Tile floors transform the house and make it look extraordinary. They are also durable and easy to maintain. As a result, many homeowners love to use them in their homes.
Despite their amazing look and feel, tile floors can soon get dirty if not taken care of properly. As a result, you have to clean your tile floors regularly if you want to maintain their aesthetic appeal.
In this article, you will learn how to keep your tiles sparkling clean.
Types of tiles
There are different types of tiles and they are more suitable than each other for different areas of the house.
For example, ceramic tiles are commonly used for high traffic areas. They have a coarse finish and, as a result, are conducive for foot traffic. On the other hand, porcelain tiles have a smooth finish. They are also denser and less porous than ceramic tiles and this makes them less susceptible to stain. Because of these attributes, they’re commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens.
How to clean ceramic tile floors
Ceramic is a hard material. Nevertheless, it can be scratched. And while this is unavoidable, you should do your best to prevent and keep it to a minimum. As a result, you have to be careful with how you clean them. On average, we recommend you sweep or vacuum your ceramic tile floor at least twice weekly to prevent the buildup of dirt. We also recommend you mop it at least once in two weeks.
Here is how to effectively mop your ceramic tile floors:
- Use a chamois mop or rag – avoid mops that have plastic and metal parts as these could scratch the floor
- Mop with a bucket of hot water and add dish soap, an all-purpose cleaning agent, or vinegar
- Clean the grout with baking soda and a toothbrush
- Use a fresh bucket of hot water to clean up after mopping
- Dry the floor
How to clean porcelain tile floors
Porcelain is a tougher material than ceramic. As a result, it is less susceptible to scratching. Like its ceramic counterpart, sweep or vacuum your porcelain tile floors twice a week or more. Also, mop it at least once in two weeks.
To effectively mop your porcelain tile floors, do the following:
- Use a bucket of hot water and white vinegar
- Eliminate grout with a toothbrush and baking soda
- Rinse the floor with a bucket of hot water
- Dry the floor
If you’re wondering about the type of mop to use, you can use any type. Porcelain tile floors are more resistant to scratching and can, thus, withstand mops that will damage other types of tile floors.
How to clean stone tile floors
- Sweep natural stone tile floors, like marble and slate, with a soft-bristled broom
- Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar
How to clean vinyl tile floors
- Avoid steam mops as they are susceptible to extreme heat and moisture
- Mop with water and vinegar, or a manufacturer-recommended cleaning agent
- Avoid mops with metal or plastic parts as they can scratch easily
How to clean linoleum tile floors
- Mop with borax and water or a recommended cleaning agent
- Wax the floor every three to six months and buff to ensure it shines
Tips to maintain your tile floor
Here are other tips you can use to ensure your ceramic and porcelain tiles stay sparkling:
- Clean spills as soon as they occur
- Squeeze out the mop before using
- Mop in a pattern – this will ensure you don’t miss any spot
- Change the water when it starts getting dirty
- Your first-choice mop should be a chamois mop followed by a clean rag