Keep your tile floors clean!

Professional cleaning services are your best option to keep your tile floors looking spectacular. But it is important you know how to keep tile floors clean between visits. Today, we will be exploring the basics along with specific needs depending on the type of tile floor in your home and how you can easily clean that pesky grout.

Basic Sweeping and Mopping

The first lesson to learn when discussing how to keep tile floors clean is with basic sweeping and mopping duties. Once per week, you should be either sweeping or vacuuming in areas where you can visibly see debris. If you choose to vacuum, it is best to use a hand broom in the corners or tight spaces to finish the job.

As for mopping, a tile kitchen floor should be mopped every two weeks whereas each bathroom needs it once per week. Another great step to maintaining clean floors is to spot-clean the grout every few months.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors

Two of the most popular types of tile floors in modern homes are ceramic and porcelain. Here are some quick tips on how to clean them:

• Clean Up Loose Debris — Some homeowners neglect to sweep ceramic floors because they are resistant to dirt. However, this is still something you should do because sand and grit can make the surface look dull.
• Choose the Right Mop — Sponge mops often push water into the grout lines, so you should use a chamois-type mop instead. Also, do not forget to switch out the dirty water while you are mopping.
• Clean Up Any Stains — If you find a stain, first determine what kind of substance caused it. Then, select a cleaner that will most effectively get rid of it.
• Look for Soap Residue — Soapy residue can leave your tiles looking hazy and can be removed with an all-purpose cleaner. For ceramic and porcelain (NOT stone), you can also use fresh lemon juice.
• Dry with Lint-Free Cloth — If you let the tiles air-dry, you will get water spots. Instead, dry the floor with a clean, lint-free cloth as soon as you have mopped.

Stone Tile Floors

More homes seem to be using stone tile floors these days. Chemical cleaners will damage the surface of this type of floor, making it that much more difficult to properly clean. Instead, use cleaners that are made for natural stone and/or follow these tips:

• Slate Tile — A mild detergent that does not include acidic elements such as lemon or vinegar can be used on slate. If it is coated, prevent water spots by drying it right away.
• Marble Tile — Marble is a beautiful type of tile, but it can be easily scratched by the wrong cleaner or material. You must avoid any type of cleaner that has an acidic pH level, lemon, or vinegar, in addition to staying away from brushes with tough bristles and scouring powders.
• Granite Tile — A harsh cleaner will often leave streaks or discoloration, but you can use a mild, pH-neutral detergent. For polished granite, buff it to keep the surface looking shiny and clean.

Resilient Tile Floors

Many older homes contain vinyl, linoleum, or cork tile floors and need very little maintenance. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

• Vinyl Tile — You can keep this surface clean by sweeping or vacuuming and then mopping it with a vinyl cleaning solution or water and vinegar. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools because you may scratch the surface.
• Linoleum Tile — Pick up a linoleum cleaning solution or use Borax detergent and water, then rinse it clean and let the floor air-dry. You can also apply a coat of wax to protect the surface and buff it every 3-6 months.
• Cork Tile — If the cork surface is sealed with polyurethane, which most are, you can clean it with either a mild detergent and water or white vinegar and water. If it is not sealed, you can do the same, but you will want to apply a wax once the surface is dry.

Tile Grout

No matter what type of tile floor is installed in your home, you must clean stains from the grout. Follow these three steps and the job will be easy:

• DIY Cleaner — Instead of a commercial cleaner, create a paste of baking soda and water.
• Scrub — Rub the paste onto the stain, allow it to sit overnight, and then scrub it with a stiff nylon brush.
• Seal — Apply a silicone-based sealer to repel future stains, but keep in mind that this is most effective when it is done within 10-14 days after the grout has been either installed or renewed.

Maid Impressions Cleaning Services Knows How to Keep Tile Floors Clean

The professionals at Maid Impressions Cleaning are experts in keeping tile floors clean. Why stress about how to clean your floors, when you can rely on our team and enjoy your floors? If you have any questions about our house cleaning services in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, or the surrounding areas, call (727) 222-6019 to request a quote today!