If you have ceramic tile flooring, you know how quickly it can show dirt and grime. Failing to keep up with cleaning and maintenance can leave your tile floors looking drab. This is especially true if you’re facing a tile installation or repair project. Keep those floors looking new with these smart cleaning techniques that address both your tiles and grout.
Sweep and Vacuum
Got glazed tile floors? Sweep or vacuum them regularly so they don’t get dull. Tiles may resist dirt, but sand and grit tend to dull glazed surfaces. Use a simple blend of mild detergent and clean water, then clean your floors gently with a rag or chamois – not a sponge mop. Those sponge type mops can push dirty water into the grout lines, making them even harder to clean. Change the water frequently while mopping, as dirty water will give you a cloudy floor, says Better Homes & Gardens.
Rid Your Floors of Residue
When your tiles start to look hazy, soapy residue is likely to blame. You can get rid of that film by using a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner or a mild acidic substance such as fresh lemon juice. It’s OK to use this on ceramic tiles but don’t use this on marble. Rinse with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth. If you have knee problems, use your foot to slide the cloth over the tiles.
If the tiles themselves are stained, different stains will require different cleaning techniques. For coffee, tea or juice stains, wash the tile with hot water and detergent, followed up with some blotting using hydrogen peroxide. If you have grease stains, wash them with a mixture of club soda and water, or choose a commercial floor cleaner. For stubborn ink stains, soak a cloth in diluted bleach and cover the stain, leaving it until the stain fades. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Cleaning the Grout
Your tiles can be gleaming but if your grout is dirty, the whole look is compromised. Grout gets so dirty so fast because it’s a porous material and tends to absorb grease, dirt and other stains. Nix the commercial cleaners and make your own paste of baking soda and water. Rub it into the stained grout, then let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. Scrub the stain with a stiff nylon brush, never metal, and repeat as needed. In order to prevent future stains, apply a silicone-based sealer to the grout.
Contact Designer Wood Flooring in San Antonio
Need new tile flooring or a repair of your existing tiles? Contact us at 830-228-4866 or email us at designerwoodflooring@yahoo.com. Our showroom is in Spring Branch, TX, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays by appointment.
