Cleaning kitchen and shower tiles can often seem like a daunting task. After all, you need to get rid of dirt and grime that has been built up over time without damaging the tiles in the process. But with the right tools and techniques, the process is less cumbersome.
We’ve also covered everything you need to know about how to effectively clean these types of surfaces without damaging them or breaking the bank. Also, get the outline of easy tips and hacks on how to clean your bathroom and kitchen tiles with effortless ease and achieve sparkling results.
How to Clean Porcelain Tiles & Ceramic Tiles?
Porcelain tile and Ceramic floors are beautiful, but they can be challenging to keep clean. Let’s check out the tips on how to clean tile floors:
Step 1: Ceramic and porcelain tile floors can be susceptible to dirt and dust, so it’s important to sweep or vacuum them regularly.
Step 2: Mop with a gentle cleaner. When mopping, use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for ceramic and porcelain tile floors. Avoid using harsh cleaners, as these cleaners can damage the finish of the tiles.
Step 3: In addition to regular sweeping and mopping, you should deep clean your ceramic and porcelain tile floors periodically. This will help remove any built-up dirt or grime.
Step 4: Remove stains promptly. If you spill something on your ceramic or porcelain tile floor, be sure to clean it up promptly. Stains that are allowed to sit can be difficult to remove and may cause permanent damage to the tiles.
Pro Tip: Protect your floors from furniture legs. Furniture legs can scratch and damage ceramic and porcelain tile floors, so be sure to use furniture pads or coasters when placing furniture on these types of floors.
How to Clean Stone Tiles?
MTO0488 CLASSIC 2X2 ARABESQUE WHITE SILVER GOLD METALLIC GLOSSY GLASS STONE MOSAIC TILE
Cleaning stone tile floors is not difficult, but it does require some special care. Stone is a natural material, and as such, it is porous. It can absorb dirt, spills, and stains. Over time, this can make your stone tile floors look dull and dirty.
Step 1: To clean stone tile floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming them to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then, mop the floors using mild soap and warm water. Be sure to rinse the soap off entirely afterward.
Step 2: For tougher stains or build-up, you may need to use a stronger cleanser. There are specially formulated cleaners available for stone tile floors. Or, you can make your own cleaner by mixing 1 part vinegar with four parts water.
Step 3: Apply this mixture to the stained area and scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse away the cleaner with warm water when finished.
Pro Tip: If your stone tile floors have lost their shine, you can try polishing them. There are commercial polishes available, or you can make your own by mixing one tablespoon of olive oil with two tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the floor and buff with a soft cloth until it’s shiny.
How to Clean Resilient Kitchen & Shower Tiles?
If you have resilient tiles such as vinyl in your kitchen or shower, you know how difficult it can be to keep clean. But with the right cleaners and tools, it’s easy to get your resilient tile floors looking their best.
Here’s how to clean shower tiles made of vinyl or other resilient material:
- Sweep or vacuum the tile floor to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Make a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar. Or, use a commercial tile cleaner.
- Mop the floor with the cleaning solution using a damp mop head. Be sure to work in small sections, so the solution doesn’t dry on the floor.
- Rinse the floor with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before walking on it or re-placing furniture.
How to Clean Tile Grout?
It is vital to keep it clean in order to maintain the hygiene of your kitchen or bathroom. Follow these steps to clean your tile grout:
- Mix baking soda with an equal part of water to create a paste. Apply the cleaning paste to the grout and let the paste sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
- Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle equally. Spray the solution onto the grout and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
- After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue.
Related Article: How to Remove Grout Haze From Tiles?
Bonus: How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew Growth?
Molds and mildew grow in bathrooms or the kitchen’s damp areas due to high moisture levels. Without proper ventilation, molds can grow quickly; you can try the following hanks to remove mold growth:
- Prepare a mixture of bleach and water, one part bleach and 2 part of water. Transfer this mixture to a sturdy spray bottle.
- Spray this solution onto the affected areas. Let the mixture settle for a couple of minutes. Add another layer of spray and scrub it with a soft bristle brush.
- Rinse the area off with plain water and repeat until the mold is completely removed.
How to Protect Your Tiles?
Tiles are the crucial design and functionality elements in a kitchen or bathroom, and keeping them clean is essential to ensure your space stays looking its best. However, tiles can be delicate and easily damaged, so it’s vital to take care when cleaning them. Let’s check out the tips on how to protect your tiles while cleaning them, so you can keep them looking beautiful for years to come:
| Measures | Action |
| Use a Gentile Cleaner |
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| DIY Solution of Baking Soda and Vinegar |
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| Avoid Abrasive Scrubbing |
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| Use Soft Bristle Toothbrush for Tough Stains |
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| Seal Your Tiles |
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Final Takeaway
When it comes to cleaning tile floors, the frequency with which you need to clean them will depend on a few factors. If you have a busy household with lots of foot traffic, you’ll need to clean your tile floors more often than if you live alone or have very few visitors.
The type of tile you have will also affect how often you need to clean it; glazed ceramic tile can usually be cleaned with just a weekly mopping, while the unglazed tile may require more frequent cleaning. In general, you should aim to mop your tile floors at least once a week. If your floor gets a lot of traffic, you may need to mop more frequently.
After each mopping, be sure to wipe down the baseboards and other areas where dirt and dust can accumulate. For a deeper clean, you can use a steam cleaner on your tile floors every few months.
