Clean your tile floor gently with simple cleaning techniques that will leave the tiles and grout sparkling clean. Learn the challenges faced when cleaning tile floors, how to clean tile flooring and the best tile floor cleaning solution for easy and faster cleaning.
Most homeowners love tile flooring because of its durability and beauty. However, to maintain this beauty, one needs to know how to clean the tile floors properly. Since most porcelain and ceramic tiles have an impenetrable and durable surface, this type of floor is always easy to clean. Germs, liquids, dirt, and water all clear out easily because the dense tiles cannot absorb them. When it is your time to clean, ensure that you adopt a proper technique for the type of tile you have. Below is a guide of the best ways to clean your tile floor regardless of the materials.
Tile Floors Basics
Tile floors are manufactured using a variety of materials, including metal, stone, clay, quartz, and terrazzo. Every tile flooring has unique characteristics depending on the material used. There are two common types of tile flooring: ceramic and natural stone. Ceramic tiles are made from clay that is manufactured into mold. These tiles are classified into porcelain and non-porcelain; the former is made from clay and minerals and 50% of sand or white dust.
On the other hand, non-porcelain is a traditional ceramic tile made from red, white, or brown clay and other minerals. Natural stone tile flooring is manufactured from natural materials, i.e. stones like marble, limestone, slate, and granite.
Tile floor cleaning is a challenging task. The location of the floor plays a key role in the maintenance task; the closer the floor is to the entrance, the more dirt and debris will be collected. This would mean more wear and tear and regular cleaning will be needed. Most tiles also trap water, dirt, and debris. This means that a sufficient number of water and dirt traps will be needed to maintain the tiles' cleanliness.
How to Clean Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floors?
Ceramic or porcelain tiles are popular flooring options because of their durability. But just like other tiles, they need cleaning and care. Here is the process of how to clean these tile floors.
Step 1: Remove loose debris
Vacuum or sweep the tile floor to remove debris. Ceramic or porcelain tiles may not attract dirt, but grit and sand can make the glazed surfaces unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Step 2: Select the right mop for cleaning
Porcelain floors should be cleaned using clean water and mild detergent. One should also use a rag or a chamois-type mop instead of a sponge mop. Rags are the best for cleaning because they remove dirty water from the grout lines and leave the floor almost dry immediately. As you clean, ensure you change water frequently to avoid ending up with a cloudy floor.
Step 3: Keep watch of flooring stains
Once you finish cleaning, look around for any discoloration on the floor, and determine the cause of the stain. Consider the appropriate cleaner for the identified stain.
Step 4: Remove soap residue
If you notice haziness on the floor after cleaning, the next step is to remove the soapy residue. Use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner to remove the film. Alternatively, use a homemade cleaner with a mild acid like fresh lemon juice to remove soapy residue on the porcelain flooring.
Step 5: Dry the tiles
If ceramic or porcelain flooring tiles air-dry, the lying water might form water spots. This should be avoided by using a clean, lint-free cloth to dry the floor once cleaning is done.
How to Mop Tile Floor?
Before getting started, one should test the cleaning product on a section of the tile to prevent any discoloration or damage to the flooring. While different tiles need different cleaning considerations, the basic cleaning method remains the same. Here is how to deep clean tile floors and grout.
- Remove loose dirt and dust: Take a broom and dustpan to sweep the floor. Alternatively, use a vacuum that has a soft attached bristled brush to do the cleaning.
- Take a cleaning solution: In warm water, dilute the tile cleaner. The cleaning solution selected should depend on the type of tile flooring. Check either with a cleaning product seller or the flooring manufacturer to confirm if the solution is recommended for your floor.
- Mop the tile: For the best cleaning results, use a chamois mop or a rag. After dipping the mop in the water, squeeze out excess water. The mop should not be dripping wet as this will be difficult to dry up. Be thorough in the cleaning process, and don’t ignore the stuck stains.
- Change the water bucket: Cleaning tiles with dirty water can leave ugly spots behind. Regularly dump the old water when it gets cloud, and swap with a clean on.
- Dry the tile: Use a microfiber cloth material to dry the floor once you are done washing. This will help prevent any water spots.
- Remove soap residue: To have a shiny, nice-looking floor, it is necessary to remove soap residue. If the floor appears cloudy after cleaning, quickly clean it using an all-purpose cleaner. The cleaner should be non-abrasive and be compatible with the tile type. Once again, dry the floor using a microfiber cloth.
- Clean the grout: As a final cleaning process, remove grime that may be hiding on the grout lines. Cleaning the grout does not require all-time attention, though occasional mopping is the secret to having glazing tile floors. Grout usually absorbs stains and grease, so more effort is needed during cleaning to ensure it remains clean.
For better grout cleaning, make water and baking soda paste and apply it to the grout. Rub the bet and let it stay overnight. The following morning, use a stiff nylon brush to scrub the grout. Repeat this process until the grout becomes clean and retains its original color. In case the floor grout has persistent stains, use a silicon-based sealer.
Tile Floor Cleaning Tips
Here are a few tips on how to clean a tile floor.
Clean regularly: When you clean your tile regularly, the cleaning process becomes easier. Don’t let the floor become a “project.” Mop regularly to make the look great. In fact, it is necessary to sweep frequently to help grit from creating a dull glaze on the tiles. Ensure you sweep or vacuum the floor at least once a week using a soft-bristle vacuum. In the corners, use a hand broom and dustpan to remove the hidden dust or debris. The kitchen tile floor should be wet cleaned at least once a week while the bathroom tile floor should be cleaning at least twice a week because this area tends to harbor germs.
Remove dust and debris first: You must remove crumbs, debris, and other dirt from the floor before mopping. This can be done either through vacuuming or sweeping.
Mop the tile from the back: Assess the house and follow a cleaning pattern that will ensure the mopping ends at the exit.
Use a chamois mop or a rag: Unlike a sponge mop, which stocks water into the gout lines, a chamois mop ensures that all the water is dried up, making cleaning easier.
Avoid excess detergent: When you use excess detergent, the tiles may begin to look hazy because of soap residue. Use a mild acid or all-purpose cleaner to remove the film.
Change water as frequently as possible: When a tiled floor is cleaned with dirty water, the floor will remain cloudy and dirty.
Dry the floor after cleaning: To prevent having water spots on the cleaned tile, use a clean cloth to dry it. You can slide a rag around the floor using your feet to make the process easier.
The Best Tile Floor Cleaning Solution - Dreame F9 Robot Vacuum
Cleaning a tile floor can be challenging, as it might demand more time. Ensuring that the grout is clean is even more tiresome. A common question that most people ask is: What is the best cleaning solution for ceramic tile floors? In order to complete your cleaning process, consider using Dreame F9 Robot Vacuum, the best tile floor cleaner solution.
The new Dreame robot comes with 0.1mm microfiber roller brush and high-speed 190rpm side brush. The microfiber roller brush takes care of all types of dirt and grime. And the side brush covers all corners for thorough cleaning.
The Dreame F9 Robot Vacuum is equipped with the Japanese Nidec brushless motor with 2,500Pa strong suction, which can help get rid of all kinds of allergens and dirt including coffee beans, cereals, hair, and even screw on the floor, the carpets and other surfaces. The cleaner solution also has a battery life of 150 minutes. With these strong features, Dreame F9 is the best tile floor cleaner machine for residential tile flooring.
