If you have ceramic tile flooring, your biggest concern will be wanting to keep it clean and shiny. Whilst not always possible, you can make sure it remains an unblemished appearance just by giving it a sweep most days or by hiring commercial cleaners.
Most of the time, however, this is not enough. Ceramic is a durable material and can withstand high-traffic areas – probably one of the main reasons you had it installed in the first place – but it does need some TLC if you want it to do its job for a long time.
Whilst it is known to resist dirt, you will want to give it a thorough clean at least once a month to keep it at its best. Also, it is possible to get that shine back from when the ceramic tiling was brand-new. Read on to find out how you can clean your ceramic tiles without damaging them.
How To Know What Will Clean Ceramic Tile Flooring Best
When it comes to actually cleaning the tiles, there are a number of factors you need to be aware of otherwise you risk damaging them. Whilst different materials can play a big part in that, fortunately for you, we are discussing ceramic only.
Other areas for you to think about are whether the tiles are unsealed or sealed, what room the tiles are in, what kind of dirt you are removing, the color of the tiles, and what material the grout is made out of.
Once you know what kind of ceramic tile cleaning situation you are in, you can move forward with deciding what the best way to go about it. Luckily for you, we have solutions!
What Should Not Be Used On Ceramic Tiles?
Whilst you want to be cautious with any product that touches the tiles, you must always make sure that you do not use anything that may damage the finish of the ceramic.
This could be using something like vinegar or lemon juice which is very acidic. Whilst they are good ingredients to use to clean a surface gently if used neat, the acid can destroy a perfectly good tile. Always dilute this type of ingredient which makes it safe to use.
Ammonia-based cleaning solutions and bleach are far too strong to use on tiles as well. Even though you might be tempted to use something like this in the bathroom, you risk damaging the tiles.
If a cleaning solution includes a dye and you have light-coloured tiles, then expect the worst. Rather than using it to see what happens, avoid it altogether. You do not want those lovely light grey tiles turning pink!
Also, it is not just liquids you have to be worried about, it is the equipment you use as well. Any abrasive tools can damage the ceramic. Always be soft and gentle, and never use a tool that can scratch the surface.
The Simple Method – Specialized Tools
Before we go ahead with some cleansing solutions, you may want to look into purchasing an inexpensive steam mop like the multipurpose PurSteam.
It uses high-temperature water to kill bacteria and clean a large surface area without the need to get on your hands and knees.
Other items to consider are non-electrical such as sponge mops, spray mops, and flat mops. These are great items to have in your arsenal if you need to quickly wipe up a spill, or want to do a quick thorough clean without effort.
However, unlike the steamer, regular mops can struggle to reach crevices between the tiles. Grout can become dirty over time, especially if walked on daily. You may find that you will still need to give the tiles a once-over manually every so often.
Homemade Method
There are a few ways to clean ceramic tiles by using ingredients from the grocery store. Not only does it make cleaning tiles easy, but it is also inexpensive.
Always start the cleaning process by using a vacuum to clean as much debris as possible off the floor. You can also use a dishpan and brush if it is easier.
Warm Water And Dish Soap (Or Vinegar)
Fill a bucket with warm water and add one or two drops of dish soap. Because you do not want to leave any soap scum behind, less is more. You can also use a diluted mixture of water and white vinegar too.
Dip a mop into the water, squeeze as much water out as possible, and then wipe it along the floor to get rid of any grime.
Once you have finished, wipe and buff the floor with a dry microfiber cloth. This will help to get rid of any watermarks that may be present.
Baking Soda
If you have a small area of the tiles that need to be cleaned, then baking soda will do the job well. It is a tried and tested method to remove dirt and stains within the home.
In a bowl, mix some water with a tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste. Make sure it is thick rather than runny.
Once you are satisfied with the mixture, apply it over the debris. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so it can work at removing the dirt.
Using a microfiber cloth, gently rub the paste in a circular motion. This will help to ‘scrub’ the infected area.
Rinse it with water, but make sure you remove the residue thoroughly as baking soda has a tendency to leave a layer of the film once it has been made into a paste.
If you are happy that it is clean, dry the area and buff it with a towel.
Weekly Cleaning Routine
Now that you know a few simple solutions to clean ceramic tiles, the next step will be to make sure that they stay spotless and shiny.
Once the thorough cleaning has been completed, do not forget about the tiles until you realize you have to give them a deep clean again because they are full of debris.
To avoid such a situation, and to stop the color from fading, make sure to sweep the floor a couple of times a week, and remove dirt as soon as you see it. This could be muddy pawprints or a dropped food item.
Using a mop or steamer once a week can really make a difference in keeping the grout spotless, as well as the tiles shiny. This will help to kill off any bacteria and remove dirt buildup.
Try and stick to ingredients that will not harm the finish of the tiles, and make sure to be gentle. The last thing you want is to scratch the tile whilst you are trying to keep them looking their best.
Final Words
Cleaning anything in the home can be done by using a simple solution, and the answer may already be inside your kitchen cupboard.
Whilst you can buy ready-made commercial cleaners, or you can invest in a specialized tool such as a steam mop, sometimes the easiest of methods can provide the best results.
If you look after your ceramic tiles well, they will last for a long time and look brand-new every day.
