Maintaining your home’s cleanliness is no easy task, but it’s part of the package if you’re a homeowner. When it comes to cleaning your spaces, you often deal with two categories: there are the easy things to clean, and then there’s the floor. Many people would agree that floor tiles are some of the hardest things to clean in a house.
You don’t have to do this chore every time, but you’re forced to do it regardless of every time you clean the house. It’s pretty easy to spot dirty tiles, but the misconception is that all you need to do is give it a hard scrubbing. The fact of the matter is that the reality is very far from that.
How exactly do you clean your floor tiles? This article will teach you how to do the chore properly. Read on below to learn more.
Consider the Type of Tile First
Floor tiles all function in the same way, but they’re made with different materials—which means that you have to clean them differently. Maintenance when it comes to floor tiles goes a long way because it helps prolong their quality. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are low-maintenance, while stone tiles often require unique methods.
To further understand how you should care for your tiles, here are some things to take note of:
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are very durable, which is why light cleaning is often required. The steps to clean these types of tiles are as follows:
- Sweep or vacuum the tiles.
- Get a mop, then apply it with water and a little detergent. A chamois-type mop works best because sponge mops place dirty water into the grout lines, which adds to the chore. You also need to change the water as you mop.
- Keep an eye out for tile stains. You need to use the correct type of cleaner depending on what made the stain.
- If there’s soap residue, use an all-purpose cleaner to wash it off.
- Make sure to dry your tiles with a clean and lint-free cloth. Don’t let the tiles air-dry, or you’ll have to clean it again faster than before.
Stone Tiles
Cleaning stone tiles can be tricky because their surface is coarse, unlike other types of tiles. You have to make sure that you use suitable cleaning materials, or else the chemicals in them can contribute to your tiles’ deterioration. Additionally, there are different types of stone tiles, which means you can’t clean them all in the same way.
- Slate tiles can be cleaned with mild detergent, as long as it doesn’t contain any acidic properties like lemon or vinegar. For coated slate tiles, you must avoid water spots by drying the tiles with a soft towel immediately.
- Marble tiles are perhaps the most high-maintenance among all stone tiles. You can make use of cleaning agents as long as they don’t have acidic pH levels. Again, you have to avoid cleaners such as lemon and vinegar since they can damage the tile. You also must refrain from using cleaning equipment that can scratch the surface, such as brushes with firm bristles.
- The same methods apply with granite tile, but the risks are far greater discoloration may happen if you clean them harshly.
Resilient Tiles
Resilient flooring, such as vinyl, linoleum, and rubber, is straightforward to maintain. All you need to do is sweep or vacuum, then mop using proper cleaning solutions or even water and vinegar. Like other tiles in this list, never use an abrasive cleaner. For added maintenance, you can apply floor wax.
Conclusion
Cleaning your floors has to be done, or else it can attract harmful elements such as bacteria or mold. The good thing is that most tiles are low-maintenance, which means they’re easy to clean. Just remember not to use acidic and abrasive cleaners on certain tiles so that they won’t be damaged!
The Dream Clean Team goes above and beyond providing house cleaning services in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Our professionals cover every nook and cranny of your home, including the tiles. A clean environment means a safe environment, which is why we do our best. Contact us today and book an appointment now!
