Tile is a common flooring choice for most homeowners because they’re available in different styles and are incredibly durable. However, they need regular cleaning and maintenance. If you’re looking for some helpful tips on how to clean tiles properly, you can use these 4 ways to clean tile at home.
Tiles look elegant however they tend to accumulate dirt that can stain or discolor them. Learn how to keep your tile floors free of debris using cleaning products you probably have in your pantry.
Precautions When Cleaning Your Tile Floors
When it comes to cleaning your tile floor, there are a few precautions you’ll need to take. For one, the process must be done carefully and in slow motion to not cause any damage to your tile floor. You must also select the right cleaning tool for the job. Harsh chemical cleaners can be toxic to you and your family, so make sure to use nontoxic products or the household cleaners mentioned earlier.
But there’s another aspect to cleaning tile floors that you should keep in mind, and that’s avoiding personal injury. As you go about your work, be sure to wear proper shoes and gloves. Shoes with rubber soles are the best because they provide traction and will protect you from slipping. Wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from injury and irritation.
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent because it’s highly acidic and works great on stained tile floors. This natural cleaning agent is also a powerful deodorizer and disinfectant. To use vinegar to make your tiles shine, mix it with water in equal amounts.
For example, you can mix 10 tablespoons of water with 10 tablespoons of vinegar and then spray the mixture on the stained tile using a spray bottle. You can also dab a clean cloth in the mixture and use it to clean the tile.
Go Natural with Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural household cleaning product you can use to remove stains. Mix ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 liters of warm water. If you like a fresh scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Now, spray the mixture on the dirty tiles with a spray bottle. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes and then wipe the tiles with a wet rag. However, avoid using too much of this solution because the dish soap can cause sud buildup which requires several rinses to remove.
Use Ammonia
Mix 10 tablespoons of ammonia with 15 tablespoons of water and then pour the mixture into a bottle spray. Apply it to the stained tile and allow it to sit on the tile for one hour. Wipe it away using a clean wet rag.
When cleaning, ensure your windows and doors are open because ammonia produces a strong smell. Also, wear thick rubber gloves while cleaning since ammonia can irritate and damage your skin.
Combine Bleach and Water
Mixing bleach and water can result in an effective cleaning solution. For example, you can mix 30 tablespoons of water with 10 tablespoons of bleach. Fill this mixture into a bottle spray and apply it to the area you want to clean.
Allow the mixture to set in for 20 minutes before rinsing the tiles using a dampened rug with warm water. Bleach also produces a strong smell and can damage your skin. So, ventilate your room by opening windows and doors and wear gloves when cleaning.
How to Maintain Tile Floors
Tile floors especially ceramic tiles require low-maintenance and are cost-effective. However, you shouldn’t allow dirt to accumulate before scrubbing it away. Although cleaning tile floors regularly might sound difficult, it’s not time-consuming. Follow these simple steps:
Conclusion
Cleaning your tile floors regularly with the right cleaning products is crucial as it will make them look attractive and last long. Try using any of the above cleaning solutions to maintain your tile floors shining and in good shape.