Does your ceramic tile floor look rather hazy lately? Would you like to make it shine as if it was installed yesterday? Well, ceramic tile floors have a great advantage over other flooring alternatives due to their very low-maintenance, incredible versatility and phenomenal beauty.
Ceramics have a protective barrier against water, chemicals, dirt, and stains making them more impervious to the elements than other flooring surfaces. Their sleek appearance and elegance make them apposite for a broad range of applications, and they add value and style to a home. Widely used for countertops, entryway floors, backsplashes, kitchens, and bathrooms, ceramic tile floors are the perfect solution for smart homeowners who desire a contemporary look and great practicality with minimal upkeep.
Even while ceramic tile floors have an astounding longevity and resilience, every homeowner must learn the necessary steps to keep them in optimal condition, so it can add both functionality and aesthetic to a home. With proper care, ceramic tile can stay in sparkling shape for several years of heavy use. Today, we take you through practical tips on how to clean ceramic tile floor the right way.
Necessary Tools & Supplies:
- Vacuum or dust pan
- Microfiber towel
- Nylon brush
- Mop
- Water
- Bucket
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Mild dish soap or detergent
- Lemon juice (optional)
Table of Contents
How to Clean Ceramic Floor Tile – Steps
Sweep or Vacuum the Floor
The first step involves sweeping or vacuuming the ceramic tile floor to get rid of loose particles and debris. If sand and grit remain on the surface, they can dull or scratch the surface. Worst still, these pesky particles can get ground into crevices and lodged between tiles making it hard to remove when mopping.
For vacuuming, use a device with a soft head attachment or a soft brush broom to avoid getting the surface scratched. You may also run a dust mop over the tile surface to fully clear the floor of the accumulated dust; otherwise it might turn to mud when dampened. Use a soft and fluffy dust tile floor mop, preferably with a detachable and washable mop head.
Start Mopping the Ceramic Floor
You can now start mopping the ceramic tile floor if you’ve removed all the dirt. Fill the bucket with warm water and add half a cup of white vinegar. Being a mild acid, vinegar not only dissolves grease and water stains but also deodorizes and disinfects the ceramic tile surface.
Apply the cleaning solution onto the surface using a clean rag or chamois mop, and be sure to wring out the mop frequently to avoid leaving puddles of water on the surface. Try not to use a sponge mop as it can drive dirty water deep into the grout thus soiling it. Change the bucket as soon as the cleaning solution gets dirty to avoid leaving a cloudy film of dirt on the ceramic tile surface.
In the event that the tile floor ends up with a hazy film, remove it with a mixture of hot water and mild dish detergent. You can also use a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice and hot water. Then buff the floor dry with a microfiber towel or a clean cloth. For this process, avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the ceramic floor.
Remove Stubborn Stains
For set in stains on the ceramic tile surface, you’re going to use the baking soda paste to get rid of the stains. Mix the baking soda with water to form a paste (make it a little more on the thick side). Apply the baking soda paste onto the soiled spots and leave it for 5-10 minutes to absorb the stain.
When the 10-minute timer lapses, grab a nylon brush (or any other small scrub brush like a toothbrush) and gently scrub the grout in a circular motion. Keep moving the baking soda paste around the tile while gently scrubbing the surface. After that, rinse thoroughly with plain water to prevent the baking soda from leaving a film. Then, allow the grout to air dry or buff the area with a dry towel to expedite the process.
Pro Tip: Seal the ceramic tile surface with a silicone-based sealer after cleanup to safeguard against future dirt and stains.
Scrub Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew can easily thrive on moist ceramic tile surface. It is important to learn how to get rid of mold and mildew when cleaning the ceramic floor tile. To clean mold or mildew, fill a bucket with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap.
Stir the mixture to blend fully, and then apply it onto the ceramic tile surface. Allow it up to 10-15 minutes to work on the stains, after which you should scrub the floor with a nylon brush. After scrubbing, rinse the floor thoroughly with plain water then dry it with terry cloth towels.
Remove Other Stains
A lot of stains can get laced on ceramic tile floors. You might need to clean tea, coffee or juice stains as well as grease stains and ink stains. To clean tea, coffee or juice stains, mix hot water with detergent and clean the tile surface with the resulting solution. Then, finish up the cleaning by blotting up the surface with hydrogen peroxide.
Grease stains on ceramic tile surface can be cleaned using club soda and water or a commercial floor cleaner specially formulated for ceramic floors. For ink stains, clean the floor with a clean cloth soaked in diluted bleach. You can also cover the ink stain with a cloth dipped in diluted bleach and leave it seated until the stain vanishes. When fully gone, rinse thoroughly with plain water and dry the flooring with cloth towels.
How to Keep Ceramic Tile Floors Clean
- Clean up spills right away – Pick up everyday messes (like spilled milk or tracked-in mud) as soon as they occur to avoid staining or damaging the ceramic tile floor. Wet an absorbent cloth or mop with warm water and mild dish detergent and use it to wipe up spills and tracked-in dirt. Make sure absorbent cloths are within a close reach during snowy or wet seasons.
- Reduce tracked-in dirt – Place doormats on exterior doors to minimize tracked-in messes. Also add an extra mat for shoes, and take off shoes before you enter the house. Shake off the mats frequently so that you cannot carry the dirt with your feet when entering the house.
- Minimize wear to your ceramic tile floors – Consider using mats to reduce wear to your ceramic tile floors. Place mats in all high-traffic areas of your home, such as in front of stoves and sinks. Get protective pads and place them beneath heavy furniture to avoid scratching the surface.
- Seal the seams – Grout serves to lock the tiles tightly, prevent water infiltration, and provide a finished appearance. However, grout is a porous substance which is prone to getting dingy or discolored. It is necessary to seal the grout after installing the tile, and after every 1-2 years following installation. This is a preventative measure intended to prevent the ceramic tile floor from trapping the dirt and to lend an attractive modern look.
Wrap-Up
Cleaning the ceramic tile floors properly is an easy and practical way to keep them looking spectacular and long-lasting. We have clearly discussed how to clean ceramic tile floor to help you tackle the job on your own and cut the costs of hiring a professional. The above tips will save you a lot of time and guarantee the seamless condition of your ceramic floor tile.
