How to Clean Tiles: Daily Cleaning Tips
Tiles, generally speaking, have an advantage over other types of flooring (such as carpet, hardwood) because of their sleek appearance, longevity and ease of maintenance. However, as easy as it may seem to maintain tiles, there are a few tricks to keep them looking as shiny and new as when they were installed. These practical guidelines show you how to remove stains from tiles and keep them sparkling.
Ceramic and vitrified tiles
Glazed ceramic and vitrified tiles have a protective sheen and feature high on the low-maintenance variety of tiles. Sweeping (or vacuuming), followed by mopping with a soft cloth with a mild detergent and warm water is sufficient for daily care.
To shine tiles that have become murky with residue from previous sloppy cleanings, vinegar or fresh lemon juice mixed with warm water for mopping is a great cleaning agent.
Tip: Use a soft rag or chamois-type mop and not a sponge mop as the latter pushes dirty water into grout lines.
Marble tiles
Marble, being a porous material, requires special care as it is prone to stains and scratches. A non-abrasive dish liquid soap, with a neutral pH, mixed with warm water is the best option for cleaning marble. Apply just enough solution to make tiles damp and then mop immediately. Don’t allow puddles of water to form on marble tiles.
Tip: Acidic substances, such as fruit juices, sodas and sauces can leave stains if left uncleaned too long. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately. Do not scrub in circles; clean in the direction of the grain in straight lines. Dry with a clean towel or mop.
Brick tiles
Brick is very porous and quickly absorbs grit and grime, requiring regular cleaning, Begin by dry sweeping, followed by mopping and cleaning the tiles with a vinegar–water solution (one part vinegar with 15 parts water). Alternately, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda or borax to 4 litres of water, for mopping. To attack stubborn stains and dirt, use a stiff-bristled nylon scrubber.
Some basic dos and don’ts for all types of tiles
o Do sweep and mop regularly to avoid build up of dust and grime.
o Don’t leave spills unattended for a long time; they can stain or discolor tiles.
o Do not clean tiles (glazed or otherwise) with acids, strong soaps or detergents; they can irreversibly
damage your tiles and stain the grout.
o Don’t scrub too hard or use abrasive cleaning applicators, such as steel wool.
o Dry or buff the tiles with a soft towel to avoid water spots.
o Use microfiber mops rather than cotton or sponge mops – they clean harder and smarter.
o Deep cleaning by a professional cleaning company twice a year is a definite must-do to keep your tiles looking as good as new for a long time to come.
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