How to Spring Clean Your Tile
By Steve Williams,
We're not only a carpet store, but we're a tile store, too! We're actually an everything flooring store. But for now… let's talk about tile and spring cleaning!
Cleaning your tile floor with a damp mop once a week is the best thing you can do. A simple sweeping or vacuuming (without beater bars) of your tile floor before mopping will remove any dust or debris. Make sure to use a cleaner that is compatible with grout cleaning (neutral pH) and will not stain the grout. We recommend Mr. Clean. Don't use a detergent or soap because it may dull the surface. Use a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush when cleaning. After scrubbing, rinse with clean water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
The grout needs to be cleaned periodically to remove any surface residue build-up. Cleaning grout is a great DIY spring cleaning project! Just like in cleaning your tile, a neutral pH balanced daily-use cleaner like Mr. Clean is best. However, when heavier grout cleaning is needed, mix baking soda and water into a paste. Apply it to the stain overnight and then scrub using a nylon brush. An old toothbrush is perfect for this task. Just make sure not to use a metal brush because it will scratch the tile. Let the grout air dry, then put on a silicone-based grout sealer to resist future stains and dirt.
Make sure you never clean with anything that contains acids, vinegar, chlorine, or ammonia. These chemicals can discolor and damage the grout along with the surface of the stone or tile. After cleaning, always rinse the flooring surface thoroughly using clean, clear water to avoid any periodic residue build-up or mold and mildew growth.
If your floors are in rougher shape than you thought, give us a call and schedule a professional tile cleaning. You can also schedule a tile cleaning on our website HERE. We're not just a carpet store or a tile store; we're an everything flooring store!