A Step by Step Guide to Achieving Clean Tiles
Cleaning a tiled floor can be a tricky task, especially when mold and bacteria gather in the grouting. Learn the best techniques to clean tiles here.
If you’ve got tiles throughout your home, you’ll understand how difficult it can be to get stains out. It’s mainly down to the grout. Once the grout is dirty, it makes the whole floor look grubby.
Whether it’s mud in your foyer, cooking stains in the kitchen, or mold in your bathroom, grout is easily stained. The good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to clean tiles. Take a look at some tips for getting your floor to sparkle again.
1. Use Steam
Steam is an excellent way to clean tiles and get rid of any lingering bacteria. It’s ideal for cleaning bathroom tiles that may be affected by mold or soap scum. It’s normal for this to happen over time and most bathroom tiles are easy to clean.
Spray the tiles with some surface cleaner and leave for 30 minutes. When you return, turn the shower on and let the steam build-up. The heat will help the surface cleaner to do its job and then you’ll need to wipe away the residue.
Alternatively, you could use a handheld steam cleaner. This can also work well on grout.
2. Scrubbing Grout
It’s often the stained grout that makes tiles look their worst. If you can scrub away the stains between the tiles, you may find that makes a big difference. The biggest frustration about doing this will be that you’ll need a lot of patience.
Water and a scrubbing brush are your best friends when it comes to cleaning grout but if you have a lot of tiles, this can be time-consuming. Put some hot water into an empty spray bottle and spray the grout while brushing at the stains.
Remember to wipe away any excess moisture so it doesn’t sit there and turn to mold.
3. Cleaning Tiles
Your tiles can often be cleaned well with some warm soapy water. If you’ve looked at how to clean tile floors, you may have seen that tiles can be cleaned with a vinegar solution but this depends on your tiles’ material. For example, if you have stone tiles, vinegar can etch and damage them.
Vinegar can also damage and weaken the grout, so it’s best to stick to water and soap. If you find that soapy water isn’t doing the job, you may need some advanced tile cleaner instead. Use a microfiber cloth to clear moisture and bring back a shine.
4. Getting Rid of Stubborn Stains
If you’ve got stains in your grout that just won’t go away, you may need a grout cleaner. In addition to this, use a bristle brush when you scrub the grout. You’re going to have to put some effort into it and scrub until the stain is gone.
Once you’re finished cleaning, be sure to use a clean and dry cloth. If you’re using a wet, dirty sponge or a used kitchen mop, the grout will pick up and absorb any dirt or grime.
After cleaning the grout, if you find some of it is still discolored, you could use a grout pen to refresh your tiled area. You may need more than one, depending on the size of the area.
If you need to use a specialized grout cleaner, find an alkaline-based cleaner, rather than an acidic cleaner.
5. Banish Mold
It’s common for mold to build up in bathrooms. Especially in bathrooms with little to no ventilation. If you have mold on your tiles or in your grout, it may take a little more than soapy water to get rid of.
You can pick up mold killer spray bottles in many local convenience shops. Spray your tiles and scrub until the mold is removed. Dry your tiles and grout with a microfiber cloth when you’re finished. Be sure to open a window when your shower is running or look at installing some ventilation in your bathroom.
6. Seal Your Grout
Grout has pores, similar to our skin. It will quickly absorb whatever it comes into contact with. So, when you seal those pores, it’s less likely that your grout will absorb dirt, grime, or spillages.
You should seal your grout at least once a year but you may need to do it more often if the tiles see heavy traffic. Get a good-quality grout sealer and wait four hours for it to dry properly before washing the grout again.
7. Keeping Your Tiles Clean
For the best way to clean tile floors, there are a few things you can do at home to make sure you keep your tiles as clean as possible between cleanings. For example, if you get heavy traffic at the front and back doors, think about laying down welcome mats or rugs to protect the tiles.
Similarly, in the bathroom, you can keep your tiles clean and mold-free by keeping them dry. Every time you turn the shower water off, give your tiles a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth before leaving the bathroom.
Keeping Clean Tiles All Year Round
It will be more difficult to keep clean tiles at certain points throughout the year. For example, if you’re trudging snowy or muddy boots over your tiles through winter, you may notice more stains. It’s at these times where you may need a little extra help.
Take a look at ADVANCED Sealers and Cleaners for a helping hand in keeping your tiles as fresh and clean as possible, for as long as possible. We offer a range of different products and you can contact us with any queries at any time.
