Here's Exactly How to Clean Your Tile Floors (No Matter the Material)
Your kitchen or bathroom isn't fully clean until you've scrubbed the floors. Although you don't have to tackle this chore every time you wipe down the countertops, it's important to keep an eye on your tile floors for signs of dirt or grime. A hazy film or dirty grout are both indicators that your floors need more than a cursory sweeping. When it's time to clean your tile floors, be sure to use the proper technique for your type of tile as the recommended cleaners and mops vary between materials. These are the best ways to clean your tile floors no matter what material it's made of.
Jason Donnelly
How to Clean Tile Floors of All Types
You wouldn't wash a stainless-steel refrigerator with a cleaner meant for an enamel surface. The same concept applies to your tile. While tile floors are incredibly durable, certain kinds of tile need to be cared for in a special way. Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles are fairly low maintenance, while coarse tiles such as slate, marble, granite, or limestone require individualized care and often specific cleaners.
Laura Moss
How to Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are incredibly durable, and a few easy cleaning tips can keep these types of floors looking sparkling. Follow this simple process to clean ceramic and porcelain tile:
Clean up loose debris: Sweep or vacuum your tile floors regularly to keep them from getting dull. Ceramic tiles may be resistant to dirt, but sand and grit can dull the glazed surfaces.
Choose the right floor mop: Clean tile with mild detergent and clean water using a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop. These mops are best for cleaning tile because sponge mops tend to push dirty water into the grout lines, making them harder to clean. Be sure to change the water frequently while mopping; dirty water equals a cloudy floor.
Be on the look for tile stains: If you find a discoloration, first try to determine what type of substance made the stain. Use the appropriate cleaner for the stain for the most effective clean.
Watch for soap residue: If your tiles look hazy even after cleaning, you might be dealing with soapy residue. Remove the film with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. You could also try a homemade cleaner with mild acid (such as fresh lemon juice) on ceramic or porcelain tiles (but never on stone tiles).
Dry the tiles: Don't let your glazed tile floors air-dry as the sitting water will form water spots. Take care of that by drying the floor with a clean, lint-free cloth immediately after washing.
Editor's Tip: Be kind to your knees and dry tiles the easy way: Use your foot to slide the cloth over the floor.
How to Clean Stone Tile Floors
Be careful when you're working with natural stone tile like slate, granite or marble. Chemicals in traditional cleaners can damage the surface of these materials. Instead, clean your stone tiles with cleaners made specifically for natural stone.
Slate Tile: You may also use a mild detergent on slate tiles, as long as it doesn't contain acidic properties, such as lemon or vinegar. If your slate tile is coated, avoid water spots by drying the tile right away with a soft towel.
Marble Tile: Marble makes stunning tile, but it's also high-maintenance. Avoid cleaning marble tile with anything that has an acidic PH level. Cleaners with lemon or vinegar should be avoided, as they can etch the surface of the tile. Also stay away from anything that may scratch the marble, such as brushes with tough bristles or scouring powders.
Granite Tile: Like slate and marble tile, granite tile needs to be cleaned with a mild detergent that is pH-neutral. A harsh cleaner risks leaving streaks or discoloration on the tile. You also may want to buff a polished granite floor to keep it looking shiny and clean.
Adam Albright Photography Inc
How to Clean Resilient Tile Floors
Made from materials like linoleum, vinyl, cork and rubber, resilient tile is a great option if you want a surface that's easy on the feet and needs minimal maintenance. Keep these tips in mind when cleaning your resilient tile floor:
Vinyl Tile: This super resilient flooring type is also easy to maintain. Simply sweep or vacuum up debris and mop with a vinyl cleaning solution or water and vinegar. Never use an abrasive cleaner or scrubbing tool on vinyl as it may scratch the surface.
Linoleum Tile: Though it's often mistaken for vinyl flooring, linoleum is a very different material that has specific cleaning requirements. After sweeping or vacuuming, wash the linoleum tile with linoleum flooring cleaning solution or Borax detergent and water. Rinse clean and let the floor dry. To protect your linoleum floors, apply a coat of wax or liquid wax and buff to a shine every 3 to 6 months.
Cork Tile: The cleaning care your cork tile needs will vary based on the finish on your tiles. If the cork surface is sealed with polyurethane (most cork floors are), clean with water and mild detergent or white vinegar, then rinse well. If the cork is unfinished or waxed, follow the cleaning instructions for polyurethane but apply solid or liquid wax once the tile is dry.
Editor's Tip: Never use a steam mop on any of these tile types. They are not designed to stand up to extreme heat or excess moisture.
How to Clean Tile Grout
The real secret to a great-looking tile floor is clean grout. Because grout is porous and absorbs grease and other stains, it can be tricky to keep clean. Here's how to get your grout to look like new:
Make a DIY grout cleaner: Skip commercial cleaners and instead make a paste of baking soda and water.
Scrub grout: Rub it on the stain, let it sit overnight, then scrub the stain in the morning with a stiff nylon brush (a metal brush will damage the grout). Repeat as necessary.
Seal grout: Apply a silicone-based sealer to the grout to repel future stains. This works best when done 10-14 days after the grout is installed or renewed.
Note: There's a lot of debate about whether you should use a steam cleaner to "deep clean" your tile grout. Some say it's a great way to revive dingy tile, while other pros say it can damage your grout in the long run. A steam mop typically won't harm grout that's in good shape and sealed, but if your floor is older or the grout is damaged in any way, the steam could accelerate the damage and may cause pitting and discoloration over time. Frequent use could also increase your risk of damage.
Related: Make Your Old Tile Look New Again with These Tips on How to Paint Grout
How Often to Clean Tile Floors
To keep your tile looking clean and residue-free, we recommend a regular cleaning schedule of both dry and wet cleaning.
Dry clean: Vacuum or sweep at least once a week or whenever you can visibly see (or feel) debris. A soft-bristle vacuum attachment can be used on tile floors of any type, but it may be difficult to fit it into corners or tight spaces. Use a hand broom and dustpan to finish the job.
Wet clean: Plan to mop the tile floor in your kitchen once every two weeks and your bathroom tile floor once a week (germs tend to build up in bathrooms). Take the time to spot clean your grout once every few months or whenever it's looking dingy.
