Ceramic tile floors are durable but just like any other type of flooring, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking at their best. They are often subjected to a lot of wear and tear from regular foot traffic and commercial chemical products that are used during cleaning. However, not every spot can be cleaned with a broom and pan and, may require a more aggressive approach of cleaning to get rid of stubborn stains and grime. This article looks at how to deep clean a tile floor.
- Sweep or Vacuum Your Tile Floors
Start by sweeping or vacuuming your floor to pick up light dust and dirt. This step is very important as it prevents dirt from scratching the surface when you start scrubbing the floor. A vacuum is one of the most valuable tools that you can use to keep your floors clean. It is important to vacuum multiple times around the same area from different directions to pull up dirt and debris. If you are sweeping, sweep towards the same direction to avoid leaving dirt behind.
- Get Rid of Spots and Stubborn Stains
It is important to exhaust all conventional methods when removing stubborn stains from the tile before resorting to stronger cleaning products. It is important to ensure that the product you are using is safe for your floors even if it is a mild solution. To get rid of stains, prepare a paste using a balanced mixture of warm water and scouring powder. Use a clean cloth to rub the paste on the stain and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. Afterward, you can remove all remains of the paste by washing the area with warm water and a clean cloth.
- Mop the Floor with Hot Water and Mild Detergent
After you have eliminated loose dirt and stubborn stains, you can now proceed with mopping your tile floors using a mixture of mild detergent with hot water. It is important to change your cleaning solution often to avoid leaving a cloudy film of dirt with a dirty mop. Use an all-purpose cleaner if you still see a hazy film on your tile floor. Other home remedies involve mixing vinegar or lemon juice with hot water. Apply it to the floor before buffing dry using a clean cloth. Keep in mind that some basic home cleaning products like vinegar can wreak havoc on other types of tile such as marble. It is always important to do your research before applying any cleaning product on your floor.
- Clean the Grout
It is quite difficult to clean the grout every time you are performing regular cleaning. However, if you want to achieve great-looking tile floors, then the secret lies in giving some attention to your grout on occasion. Grout absorbs grease and stains from liquid spills, which means that cleaning it will require more effort than regular mopping. Make a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda with water and rub it in the grout lines. Allow it to sit overnight before scrubbing the grout with a wet stiff nylon brush. Avoid using metal bristles as they could damage the grout. You can also use a recommended commercial cleaner to keep your grout lines clean. Applying a silicone-based sealer to the grout helps to repel future stains. Avoid using acidic cleaners as they can erode the grout as well as the tile surrounding it. Alternative applications include using a pencil eraser or magic eraser to provide extra friction when working through the buildup.
- Call in the Professionals
If your tile floors are not looking quite as clean as you expected, then it might be a good idea to seek extra help from cleaning professionals. Although you might have purchased professional cleaning products to clean your tile floors, chances are that the type of vacuum and high-pressure water system used by industry professionals will do a better job. They use special grout and sealants that add a protective layer to an existing tile flooring which help keep your floors looking clean for months. You can always check out good reviews from reputable companies and negotiate to get the best deals.
Deep cleaning a tile floor is not such a difficult task but can take a lot of time that you are not willing to spend. Grout cleaning is even more tiresome as it lies primarily in the scope of work to be covered. You can always seek help from professional cleaners as they offer flexible cleaning solutions to help you achieve great-looking tile floors that last for months.