Cleaning Tile Floors – Tips And Warnings
Cleaning tile floors can be a nightmare if done with the wrong cleaning products or methods.
However, if you use the proper cleaning solutions, tile floors are actually easier to clean than any other floor surfaces. And they look great too, tile floors confer a stylish and glamorous look in any setting, whether it’s your home, a retail store or any other commercial setting. Tile floors are very popular especially for bathrooms, kitchens and hallways, because they look great, they’re relatively easy to maintain and look much more sanitary.
However, the problem in cleaning tile floors is not with the tiles themselves, but with the grout. Grout is that material in between the tiles, keeping them together. And while the tiles themselves are very easy to clean with a simple wipe, the grout tends to accumulate dirt, debris, mold and mildew if not properly cleaned and maintained. They have a porous surface that favors dirt build-up, especially if the tiles are higher than the grout, and if the tiles are sparkling clean but the grout is dirty, the floors will still have a dirty appearance.
The trick in cleaning tile floors is to pay special attention to the grout. Do not use any ammonia based detergents or bleach if your have colored grout, because in time such formulas will discolor it. The best way to clean tile flooring is with a water-based solution, that will not harm the tiles nor the grout. Just make a solution of 1/4 cup of mild detergent added to a bucket of warm water (about a gallon), and then rinse thoroughly in order to remove any leftover residue. And to avoid the build-up of dirt, mildew or mold, it is essential for cleaning tile floors to be done frequently. Sweep and damp mop the floors on a regular basis, and try to wipe the spills as quickly as possible so they don’t leave a stain or penetrate into the grout. However, if heavier dirt does accumulate on the tiles, there are various cleaning products for removing scuff marks, soap scum, mildew stains or hard water deposits. Just be careful to read the label of the product in order to make sure it’s suitable for cleaning tile floors.
Another great alternative for getting your tile floors look brand new is to use a floor cleaning machine, 
such as a floor scrubber/polisher. With the help of a floor cleaning machine you will obtain professional results with very little effort, and cleaning tile floors will be easier than ever. If you choose to use a vacuum cleaner, use it without the beater bar so the tiles don’t get scratched or dulled.
All in all, cleaning tile floors is not that big of a hassle. Just use the proper cleaning products, make sure the label says that they’re appropriate for tile floors, and pay extra attention to the grout. Other than that, whether they’re ceramic, marble or another material, tile floors will add extra style and class to any setting.
