Make Your Tile Shine With the Right Care - A Guide to Cleaning Tiled Surfaces

The Best Tile Cleaning Tip for Gleaming Tiled Surfaces

Tile is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens since it's durable and easy to maintain. However, the type of tile impacts your scrubbing approach. Before you start mopping, here's everything you should know about tile cleaning.

What Cleaning Products Should You Use for Tile Cleaning?

To get the best results with minimal effort, you need effective cleaning materials. Of course, you don't want anything too strong, as that can damage your flooring. Fortunately, most types of tile don't require a special kind of cleaner.

Mild Soap

Mild soap is always the best choice for natural stone tiles like marble, limestone, travertine, or slate; these stones are susceptible to etching from acids, so be sure to check the label before you clean your stone!

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are already sealed from the firing process, so you don't have to worry about them absorbing spills and staining. There's also no risk of bacteria hiding beneath the surface. As a result, you can effectively clean porcelain and ceramic tiles with mild dish soap as well as stronger cleaners. 

Vinegar

If you want to go the natural route, you can substitute dish soap for vinegar. The one thing to keep in mind is that vinegar is acidic, so you don't want to leave it sitting for too long. Vinegar should not be used on natural stone tiles.

Stone Cleaner

Natural stone is a beautiful tile choice that adds elegance to any room, but it's more temperamental than porcelain or ceramic. Most natural stone tiles are porous and therefore require sealing, as well as the use of non-acidic cleaners:

• Marble
• Granite
• Limestone
• Travertine



To prevent damage to the stone, you need a gentle cleaner that still fights bacteria, soap scum and dirt. Custom's Aqua Mix Stone & Tile Cleaner and Miracle Tile and Stone Cleaner are two great options that strike the perfect balance. Both products are available in our warehouse for purchase.

Grout Cleaner

The grout between your tiles also accumulates dirt and can even grow mold if it stays wet for too long. In most cases, you can use household cleaners, such as a baking soda and water solution, to scrub away buildup. However, if your grout is stained, you may need a designated grout cleaner.

How Do You Clean Tile?

Now that you have the right soap, what's the best way to clean your tile? While tile cleaning isn't especially difficult, it's a multi-step process that suffers if you skip one. For the best results, follow this process.

1. Sweep

Using a broom or microfiber sweeper, gather dirt, lint and other debris, then dispose of them. Getting rid of these particles is essential, as mopping will only make them stick to the tile.

2. Scrub Grout

If your grout needs scrubbing, this is the time to do it. Apply your preferred cleaner and wait for it to break down and loosen built-up grime. Then, scrub the grout with a stiff-bristled brush, and the grime should come right up. You can then wipe the dirt away or mop it up in the next step.

3. Mop

To mop your floor, first prepare your cleaning solution by diluting the agent with warm water. Then, submerge your mop, wring it out to prevent dripping and start mopping. Microfiber mops are your best friend when cleaning tile, as they won't scratch the finish. Start at the far corner of the kitchen or bathroom and work your way to the door, so you don't accidentally mop yourself into a corner.

4. Dry

While some people prefer to let tile air-dry, this can create water spots. If water accumulates in the grout, there's also a risk of mildew or mold. Instead, use a microfiber towel to gently wipe down the flooring. This has the added benefit of picking up an dirt left behind from mopping!

How Often Should You Clean Tile?

You only need to clean tile about once a week, and in some cases, you can mop every other week. Of course, if there's a spill, you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent slipping.

Do you want to update your kitchen or bathroom floor? Ceramic Tile Center has a wide selection of tiles from ceramic to marble. For more information or to get an estimate, call (707) 578-1350 or visit the website.