How to Clean Tile Floors

Tile floors are a common occurrence in many homes. However, animals, children, messy food, and daily mishaps are also a common occurrence-therefore, it’s very important to know how to maintain your tile floors and keep them in their top condition, reducing the need to do large-scale cleaning projects down the road. It is very important to clean all spills immediately when they happen. We often think to clean up milk or food that may spill onto the floor, but it is equally important to clean muddy paw prints and even pure water as soon as it mars the tile. To clean these impromptu messes, simply soak up the liquid or wipe the mark thoroughly, then go over the spot with a wet sponge and dry the area without delay. Messes that may involve bacteria (such as raw food falling) will need to be cleaned immediately with an antibacterial cleaning agent such as Lysol to avoid contamination.

To maintain your tile floors, it is important to sweep or dust them often, at least once a day. Mopping should be done weekly with a damp mop to eliminate any stickiness that may have manifested itself on the tile’s surface. To clean your grout specifically, just dump a capful of rubbing alcohol into a gallon of water, and scrub it into the grout with a small, hardy brush, making sure to dry the floor shortly after you clean it. This should be done about once every other month.

If your tile floor is in need of deep cleaning, you have several different options to choose from. A simple solution is to choose a commercial grade cleaner, available at most stores where home cleaners are sold. Before using it, make sure to spot test an area of your tile and ensure that the cleaner is not harsh enough to cause any damage.

You can also use white vinegar to clean your tile-this is particularly effective if the grout has light staining, but may be a waste of time if your grout needs more heavy-duty cleaning. To use the white vinegar, pour it in a bowl and soak paper towels in it, then lay them on your tile. They need to sit for three hours; however, keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t dry out. You may need to re-soak them a few times. After three hours, remove the paper towels and rinse and dry the floor.

Making a paste of baking soda and water is another effective alternative. This paste can be spread onto the grout with a small, hardy brush, and should be applied firmly in a circular pattern rather than just up and down. This will help to eradicate the staining. Finish by rinsing and drying the floor. If you prefer an eco-friendly option, you can try mixing 1.5 gallons of hot water with one cup of citric acid, and using this combination in lieu of a commercial cleaner or the baking soda mix.

Extremely tough stains in your grout may require the use of bleach, but make sure you only use this choice if your grout is white. Bleach will need to soak in for a few hours, and make sure that you rinse and dry your tile very well to prevent any potential discoloration. After cleaning, you may wish to apply a grout sealer, which will prevent a great deal of staining in the future.

Everyday maintenance is the best way to keep your floors shiny and bright, so be sure to attend to the small spills and details and save yourself a lot of unnecessary time and work in the long-run.