Tile floors are a popular flooring option found in many homes thanks to their durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you have ceramic, stone, or vinyl tiles, keeping them clean ensures they look their best and last longer. However, there are nuances in tile floor cleaning and care that many homeowners overlook, which can make a big difference in results.
In this blog, we'll walk you through a complete guide on how to clean tile floors of different types, how frequently you should clean, and pro tips to make your routine easier and more effective. Let’s dive in!
How to Clean All Types of Tile Floors and Grouts
So, how do you clean floor tiles and grout? Before give the ways, we should note that not all tile floors are created equal. Different materials respond differently to various cleaning methods and products. Here, let’s break it down to see the best ways to clean and mop ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, resilient, or porous tile floors:
How to Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors
Keeping ceramic and porcelain tile floors spotless doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow this simple process to clean tile floors made of ceramic and porcelain:
Remove Loose Dirt and Debris: Regularly sweep or vacuum your ceramic or porcelain floors to maintain their shine. Although these tiles resist dirt well, abrasive particles like sand can scratch and dull their glossy finish.
Select an Appropriate Mop: When mopping, opt for a rag or chamois-style mop paired with mild detergent and clean water. Avoid sponge mops, as they tend to force dirty water into grout lines, making them more difficult to keep clean.
Address Stains Promptly: If you notice any stains, first identify their source. Using a cleaner specifically suited to the type of stain will ensure better results and help maintain your tiles’ appearance.
Eliminate Soap Film: A cloudy or hazy appearance on tiles after cleaning often signals soap residue. To remove this film, apply a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. Alternatively, you can use a gentle homemade solution with mild acids, such as fresh lemon juice — but only on ceramic or porcelain, never on natural stone surfaces.
Dry Tiles Thoroughly: Avoid allowing your tiles to air-dry, as standing water can leave unattractive spots. Instead, wipe down the floor immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth to preserve the tile’s polished look.
How to Clean Stone Tile Floors (Slate, Marble, Granite)
Slate, marble, and granite tiles are common for natural stone floors in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and even living rooms for their durability, elegance, and timeless appeal. Proper cleaning and care can keep them beautiful and last longer. Follow these tips to clean each type of stone tile floor:
Slate Tile: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive grit that may scratch the surface. Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water—avoid acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice. Use a well-wrung mop to prevent water damage. After cleaning, dry the floor with a soft towel to avoid water spots, especially on sealed slate.
Marble Tile: Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a gentle attachment. Clean with a pH-balanced marble-safe cleaner—never use acidic or abrasive products. Wipe with a damp, non-abrasive mop, then rinse with clean water. Dry thoroughly to protect the stone’s natural shine.
Granite Tile: Remove dirt daily with a sweep or vacuum. Clean using a mild detergent or granite-safe cleaner and warm water. Mop with a damp cloth. Dry and buff with a soft towel to maintain its polished finish and prevent streaks.
How to Clean Resilient Tile Floors (Vinyl, Linoleum, Cork)
Resilient tile floors, such as vinyl, linoleum, and cork, are often used in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways due to their durability, comfort underfoot, and ease of maintenance. Here's how to properly clean vinyl, linoleum, and cork tile floors:
Vinyl Tile: Sweep or vacuum vinyl tile floors regularly to remove dust and grit. For everyday cleaning, use a solution of one cup of white vinegar per gallon of warm water. Mop with a well-wrung mop and avoid excess water. For sticky spots, add a drop of dish soap to boost cleaning power without damaging the finish.
Linoleum Tile: Clean linoleum floors by dusting or vacuuming frequently. Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water and mop with a damp mop. Avoid standing water, which can seep into seams. Rinse with clean water and dry the surface to prevent warping.
Cork Tile: Sweep cork floors daily and mop weekly. For sealed cork, use a light vinegar-and-water solution. For unsealed cork, use cleaners specifically designed for cork flooring. Always avoid standing water to prevent swelling or stains.
How to Clean Tile Grout
Clean tiles can still look dirty if the grout lines are stained. Grout is a porous material that absorbs grease, spills, and debris, making it one of the most challenging areas to clean. Here’s how to get your floor tile grout looking like new:
Make a DIY Grout Cleaner: Mix baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
Apply and Let Sit: Spread it over the grout lines and let it sit overnight to break down stains.
Scrub It Out: Use a stiff nylon brush to scrub in the morning. Avoid metal brushes—they can damage the grout.
Seal the Grout: After cleaning, apply a silicone-based sealer to protect from future stains. It’s best to do this 10–14 days after installation or restoration.
How Often to Clean Tile Floors
The frequency of cleaning a tile floor depends largely on the amount of foot traffic it receives and the type of environment you live in.
As a general rule, it’s wise to sweep or vacuum your floors at least twice a week to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can accumulate and cause scratches or dullness over time. For homes with pets, children, or high foot traffic, you may need to sweep more frequently.
In addition to regular sweeping, mopping your tile floors once a week with a mild detergent and warm water is recommended to remove any stains or spills that can set into the tile or grout. For a deeper cleaning tile floor, consider giving it a thorough scrub once a month. If you live in a less busy household, this deep cleaning can be reduced to once every two months.
Tips for Maintaining Tile Floors
Proper maintenance goes beyond regular cleaning and can significantly extend the life and beauty of your tile floors. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your tile floors fresh and spotless for years:
Vacuum and Mop Regularly: Frequent vacuuming and mopping prevent dust, dirt, and allergens from accumulating. For a hassle-free solution, consider a robot vacuum with mopping capabilities, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni. With 8,000 Pa of suction power and high-speed rotating mops, it effortlessly removes dust, debris, and pet hair in a single pass, leaving your tile floors pristine.
Implement Preventive Measures: Place doormats at all entrances to minimize dirt tracked indoors. Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes, protecting your tile floors from unnecessary wear and scratches.
Use Gentle Cleaning Products: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage natural stone or specialty tiles. Always choose tile-specific, pH-neutral cleaners, which are the best things to remove dirt and grime meanwhile maintaining the surface and color integrity.
Clean Spills Immediately: Spills can quickly seep into grout or porous tiles, causing stains. Wipe up any spills as soon as they happen to prevent lasting damage.
Maintain Your Grout: Grout can harbor mold and mildew if neglected. Clean it regularly with gentle cleaners and apply a grout sealer annually to protect it from moisture and staining.
Schedule Deep Cleaning: Every few months, deep clean your tile floors with a steam cleaner or professional service to eliminate embedded dirt, especially in high-traffic areas.
Conclusion
Now you know how to clean tile floors and grout. Cleaning tile floors is crucial for any home, not just for aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure their durability over time. By following the steps and tips we’ve outlined here—from cleaning schedules of different materials to specific maintenance tips—you can keep your floors looking their best. Also, remember to choose a good robot vacuum and mop combo to ensure a hands-free and effortless cleaning, and your floor remains a valuable and beautiful part of your home for years to come.
FAQs
How to clean really dirty floor tiles?
For heavily soiled tiles or old tile floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose debris. Then, apply a tile-safe cleaner and scrub with a soft-bristle brush, focusing on stained areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
How to clean tile floors without leaving residue?
To avoid residue, use a diluted pH-neutral cleaner and a damp microfiber mop. Change the cleaning solution frequently to prevent spreading dirt. After mopping, rinse the floor with clean water and dry it to eliminate any remaining film.
Can you use bleach on tile floors?
Yes, bleach can be used on vinyl non-porous tile floors for disinfecting purposes, but better not on natural stone tiles like marble or slate. However, it should be diluted properly and used sparingly, as it can damage grout and certain tile finishes over time. Always rinse thoroughly after use and ensure proper ventilation.
How do professionals clean tile and grout?
Professionals typically use a combination of high-pressure steam cleaners and specialized cleaning solutions to deep-clean tile and grout. This method effectively removes embedded dirt and stains, restoring the original appearance without damaging the surfaces.