Three Steps to Tile Cleaning

Tile cleaning requires a few basic steps to get it done properly. Read about how to clean tile and grout in this breakdown.

We've all been there. We've all walked into our kitchen or bathroom one day only to notice that our once pristine and clean tiles and grouting are now grubby and discolored. Having unclean tiles can make a room look unclean, even if that's not the case.

To top it all off, tile cleaning is notoriously difficult, and is often a task homeowners are afraid to take on themselves. If you've got tiles that are in need of some TLC, don't worry, this guide will take you step-by-step through how you can achieve total tile restoration. Read on to learn some of the very best tile and grout cleaning techniques.

What Type of Tiles Have You Got?

Before we begin, it should be noted that not all tiles are created equal. The type of tiles you have could affect how difficult or easy they are to clean. For example, if you've got white tiles, they will be more difficult to keep looking clean than black or brown tiles such as travertine pavers.

Some of the easiest tile types to clean include things like vinyl tiles and polished porcelain. The type of grout you have matters also. If you've got a light-colored grout, this will be more difficult to keep pristine than a darker color.

These are things to consider when you're having tiles installed. However, it is possible to clean all types of tile, some will just take more below grease than others. See below for your quickfire method for tile cleaning.

1. Remove Excess Dirt

Any tile cleaning job will begin with cleaning the surface and removing excess dirt and debris. You can do this by first going over the entire floor with a brush or a vacuum. Then, you'll want to mop or scrub the tiles.

For this step, you can try first with a standard floor cleaner, and this should work well. If there are stubborn stains, you may need to opt for something more heavy-duty.

2. Clean Grout

Cleaning grout can be one of the most daunting and difficult parts of the tile cleaning process. It will almost certainly take some time and effort, but in reality, it's nothing to fear. You just need the right supplies and a can-do attitude.

You'll find all sorts of cleaning products made specifically for grout in cleaning supply stores, so you can use these as instructed if you wish. But if you want to opt for something more natural, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar works a treat.

Spray a solution of water and vinegar on the tiles and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then sprinkle on a paste made out of baking soda and water. Now use a brush to scrub the area until clean.

3. Polish Floors

By now, your tiled floors should be looking pretty spectacular. The finishing touch will be to give them one more polish so they're gleaming like new. This is something you can do yourself, or have a professional company come and do for you.

Tile Cleaning 101

Grout and tile cleaning can be tough, but when you see the finished result, it's all worth it. If you don't have the time to devote to such a thorough cleaning, however, at Desert Tile and Grout Restore we'd be happy to help. Get in touch if you'd like your tiles to look brand new with no elbow grease required today.