Tile Floor Cleaning Done Right
Tile floors are an attractive and durable option for your home. Many people choose them as an alternative to wood or carpet because they are easier to clean. However, tile flooring still needs to be cleaned weekly, and deep cleaned regularly to maintain its appearance. While some tile materials may be better at masking the presence of dirt and grime, it does not mean you should clean them less frequently. For deep cleaning of your tile floors, call up your local tile cleaning experts in Scottsdale, AZ. Professional tile and carpet cleaners have the experience and knowhow to properly treat and clean your tiles to keep them looking their best.
Different Types of Floor Tiles & How to Clean Them
When it comes to cleaning tile floors, most people tend to only think about ceramic or porcelain tiles. The fact is, there are many other types of tile flooring, and you should not clean them all the same way. The kind of cleaning solution and the method for cleaning varies depending on the material of the tiles. Picking up just any old tile cleaning solution could end up damaging your tiles.
Weekly Tile Floor Maintenance
Weekly cleaning of your tile floors is key to keeping them looking their best. No matter what the material of the tile is, use these weekly dry cleaning methods to keep your floors free of dirt and dust particles:
- Sweep the floor with a soft-bristle broom or brush to remove larger dirt pieces.
- Vacuum with the brush attachment to pick up any remaining dust and smaller particles.
- Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately with a cloth. The longer dirt and stains sit on tile, the harder it is to remove.
How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors
Ceramic tile is one of the more popular choices for its durability and affordable price point. Follow the tips below for easy cleaning:
- Clean using a rag or a chamois-style mop, not a sponge mop. Sponge mops often push water around, resulting in dirty water settling in the grout lines.
- Use warm water with just a few drops of mild dish detergent. Be sure to add fresh water throughout the cleaning process to avoid a cloudy appearance on the floor from dirty water.
- Dry the tiles with a clean cloth while cleaning in sections. Letting the floor air-dry will result in water spots.
How to Clean Porcelain Tile Floors
Porcelain tiles, like ceramic, are also very durable and low-maintenance. They are also ideal for heavy traffic areas and are water-resistant. The following tips will help keep them looking their best:
- Clean polished or glazed tiles by wiping them down with a rag and some vinegar or commercial tile cleaner diluted to half-strength. Wash them once more with clean hot water and then dry the floor with a clean towel or cloth.
- Clean unpolished and unglazed tiles using a mixture of vinegar and warm water and then scrubbing with a soft bristle brush. Rinse with clean hot water using a rag and then dry with a towel or microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Marble Floors
Marble is considered a type of natural stone and is very luxe and chic in appearance. Though it is a more high-maintenance option, following the tips below will help keep marble floors looking sleek:
- The most important thing to note is that marble should not be cleaned with anything that has an acidic pH level, such as cleaners with vinegar or lemon. You will also want to avoid using any brushes with tough bristles as it could scratch the marble.
- Instead, use a mild cleaner with a neutral pH level that won’t discolor or leave streaks on the tile.
How to Clean Granite & Slate Tile Floors
Granite and slate are both low-maintenance, very durable, and highly resistant to scratches. They are great options for high traffic areas. Follow these tips to keep them looking like new:
- Like marble, both granite and slate tiles require a mild detergent or cleaner that is pH-neutral for cleaning. Avoid using cleaners that ave acidic ingredients.
How to Clean Travertine Tile Floors
Travertine flooring is another highly durable option, but stains easily and is more costly to purchase. To keep travertine tiles looking their best, follow the tips below:
- Travertine floors need cleaning with a soft cloth or sponge. Use hot water and a marble or granite specific spray cleaner.
- Dry the tiles by buffing with a clean cloth.
Cleaning Tile Grout
Though keeping just the tiles alone clean is essential, it is also good to clean your grout regularly as well. Dirty grout lines often stand out more than dirty tiles.
The following method will help keep your grout lines looking sparkling white and new:
- Create a paste using baking soda and water
- Scrub the paste gently into the grout using a nylon brush.
- Wipe clean with warm water and allow the grout to air dry.
- For tougher stains, let the paste sit overnight and then scrub again in the morning before rinsing clean.
How Often Should You Clean Tile Floors?
Once a week, dry clean the floors using a broom, brush, or vacuum. Sweeping up loose debris and dust on a weekly basis will help keep the floors from needing a thorough cleaning more often. Following the tips above, use a wet method to clean the tiles with a rag or a mop once every two weeks. High traffic areas and bathrooms will need cleaning more often to avoid the build-up of grime and bacteria.
How Can Magic Touch Carpet Repair And Cleaning Help?
Though cleaning your tile floors weekly, or bi-weekly is beneficial, everyday commercial cleaners can not always remove tough stains and grime that has built-up over time. The experts at Magic Touch Carpet Repair And Cleaning have specific training to treat and clean your tile floors with care. Getting a regular deep cleaning not only keeps your tile flooring looking great, but it protects them from getting damaged and discolored as well.