How to Keep a Tile Floor Clean – Home Cleaning

One of the more challenging aspects of home cleaning is trying to keep those tile floors looking their best. While these floors are very durable they also tend to be in higher traffic areas and get more than their fair share of traffic. If you want to keep the appearance of your tile floors looking their best then be sure to follow these tips.

Regular Cleanings

This might seem like a no-brainer but with everyone’s busy schedules these days finding time to clean your tile floor might not make it to the top of the list. However, a regular cleaning does not have to consist of a deep home cleaning. Instead, make it a priority to sweep your tile floor at least once a week. This can be accomplished with your broom and dustpan or you can simply run the vacuum over it. If you discover a spot or two that need a little extra TLC then you can wipe it with a damp cloth or paper towel. The goal is to make sure you get rid of dirt and debris so that it does not build up creating a bigger issue over time.

Deep Cleanings

At some point, however, you are going to need to give your tile floors a deep cleaning. Whether it’s the result of regular foot traffic, messy pet issues or the post-dinner party cleanup you are going to have to tackle some tougher stains. To do this you are going to need to get yourself a dirt dissolving solution.

Now if you’ve been to the cleaner aisle in your local store, you’ve noticed that the choices for home cleaning seem endless. Fortunately, there are several blogs and other resources available to help you make the right choices.

When it comes to your tile floors, there are several things to consider. The first determination is whether you need to clean the actual tiles or if it’s the grout that really needs attention. The next thing you’ll need to understand is the type of tile you have. The choice of cleaners may be different if you have ceramic tile versus natural stone. Either way, you need to make sure that you are not using ammonia or any substance that is too acidic, such as vinegar or even lemon juice. These mixtures will make your shiny tile floors look dull over time.

Ceramic versus Stone

Understanding the type of tile floor you have and the strengths and weaknesses that come with it will help you determine the best solution for keeping it clean. Ceramic floors are great for giving your floor a patterned look but they tend to be less weather resistant. Since they are kiln fired, they are smoother and easier to clean maintain as part of your regular home cleaning. Spray on cleaners can be applied directly to the ceramic tile. You can then simply mop them thoroughly to remove the surface dirt.

Natural stone, on the other hand, is more durable; however it has a rougher surface. This makes it easier to trap dirt over time which can lead to deeper and tougher stains. The uneven surface may require a little more elbow grease on your part. Investing in a soft bristled brush or some type of scrubber sponge will allow you to get to the dirt that is trapped in the crevices of the natural stone. Be sure to avoid using items like steel wool as that will leave scratch marks on your tiles.

Clean Out the Grout

While tile is generally fairly easy to maintain, cleaning grout on the other hand can be quite the challenge. Grout is usually lighter in color and it is a very porous material. This combination makes it easy for grout to stain over time. The types of grout stains can range from mud on tile in your entryway to mold and mildew in the bathroom or food spills on the tile in your kitchen.

If you have white grout, then you can typically use any of your common household cleaners. If you have colored grout, then you need to be more cautious. Be sure to test out any grout cleaner that you choose by trying it in a hidden area. If it turns out ok then you can continue with the rest of the floor. If not, then nobody can really see it.

The best method for cleaning grout may not be want you want to hear. Using plain water and a toothbrush will usually do the trick. Of course this is going to require you to get down on the floor and scrub in a circular motion. If you have heavier stains then you can use baking soda and vinegar to create a foaming mixture that you can also scrub with your toothbrush.

Let the Experts Handle You Home Cleaning

Perhaps the best way to clean you tile floor is to let Euro-Maids do it!

If you have reached the point that you no longer wish to deal with cleaning your tile floors or you simply want someone else to handle your entire home cleaning then contact Euro-Maids and let their team of professionals keep your home clean and looking its best.