The right floor tiles can give any room in the house a luxurious look, but not when it's dirty. Over time, dust and mold begin to build up on textured floor surfaces and on the grout, causing unsightly discoloration. Floor tile cleaning can be a tricky job as different types of cleaning products can leach or damage porous materials such as natural stone. Fortunately, there is an all-in-one solution readily available in your kitchen. With a bottle of plain vinegar and determination, you can clean and polish floor tiles, extending their life and making them look as beautiful as they were freshly installed.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Mopping Floor Tiles with Vinegar
Step 1. Fill the bucket with hot water
For most types of flooring, 3.5-7 liters of water is sufficient. If you need to clean a larger room, you can gradually add a few liters of water. The warmer the temperature of the water, the better it is effective at removing trapped or adhering dust and dirt.
- Before you start mopping, make sure you've removed furniture, tools, and other objects that might get in the way of your work or could be damaged when exposed to water.
- If the bucket is too big to fit in the sink, try filling the bucket in the soaking tub (or under the shower).
Step 2. Add 240 ml of white vinegar
Use a ratio of about 120-240 ml of vinegar for every 3.5 liters of water. Stir the vinegar in the water to make it even. Vinegar contains a mild acid that is useful for dissolving the remaining dirt that has hardened.
- Diluting the vinegar prevents discoloration or fading of the surface of the floor tiles.
- You can also use other strong vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar, to clean floors.
Step 3. Wipe the floor using the vinegar mixture
Wipe each tile in a circular or sideways motion. Make sure you coat the entire floor with vinegar. Don't forget to clean the columns of furniture or floors along the baseboard (the small panels that run along the bottom of the walls).
- When you mop, you can immediately see the results.
- Be careful not to wet the parquet board or carpet with the vinegar mixture.
Step 4. Rinse the floor with clean water
Empty the bucket and refill it with clean warm water. Mop the floor again while still squeezing and re-wetting the mop every few feet. By rinsing the floor, the remaining dirt and vinegar can be removed. Absorb any excess water on the floor with a dry mop, squeegee, or high-absorbent towel, then air dry.
- If you skip the rinsing step, the remaining dirty water will dry on the surface of the floor and leave splash marks.
- Make sure that the grout is also drained to prevent mold growth, which can thrive in warm, humid spaces or conditions.
Part 2 of 3: Clean the Grout Thoroughly Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Step 1. Mix warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle
Use both ingredients in equal amounts and beat all ingredients until evenly mixed. With a spray bottle, you have more control over how to use and dispense the vinegar mixture making it perfect for cleaning tight spaces like floor grout lines.
A bottle of vinegar can be a natural cleaning solution that's handy in a pinch
Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda on one area of the grout line
You don't need a lot of baking soda; a thin layer will suffice. Smooth the baking soda into the grout using your fingertips or the bristles of a brush. For maximum efficiency, spread the baking soda on the grout lines surrounding one small tile first, following the checkerboard pattern of the floor, a little at a time.
For stubborn stains or dirt, you can make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grout, then let it sit overnight
Step 3. Spray a layer of baking soda with the vinegar mixture
The two materials will form a mild chemical reaction and produce foam on the grout. Let the baking soda and vinegar sit for 5-10 minutes to make sure they're able to get rid of any accumulated dirt or grime.
- The foam formation makes it easier for the vinegar and baking soda mixture to get into the tiny pores of the grout.
- To maximize the stain-removing power of the mixture, wait for the mixture to stop foaming before you start brushing the grout.
Step 4. Brush the grout clean
Use a hard-bristled brush to vigorously brush the grout and crevices in the corners of the tile. After coating the grout with vinegar and baking soda, you can remove the most stubborn stains. Thoroughly rinse the floor with a damp cloth or sponge, then air dry it.
- Special brushes designed for cleaning grout can be purchased at affordable prices from home supply stores. Alternatively, you can also use a cookware brush or scrubber with a long handle.
- Prepare an unused toothbrush to clean the grout. With its pointed brush tip and long handle, a toothbrush can be a great tool for cleaning between tiles.
- Brushing grout manually (by hand) can take a lot of time, but it's the most effective way to get it back to its original color.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Floor Tiles
Step 1. Clean the tiles regularly
When treating tiles, prevention is the best solution. By regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and polishing the tiles, stain-causing substances or debris will not accumulate on the floor. Pay attention to areas that are easy to become "nests" of dust and dirt, especially corners of the room, under furniture, or the floor along the bottom panel of the wall (baseboard).
- Try sweeping or vacuuming the tiles every few days, and mopping or mopping the floor thoroughly about once a week.
- Unmaintained tiles can quickly show an unsightly appearance. If you leave it unkempt, the condition of the tiles can negatively affect the value of your home or property.
Step 2. Immediately wipe up any spills or dirt that hits the floor
If left unchecked, small spills can become stubborn stains. Clean the spill area as soon as possible with a clean cloth moistened with warm water or a vinegar solution. Sweep up dirt and food crumbs so they don't stick or get caught in the grout or hard surfaces.
- Add more vinegar as needed until the stain starts to lift.
- It's important to clean up any dirt on the floor right away, especially if you have light colored tiles or grout as discoloration or dirt will be more visible.
Step 3. Avoid using chemical cleaning products
Tile is renowned for its durability and ease of cleaning. However, this does not mean that tiles cannot be crushed or damaged. Harsh chemicals like bleach can fade natural tile materials, while astringent cleaners can damage the smooth surface of porcelain tiles, even when used just a few times. If possible, choose alternative cleaning products that are more environmentally friendly, such as vinegar and baking soda.
- Even commercial cleaning products can damage tiles with frequent use, and are usually no more effective than vinegar.
- Never use utensils more abrasive than a hard-bristled brush or kitchen sponge to scrub tiles. Using abrasive tools can leave small scratches that can be filled with dirt and mildew.
Tips
- Vinegar is affordable, easy to find, and environmentally “friendly” enough to be used as often as desired, without risking damage to the floor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the vinegar mixture to reduce the sour smell that lingers on the floor.
- A highly absorbent microfiber sponge or cloth can speed up the drying process and prevent mold growth.
- Try using a professional to wax the floor (waxing). The wax coating provides a protective barrier against build-up of dirt, and enhances the appearance of the floor with an attractive shine.
Warning
- It's a good idea not to use vinegar to clean tiles made of smooth natural materials, such as marble. Perishable materials like this can absorb moisture. In addition, the acid content in vinegar can cause surface erosion.
- Wet floors run the risk of slipping, especially when the dirt has been removed. Watch your step when cleaning the tiles. When you're done, don't walk or walk past the cleaned area until the floor is completely dry.
