Ceramic tile floors are well-known and trendy flooring options. They are long-lasting but need proper cleaning and maintenance like all flooring options. Are you wondering how to clean ceramic tile?
Sand and dust particles are the biggest downfall of tile floors. It can scratch the surface if you do not clean them.
And, this will create permanent damage to your tiles. Dirty tiles will give a dirty appearance to your room because the grout will get dark over time.
Suppose you want to clean your ceramic tiles safely and for long-lasting beauty. This article has given all the tips for cleaning ceramic tile in any area of your home.
How to Clean Ceramic Floor Tiles
Many homeowners install ceramic tiles in their bathrooms, corridors, and kitchens. They look very attractive and can be kept in good condition for many years. But, a little carelessness can discolor them.
To clean ceramic tiles and keep them spotless:
- Sweep it 2 – 3 times a week because the dirt, grit, and sand scratch the floor. Before washing the tiles, it’s important to remove them.
- Once a week, deep clean it with a mop of mild-detergent and warm water.
- Regularly wash these tiles with dishwashing soap. Don’t use oil-based cleaners like ammonia or bleach because these ingredients ruin the color or finish of the tiles. Moreover, never use abrasive material or harsh solutions.
Deep Cleaning Ceramic Tiles
Wondering how to deep clean your ceramic tile floors? Well, it is not as hard as it looks.
Steam mops are the best tile floor cleaning machine that removes the stubborn dirt and dust with steam heat without ruining the surface of the tiles. It can also clean floor tile grout and Porcelain tile floors.
They are cost-effective, and the price of a standard model is from $50 – $100. It is cheaper than hiring a specific tile floor cleaner.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile Shower Floor
Ceramic tiles in the shower room are difficult to clean because they will not clean with only a steam cleaner. Many cleaning solutions are available that clean shower tiles effectively.
First of all, check the tile type. Normally glazed ceramic tiles are used in shower rooms. Ceramic tiles with a smooth surface are not used in showers because they are slippery. Always select a safe cleaning product.
Cleaning Ceramic Wall Tiles in Shower
- After showering, remove the residue of soap and water with a squeegee.
- Remove the dirt and grit with a microfiber cloth before starting cleaning.
- Apply any safe cleaning solution on the wall tiles with a spray bottle.
- Use a cloth to clean it.
- Rinse the wall tiles with water and remove residues with a squeegee.
- The best cleaner for tiles is white vinegar. You can safely use it on glazed ceramic floors. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar and use it on shower tiles.
Cleaning Ceramic Tiles in Bathroom
Many bathrooms have ceramic tiles on walls and floors. You can use any safe cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar on these tiles.
Apply the mixture to the tiles and leave it for a while. Now rub it with a sponge and rinse with water. Use a towel to clean the residues.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile Backsplash
Ceramic tiles also work best in the kitchen. You will need to clean the tile backsplash from potential food dirtiness. Tiles in the kitchen also get a layer of grease buildup, which attracts dirt and makes a tough buildup.
You will not get this layer if you clean them with dishwashing soap or white vinegar daily. Both these cleaning agents are best grease removers.
For stubborn stains on your ceramic tile backsplash, you can use:
- Baking soda – 1 cup
- Warm water – 1 cup
Mix this well, apply it to all the grease stains, and leave it to dry. The paste will absorb the grease. Now, wipe the area with a wet microfiber cloth and clean with another cloth.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile before Sealing
Sealing is important because it prevents dirt and dust from seeping into the clay. But you have to clean the tiles before sealing completely. If there is any grout haze, clean it with a damp cloth and clean water.
Repeat this step if necessary. Leave the tiles for one or two days and check if any haze appears on the floor because it is not visible clearly.
Now examine the tiles to ensure that they need sealing. It would be best if you were looking for the right sealant for the job. Now clean the tiles thoroughly before sealing.
The tiles can be cleaned with dishwashing soap + water solution, vinegar + water solution, or baking soda paste. You can also use any safe commercial cleaner for this purpose.
Clean the tiles thoroughly and rinse with clean water. Use a cloth to dry. Make sure you have removed all the residues. You can also use a steam cleaner to get spotless tiles without using any cleaning solution.
How to Clean Ceramic Tile Grout
Grout is usually lower than the tiles level, so while cleaning the tile floor, it is left uncleaned. The color of your grout is bright white, and the dirt build-up damages its color. Using the following solutions, you can clean your grout like new tiling.
Best cleaner for tiles grout:
- Baking soda – half cup
- Hydrogen peroxide – 1/4th cup
- Dishwashing soap – 1 tablespoon
Combine these ingredients in a bowl and apply them to the grout lines. Leave this paste for 15 minutes and use a toothbrush to scrub it. Use clean water and a microfiber cloth to remove the residue.
If you don’t want to use homemade ingredients to clean it, you can use a safe commercial cleaner for your tile grout.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile after Grouting
After installing ceramic tiles, clean the excess tiles with a sponge. However, a grout haze still is there to be cleaned. You can use the following method to remove it.
- Use clean water and a damp cloth to clean the grout haze on the tiles.
- Clean the tiles thoroughly with a rubber grout float. If you can’t afford it, you can use a squeegee for this purpose.
- Fill a spray bottle with four parts of water and one part vinegar. Use this spray on the entire tiles floor and clean it with a cloth.
Cleaning Grout in Showers
The grout in showers can be cleaned with baking soda. Take baking soda into a bowl and add hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Mix it to make a paste and apply it to the shower tiles and walls. Leave it for 15 – 20 minutes.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the tiles and rinse them well with clean water. Use a sponge to remove the residues.
Tips to Clean Your Floors to Make Them Shining
Use the following tips to keep your tile floor clean.
- Often change your water to avoid splashes and stains from soiled water.
- If the floor is not much dirty, you can clean it with clean water. You can use baking soda if needed.
- Clean all the stains and spills as soon as possible to protect the tiles from damage.
- Don’t use oil-based cleaners because they will make the surface slippery, and the oil build-up will be hard to remove.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How Can the Ceramic Tiles be Cleaned in the Best Way?
The best way to clean tile floors is by applying the solution of vinegar and water. Leave it for a few minutes and rinse with clean water. You can use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste for tough stains.
What is the Procedure to Clean and Shine Ceramic Tile?
Spray safe cleaner on the tiles, scrub them and rinse thoroughly. For stubborn stains, you can use baking soda paste on the affected area and leave it for a while. Scrub it with a toothbrush and rinse with clean water.
Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the floor tiles thoroughly. This will make shine on the tiles. Using a large quantity of cleaner on the tiles will leave a residue, and the floor will not shine. Always use enough cleaner that can be cleaned with wiping.
Which Products are Good for Cleaning Ceramic Tile?
Alkaline products are safe for ceramic tiles. Don’t use acidic products because they can break the grout. Mr. Clean floor cleaner is the best alkaline product.
Don’t use oil-based products because they can damage their color, and the oil build-up will be difficult to remove.
Is Vinegar Harmful to Ceramic Tile?
Vinegar is a safe cleaning solution, and it does not damage tiles.
Is the Solution of Dawn and Vinegar Safe for Cleaning Tile?
Make a solution by mixing two tablespoons of Dawn, one cup of vinegar, and 2 cups of water. Now pour this solution into a spray bottle. Apply it on the tile floor and leave it for a while. Gently scrub it and wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article will be helpful for you in finding the answer to how to clean ceramic tile. Many effective methods of ceramic tile and grout cleaning are given here. Always pick safe products for your ceramic tile cleaning project.
Don’t use abrasive tools, acidic solutions, and oil-based cleaners on your tile floors. Solutions of natural ingredients are best for your tiles because they have no harmful effects.
