as slate, granite, or marble, continue with precaution. Traditional cleaners include harsh chemicals that might damage the surface of these materials. Instead, learn how to clean tile floors made of real stone with cleaners designed only for these surfaces.

Slate Tile: You may also use a mild detergent on slate tiles, as long as it doesn't contain acidic properties, like lemon or vinegar. If your slate tile is coated, avoid water spots by drying the tile right away with a soft towel.

Marble Tile: Marble makes stunning tile but is also high maintenance. Avoid cleaning marble tile with anything that has an acidic PH level. Cleaners with lemon or vinegar shouldn't be used, as they can etch the tile's surface. Also, avoid anything that may scratch the marble, such as brushes with tough bristles or scouring powders.

Granite Tile: Like slate and marble, granite tile should be cleaned with a mild pH-neutral detergent. A harsh cleaner risks leaving streaks or discoloration on the tile.

You also may want to buff a polished granite floor to keep it looking shiny and clean.

How to Clean Tiles Floors Made of Ceramic and Porcelain

Ceramics and porcelain are extremely durable, and a few simple cleaning techniques for how to clean tile floors made of these materials may keep them shining.

Follow this simple process to clean tile floors made of ceramic and porcelain:

Step 1. Clean up Loose Debris:

Sweep or vacuum your tile floors regularly to keep them from getting dull. Ceramic tiles may be resistant to dirt, but sand and grit can dull the glazed surfaces.

Step 2. Choose the Right Floor Mop:

Clean tile with mild detergent and clean water using a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop. These mops are best for cleaning tile because sponge mops push dirty water into the grout lines, making them harder to clean.

Step 3. Be on the look for Tile Stains:

If you find discoloration, first try to determine what caused it. Then, use the appropriate cleaner for the stain for the most effective cleaning.

Step 4. Watch for Soap Residue:

If your tiles look foggy after cleaning, you might be dealing with soapy residue. Remove the film with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner.  You could also try a homemade cleaner with mild acid ( fresh lemon juice) on ceramic or porcelain tiles (but never on stone tiles).

Step 5. Dry the Tiles:

Don't let your glazed tile floors air-dry, as the sitting water will form water spots. Instead, take care of that by drying the floor with a clean, lint-free cloth immediately after washing.

How to clean Resilient Tile Floors

Resilient tile, which is constructed of linoleum, vinyl, cork, and rubber, is an excellent choice for a surface that is comfortable to walk on and requires no upkeep. Keep the following ideas in mind when cleaning resilient tile floors:

Vinyl Tile: This super resilient flooring type is also easy to maintain. Sweep or vacuum up waste and mop with a vinyl cleaning solution or water and vinegar. Never use an abrasive cleaner or scrubbing tool on vinyl, as it may scratch the surface.

Linoleum Tile: Though it's often mistaken for vinyl flooring, linoleum is a very different material with specific cleaning requirements. After sweeping or vacuuming, wash the linoleum tile with linoleum flooring cleaning solution or borax detergent and water. Rinse clean and let the floor dry. To protect your linoleum floors, apply a coat of wax or liquid wax and buff to a shine every 3 to 6 months.

Cork Tile: How to clean cork tile flooring varies depending on the finish. If the cork surface is polyurethane-sealed (as most cork floors are), clean it with water and mild soap or white vinegar, then rinse thoroughly. If the cork is unfinished or waxed, follow the polyurethane cleaning instructions, but apply solid or liquid wax after the tile has dried.

How to Clean Tile Grout

The real secret to a great-looking tile floor is clean grout. Grout is porous and absorbs grease and other stains, so it can be difficult to clean.

Here's how to make your grout appear like new:

Make a DIY Grout Cleaner: Skip commercial cleaners and instead make a paste of baking soda and water.

Scrub Grout: Rub it on the stain, let it sit overnight, then scrub it in the morning with a stiff nylon brush (a metal brush will damage the grout). Repeat as necessary.

Seal Grout: Apply a silicon based sealer to the grout to prevent further stains. This procedure works best for 10-14 days following grout installation or renewal.

How Often to Clean Tile Floors

We recommend a regular dry and wet cleaning schedule to keep your tile looking clean and residue-free.

Dry Clean

Vacuum or sweep at least once a week or whenever you can visibly see (or feel) debris. You can use a soft-bristle vacuum attachment on any type of tile floor, but fitting it into corners or tight spaces may be difficult. Use a hand broom and dustpan to finish the job.

Wet Clean

Plan to mop the tile floor in your kitchen once every two weeks and your bathroom tile floor once a week (germs tend to build up in bathrooms). Take the time to spot-clean your grout once every few months or whenever it's looking dingy.

Conclusion

Finally, you get an idea of how to clean tiles, and keeping your home's tiles clean is important for both aesthetics and hygiene. By incorporating daily cleaning suggestions into your routine, you can effortlessly maintain the beauty and durability of your tiled surfaces.

Begin by sweeping or vacuuming regularly to eliminate loose dirt and debris that would otherwise settle into grout lines. To gently scrape away stains and spills, use a light detergent or specially formulated tile cleaner mixed with warm water.

Pay close attention to grout lines and use a toothbrush or grout brush to remove any dirt or mold that has accumulated. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the tiles to avoid water spots and streaks. Also, consider using protective sealants to preserve your tiles from future stains and damage. Consistency is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Can I use vinegar to clean my tiles?

Ans Yes, vinegar diluted with water can be an effective and natural cleaner for tiles. However, avoid using vinegar on natural stone tiles as it can cause damage.

Q2 How do I remove tough stains from tiles?

Ans For stubborn stains, consider using a stronger cleaning solution or a commercial tile stain remover. Test in an inconspicuous area first to avoid damage.

Q3 What's the best way to maintain clean tiles in high-traffic areas?

Ans Regular sweeping or vacuuming, along with prompt cleaning of spills and stains, can help maintain clean tiles in high-traffic areas. Consider using area rugs or mats to protect tiles in heavily used areas like entryways.

Q4 How do I prevent water spots on tiles?

Ans Wiping tiles dry after cleaning and using a squeegee in shower areas can help prevent water spots and streaks.