Best Way to Clean Tile Floors – 6 Easy Steps

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Tile floors are fairly durable and resistant, but if left uncared for, they would look ugly over time. But do not worry, as there are a few easy ways to clean your tile floors and make them look fresh and new for many years. In this article, I’ll list the very best way to clean tile floors.

The best way to clean tile floors includes these 6 steps:

  1. Vacuum or sweep the tile.
  2. Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
  3. Mop the floor tiles with gentle and even strokes.
  4. Change the cleaning solution when it gets cloudy.
  5. Clean the grout lines.
  6. Dry the tile floor with a clean mop or dry cloth.

These steps are great for the common ceramic or porcelain tile floors, as well as other materials such as stone, marble, slate, and other materials. You might also need to use a specific tile cleaner, depending on your tile material.

You can remove loose debris if you vacuum or sweep the tile floors. Do it regularly so they won’t look old and dull. Grit and sand can make tiles made from ceramic and porcelain look cloudy, even if they are glazed.

You can also clean tiles by using the right floor mop with mild detergent and clean water. A chamois-type mop is better than a sponge mop for cleaning floor tiles. 

There are several ways you can clean tile floors, including porcelain, ceramic, and stone tile floors.

Read on to learn more about our 6 easy steps to make your tile floor look new again.

Also, to make mopping your tile floors a breeze, you can use the Cordless Electric Mop Rechargeable 3-in-1 Spin Waxer Floor Sprayer Cleaner. This electric mop has one button for spraying water and one button for its powerful spinning control.

Click here to see this electric mop on Amazon.

Best Way to Clean Tile Floors

You can loosen up debris on tile floors by regular vacuuming or sweeping. This cleaning method will also prevent the tiles from looking dull. Even ceramic tiles with glazed surfaces are not immune to sand and grit. These two elements can dull their shiny surface.

best way to clean tile floors porcelain ceramic

Before cleaning your tiles, you need to prepare the required tools and materials. They include:

  • Vacuum cleaner, electric mop or chamois mop, clean rag, and dry cloth
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Water bucket
  • Warm water
  • All-purpose cleaner or dish soap

Next, I’ll list the best way to clean porcelain tile floors and the best way to clean ceramic tile floors.

1. Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors

The best way to clean porcelain tile floors is to use the right floor mop. Instead of a sponge mop, use a chamois-type mop or just a clean rag and soak it into a bucket of clean water with some mild detergent.

When you sweep or vacuum the tile floors, the accumulated grime, dirt, and debris will be lifted off the floor. Next, mop them away with warm water. After mopping, dry the floor thoroughly. You also need to clean up any spills right away. Use a disinfectant if the spills contain dirty substances.

Step 1: Vacuum or sweep the tile.

This first step will remove the dirt and grime that have accumulated on the floor and grout. To pick up hair and dust, you can also use a microfiber duster.

Step 2: Mix mild detergent with warm water.

Get a chamois mop or a clean rag and dip it into a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Wring the mop or rag to remove excess water. The mop or rag should be damp and not overly wet.

Step 3: Mop the floor tiles with gentle and even strokes.

Follow a pattern as you mop the floor tiles. Make sure that you will not miss a spot in the room as you move around.

Step 4: Change the cleaning solution when it gets cloudy.

As you dip and rinse the mop into the solution, it will get cloudy and dirty. Throw the dirty solution and refill the bucket with a new cleaning solution. This step will ensure that no grime or hazy film will be left on the tiles.

If you notice that there’s a hazy film on the tiles after you have cleaned the whole floor, mix white vinegar with hot water. Get a clean rag and dip it into this solution. Run it on the spot to remove the hazy film.

Step 5: Clean the grout lines.

Use a grout cleaner or make a bleach solution to clean the grout lines. Spray the cleaner on the grout and let the solution stay there for several minutes. Then, rinse it off with clean water.

Step 6: Dry the floor with a clean mop or dry cloth.

Do this step immediately to prevent white spots from forming on the tiles.

The same steps can be applied to other tile materials. Next, I’ll describe the best way to clean other tile materials such as stone and linoleum tile floors.

2. Stone Tile Floors

There are three kinds of stone tiles: granite, marble, and slate. They are delicate and high-maintenance tile floors, so be careful in cleaning them.

Step 1: Make sure that you are using a stone tile cleaner that is suited to your stone tiles. There are chemicals in traditional tile cleaners that can damage the surface of natural stone tiles.

Step 2: Follow the basic steps used in cleaning ceramic and porcelain tiles.

For Granite Tiles

Use a mild detergent with a neutral pH. Acidic cleaners contain harsh chemicals that will leave discoloration and streaks on granite surfaces. To make the floor shiny, buff the granite tiles right after cleaning.

For Marble Tiles

Marble is a delicate material. Do not use cleaners that have an acidic pH level, including those that contain vinegar or lemon. They can cause etching on the surfaces of the marble tiles. Don’t use scouring powders and brushes with tough bristles as well. These cleaning tools can cause scratches on marble tiles.

For Slate Tiles

Use a mild detergent in cleaning slate tiles. Make sure that it does not contain acidic substances like vinegar or lemon. Also, avoid the formation of water spots on coated slate tiles by immediately drying the tiles after cleaning. Use a dry, soft, clean towel to dry the tiles.

3. Resilient Tile Floors

There are three types of resilient tile floors: linoleum, cork, and vinyl. They also require special cleaning techniques to avoid damaging their surfaces.

Step 1: Make sure that you are using a tile cleaner that is suited to your resilient tiles. There are chemicals in traditional tile cleaners that can damage the surface of resilient tiles.

Step 2: Follow the basic steps used in cleaning ceramic and porcelain tiles.

For Linoleum Tiles

Linoleum materials have specific cleaning needs. After vacuuming or sweeping, wash the tiles with borax detergent or a cleaning solution designed for linoleum tiles and flooring. Next, apply a coat of liquid or solid wax and then buff the floor to a shine. Do this cleaning method every 3 to 6 months.

For Cork Tiles

Cleaning cork tiles will depend on the finish of the tiles. If they are sealed with polyurethane, you can use water mixed with some vinegar or mild detergent. After cleaning, rinse the tiles thoroughly. If the cork tiles are waxed or unfinished, clean them the same way. Apply solid or liquid wax after cleaning and drying them.

For Vinyl Tiles

Of all resilient tiles, vinyl is the easiest to maintain. Simply vacuum or sweep the debris and then mop the tiles using a mop dipped in a cleaning solution or one that is made of vinegar and water. Don’t use a cleaner with abrasive substances or a scrubbing tool. These cleaners may leave scratches on vinyl surfaces.

Clean Tile Floors with Household Products

If you are a fixer-upper or DIY person, you can also use some of the items that you have in your pantry. Here are some of the ordinary household products that can clean your tile floors:

  • Orange peels
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda or baking powder
  • Dish soap
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Mouthwash
  • Clean water

You can use these household products for the following tile cleaning materials:

1. Tile Scrub

Baking soda is effective in removing stains on tile floors. Make your own cleaning solution by mixing one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, ¼ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, and two gallons of warm water. To add a fresh scent, add several drops of lavender essential oil.

In scrubbing the tiles, you can use the Homitt Electric Spin Scrubber Built-in LG Battery. It’s a portable cordless scrubber that is perfect for tile floors. It has a long-lasting, built-in LG battery that can run continuously for one hour before requiring a recharge.

Click here to see this scrubber on Amazon.

2. Minty Cleaning Liquid

Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol, water, and white vinegar. Add ½ teaspoon of dish soap and some drops of peppermint oil. Pour the alcohol-water-vinegar mixture into a sprayer and spray it on the tiles. You can also dip your mop into this solution if you want to mop the tiles instead.

3. Mildew and Mold Remover

Mix equal parts of baking powder and lemon juice into a paste. Spread this paste onto the area with mold and mildew. Leave it there for about 2.5 or 3 hours, depending on how dirty the tile floors are. Rinse the paste with clean water and dry the spot.

4. Disinfectant

Mix a few drops of mouthwash with one gallon of water. This solution can sanitize tiles and vinyl flooring. It will also kill harmful germs and prevent them from breeding.

See the below video for other tips on cleaning tile floors:

How to Deep Clean Tile Floors

When dirt and grime are already deeply embedded on the tiles, you need deep cleaning. Here is the best way to deep clean tile floors:

Step 1: Mop the Floor with Vinegar and Warm Water.

Mix one gallon of water with ½ cup of white vinegar. Get a mop and dip it into this solution. Mop the floor as usual. Do it again if the floor is still dirty. This time, add a mild detergent to the solution.

To make mopping your tile floors easier, you can use the Cordless Electric Mop Rechargeable 3 in 1 Spin Waxer Floor Sprayer Cleaner. This electric mop has only one button for spraying water and one button for spinning control.

Click here to see this electric mop on Amazon.

Even small kids and the elderly can operate this machine easily. It also comes with a 300 ml water tank and can wet, dry, and wax tile floors.

Step 2: Remove the Stains.

Mix equal parts of warm water and scouring powder into a paste-like consistency. Use a clean cloth to get some of this paste. Rub the paste on the stains, and let it stay there for about 5 to 10 minutes. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the spot. Rinse that spot with warm water and then use a clean cloth to remove paste residues. Repeat this brushing process until you have removed all the stains.

Step 3: Remove Mildew and Mold.

Mix equal parts of ammonia and water. Get a brush with soft bristles, dip it into the water and ammonia solution, and scrub the spot. Rinse the area with water after removing molds and mildew. Always wear hand gloves when working with chemicals like ammonia.

Step 4: Remove the Tough Spots.

Put rubber gloves on since this step will require you to use kerosene. Get a clean cloth, dampen it with kerosene, and rub the stain with it. Remove the stain residues and kerosene by rinsing the spot with warm water. Repeat this process until all tile floor stains have been removed.

best way to deep clean tile floors
Best way to deep clean tile floors

How Often Do You Need to Clean Tile Floors?

Tiles need regular and constant maintenance to retain their neat and fresh looks. Regular and proper maintenance includes both wet and dry cleaning.

1. Wet Cleaning

Schedule a once every two weeks of tile mopping. For bathroom tiles, it should be once a week since germ buildup is faster in this section of the house. You should also focus on cleaning the grout. It should be done at least once in a couple of months.

To make cleaning tile grout much easier, you can use the Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro 10-in-1. This mop can nearly clean everything inside the house.

Click here to see this mop on Amazon.

With its 10-in-1 capabilities, you can clean your tiles and even the whole house faster and easier. It is, indeed, a quite useful and efficient handheld steam cleaner.

2. Dry Cleaning

A once a week vacuuming or sweeping schedule is the very least you can do to keep your floor tiles looking fresh and clean. Whatever kind of floor tiles you have, you can use a vacuum with a soft bristle attachment. Use a hand broom and dustpan to complete the task.

Conclusion – Best Way to Clean Tile Floors

So, to recap, what’s the best way to clean tile floors? The best way to clean tile floors that are ceramic or porcelain includes these 6 steps:

  1. Vacuum or sweep the tile.
  2. Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
  3. Mop the floor tiles with gentle and even strokes.
  4. Change the cleaning solution when it gets cloudy.
  5. Clean the grout lines.
  6. Dry the tile floor with a clean mop or dry cloth.

You can follow these steps for tile floors made of other materials, such as linoleum or stone; however, you might also need to use a specific tile cleaner depending on your tile material.

You can remove loose debris by vacuuming and sweeping the tile floors. Do it regularly so the tiles won’t look old and dull.

Grit and sand can cause glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles to look cloudy. You can also clean the tiles by using the right floor mop with a solution of mild detergent and clean water. A chamois-type mop is also better to use than a sponge mop when it comes to cleaning floor tiles.

By following the above steps and advice in this article, you will get your tile floors looking clean, fresh, and back to new. Set a reminder on your calendar to keep the tiles floors cleaned and renewed on a regular basis.

Related reading:

What Is the Best Way to Clean Grout? Tile and Floor

How Long Does It Take for Grout to Dry

Best Way to Clean Laminate Floors? 3 Easy Steps

Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors? 4 Easy Steps

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