Tile flooring is a common option for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways because of its stain resistance and longevity. However, for some, their ease of cleaning is the most crucial consideration. Many store-bought cleaners can be used to mop tile floors, but a few items you probably already have on hand will work just as well. Here’s everything you should know about cleaning tile floors in the kitchen and bathroom, including how frequently to do it and which tile varieties require special attention.
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Best Ways to Clean Tile Floors
Vinegar and Water Solution
- Before cleaning the floor, sweep or vacuum it. This guarantees that when cleaning, your mop won’t be dragging pet hair or crumbs around.
- Fill a mop bucket with one cup of distilled water to make the cleaning solution. Fill the bucket with a gallon of warm water; if the floors are really filthy, add an additional cup of vinegar to the cleaning solution.
- Use the vinegar and water solution to mop the floor, being careful to move the mop in a figure-eight pattern or from side to side instead of up and down. When necessary, wring the mop.
- Empty the bucket of any remaining cleaning solution. Refill it with warm water, then use this fresh water to clean the tile floor.
- Before using the floor, let it totally dry
Baking Soda and Vinegar
- .In a medium-sized bowl, combine baking soda and enough water to make a thick, gritty paste.
- Using a toothbrush, scrub the grout as you apply the paste to the unclean grout lines. Give the paste five to ten minutes to sit if the grout is really dirty.
- Cover the grout lines with a solution of one cup of vinegar and one cup of water. The mixture will bubble and fizz.
- Rinse the vinegar and baking soda off with a mop after filling a mop bucket with clean water. Depending on how much baking soda you use, this could require many passes.
Before you walk on the floor again, let it air dry.
Dawn Dish Soap and Water
For porous natural tile floors like sandstone or travertine, this mild technique works well.
- Start by vacuuming or sweeping the tile floors.
- In a spray bottle, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water to create the cleaning solution.
- Before wiping the tile floor with a flathead mop, liberally apply the cleaning solution.
- Pour clean water into a second spray bottle and mist the tile floor. Using a fresh mop head, mop the water off the floor to rinse it.
- Either let the floor air dry or remove any remaining wet with a few large microfiber towels.
The Frequency of Tile Floor Cleaning
Tile floors need to be cleaned as often as vinyl or laminate floors or any other hard-surface flooring in the house. Cleaning a kitchen tile floor that is used often should be done once a week or every other week. Cleaning a bathroom floor that is used regularly should be done at least once every seven days. It is possible to clean tile floors in areas with low traffic merely once or twice a month.
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