Cleaning Ceramic Tile Floors

Having a beautiful ceramic tile floor doesn’t only end on having a professionally-installed ceramic tiles. Proper cleaning and maintenance are required to keep the beauty and elegance of our floors. Cleaning ceramic tile floors may sound a bit difficult, tiring and time-consuming, but with the right tools and the correct steps, you not only get a clean, good-as-new floors, you also don’t waste all your energy doing the cleaning.

Keeping the dirt off your tile floors is essential as they become scratched and dulled easily, and because the floor is exposed a lot, dirt builds up more here. You may need to consider the following tips in cleaning ceramic tile floors:

• Clean ceramic tile floors with warm water only. After washing tile floors with a mild detergent, rinse it thoroughly with clean, warm water to remove any detergent residue from setting and attracting more dirt on the floor.
• Clean up spills promptly to avoid staining.
• Cleaning products should be used properly. Read the instructions on the label carefully and take note of the proper amount to be used. Ceramic tiles can be easily damaged with the wrong use and formulation of cleaning products. Cleaning products should be non-acidic and non-alkalinic. Do not use products that contain wax or oil.
• Do not use abrasive scouring powder when cleaning ceramic tile floors. They will scratch and dull the floors.
• Sweep tile floor regularly. Dirt easily sticks on the tile surface, particularly with textured surfaces. Textured tile may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush or electric scrubber.
• Never use ammonia based cleaners because it discolors the grout.
• Never use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar to avoid scratching and dulling the tiles.
• Use mats on entryways and shake them off often.
• Mop your ceramic tile floors with a damp mop regularly.
• For soil blots on the floor, wipe it off with a sponge or clean cloth using mild commercial cleaners.
• Apply a silicone-based sealer on the grout between the tiles to prevent discoloration.
• When a tough stain appears on the tile floor, prepare a paste of scouring powder and water and rub it onto the stain. Let the paste stand on the tile for at least five minutes and scrub it away with a soft brush. Thoroughly wash the floor and rinse it with water. If the stain doesn’t budge, soak a white paper towel with straight 3% hydrogen peroxide, and lay the paper towel on top of the stained area.
• When moving objects across the floor, be very careful so as not to scratch the tile. Do not drag the objects. Lift it across, if possible.
• Cover furniture legs with rubber or other protector to avoid damage.
• Consider using a steam cleaner to clean your grout and ceramic tile. Do not use any detergent with this, only hot water and pressure. When your cleaning water gets cloudy, replace it immediately.

A clean, well-maintained ceramic tile floor is essential to the beauty of our homes. With regular care and proper maintenance, your ceramic tile floors will look great and new for the years to come.