How to Clean Tile Floors
Tile floors are a common denominator in many homes. Generally installed in the kitchen or bathroom, these floors require a certain amount of routine maintenance to keep them clean and looking their best. While it is not difficult to clean your floor, you'll want to do so safely and on a regular basis.
- Clean up any type of spill as soon as it occurs. This includes all liquid and dry spills. Use a broom to immediately sweep up crumbs and other types of dry debris that may fall onto the floor. For a wet spill, use a damp cloth or sponge followed by a dry cloth to dry it completely.
- Sweep your floor on a daily basis, even when there is no obvious debris. This will help you to maintain a visibly clean floor.
- Mop your floor with a damp mop on a weekly basis. Fill a bucket with hot water only. For routine cleaning of your tile flooring, hot water will sufficiently clean away any dirt. Wet your mop in the bucket of water and ring it out twice. Wipe over the floor, re-dipping your mop as needed. Dump your water when it is dirty and refill the bucket with more water as needed. If you feel more comfortable using a cleanser, choose one that is nonabrasive.
- Add a cleaning solution, such as an antibacterial cleanser, to the water whenever you are mopping up spills that contain bacteria. This includes spills such as pet accidents or raw meat that has fallen on the floor.
- Remove stubborn stains from tile flooring by mixing your desired floor cleanser with water as stated on the instructions. Wet your floor with the cleanser or hot water and, using a soft bristled scrub brush, gently scrub over the stained areas. Rinse the floor again using a wet sponge. Wipe over the tiles with a clean dry cloth to dry it completely.
- Clean grout by first wetting it with plain water only, using either a sponge or mop. Dip a toothbrush into chlorine bleach and use it to scrub the grout.
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- Wear gloves when scrubbing stains or cleaning grout to protect your hands.