Cleaning
Introduction to ceramic tile cleaning
Thanks to their elegance, versatility and durability, ceramic tiles have been a popular design feature for hundreds of years. Their great visual appearance, ease of maintenance and longevity make them suitable for all kinds of functional and visual environments like kitchens, bathrooms, entryways or countertops. They are a perfect solution for any home looking for as little upkeep as possible.
However durable and easy to maintain, a ceramic tile still requires some proper care in order to stay in good shape for the years to come. Luckily, there are efficient ways to clean them quickly and easily to maintain their excellent condition.
Are you looking for general house cleaning information? Read our main Langley house cleaning services page.
Why are ceramic tiles popular?
The hard surface of ceramic tiles makes them resistant to water and moisture and consequently less prone to germs and molds. This quality makes ceramic tile the best for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Clean ceramic tile requires minimal maintenance and provides a germ-free and hygienic environment which is much needed for a kitchen. You can also select an array of Germ-Free Tiles which kills 99.9%bacteria causing germs upon contact and works most efficiently between mopping cycles.
Durability
Ceramic tiles are hard on the surface which makes them a popular choice for kitchen designs. Ceramic tiles are invulnerable to moisture, stain, scratch, and crack resistant and provide an added layer of protection against damage.
Easy cleaning and maintenance
The harder and glazed surface of ceramic tiles makes them easier to maintain for a longer period. Regular mopping with just water or a white vinegar solution will prevent the need for deep cleaning.
Water-Resistant
Glazed ceramic tiles provide an added protective layer that will make them dense and prevent water damage and high humidity. These attributes make glazed ceramic tiles perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
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Disadvantages of ceramic tile floors and walls
Ceramic tiles offer great advantages, but every coin has two sides. Here are some of the disadvantages that come with a ceramic tile.
Heavyweight
Ceramic tiles are comparatively heavy, which doesn’t make them an ideal choice for upper-story fixings. Make sure to have a professional check the integrity of the construction.
Ceramic is cold
Ceramic tiles are very dense and it takes them longer to heat up or cool down than other flooring materials. They can get quite cold in winter as well as hot in the summer.
Harder surface materials
Ceramic tile floors are extremely hard. While the hardness of ceramic is considered to be an added value, as it makes them easier to clean and maintain, there is also a downside. The hardness makes it uncomfortable to stand on them for a long time, for example in the kitchen.
Difference between ceramic or porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are made of more refined natural clay that’s fired at higher temperatures, making them denser, more durable and resistant to staining. Ceramic tile’s lower fire temperature results in its thinner texture compared with porcelain tile material.
Porcelain tiles are made of a practically impervious form which means they can absorb less than 0.5% water in total, making them perfect for high-traffic areas where moisture would otherwise ruin the surface and cause mould or mildew!
Both tile types can have a ceramic glaze. What differs is the body. There are both unglazed and glazed options.
How is a ceramic tile made?
Ceramic tile is created by mixing a base of clay with different types of minerals and water to create a slurry. The slurry is then fed into a machine that extrudes it into shapes.
After the tiles are formed, they are placed in a kiln and fired at high temperatures, typically between 1,800 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit giving them an absorption between 0.5%-3.0%, sometimes even more.
The firing process helps to give the tile its strength and durability as well as its final colour and appearance. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of colours and styles, making them a popular choice for home projects.
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How to clean ceramic tile floors and walls
Prepare your cleaning solution
There is a variety of commercial ceramic tile cleaner solutions that you can buy, Or you can even make your own. Let me show you what you can make from your home remedies.
Vinegar
Combine 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water in the bucket. Then mix well.
Vinegar and soap
Fill a bucket with hot water, a half cup of vinegar and a half tablespoon of dish soap. The vinegar will help to cut through any grease or grime, while the dish soap will break up any dirt or debris.
Baking soda
To remove pet stains or oil spills, sprinkle baking soda (or make a baking soda and water paste) on the spot for 15 minutes before scrubbing and vacuuming it off. You could also use any commercial tile and grout lines cleaner for this purpose as well.
Vinegar and baking soda paste
Mix equal parts of baking soda, dish soap and white vinegar with a bucket of water. Dip a clean mop in it, and gently use it on your tile floor in regular motions.
Hydrogen peroxide and water
Mix hydrogen peroxide and water (in equal ratio) to remove coffee, juice, or tea stains. You can apply it to the tile and then wash it with hot water.
Clean ceramic tiles with a steam mop
A steam cleaner mop is a great option for cleaning sealed ceramic and porcelain tiles. It works by heating up water, turning it into a vapour that’s spread across the floor. Hot steam is effective at disinfecting and cleaning tough messes. And it won’t damage your tiles like some other tools or cleaners might.
Use your steam cleaner mop on a regular basis to keep your tile floors looking shiny and new.
PRO TIP
When shopping for a steam mop, be sure to look for one with adjustable steam settings. This way, you can customize the amount of steam based on the type of flooring you’re cleaning. Some steam mops also come with attachments for cleaning tile grout lines and reaching tight spaces.
Prep the area
Make your job easy. Remove everything that can be in a way of your mop or a rag. Shoes, carpets, shampoo bottles, kitchen and bathroom supplies. Clear your space and your cleaning process will be much faster.
Ventilate
Open your windows or start your ventilation. Fresh airflow will help with drying and keeping the fumes at bay.
Sweep and dust
Always dry clean first. Make sure you use a soft brush broom, microfiber cloth or the soft head attachment of the vacuum cleaner to prevent scratching the surface.
Start by vacuuming, sweeping and dusting before you start mopping. This will remove any small sharp particles like sand, debris, dirt or grit that can scratch your floor. You also remove the dust, which in combination with water, can create a muddy film that is difficult to remove.
Hot water
Run hot water in your bathroom for a few minutes before you apply your cleaning solution and start scrubbing. This encourages the ceramic pores of your tiles to open up, which gives you greater access to the dirt and grime that has built up over time.
It will also help to loosen any soap residue or mildew that may be present on your bathroom surfaces. Try to create similar humid conditions in your kitchen too.
Apply the cleaning solution
Choose your cleaner and use a spray bottle or any other method to apply your cleaning solution to your tiles. Leave it there for 15-30 minutes (depending on the cleaner) to do its job.
Mop and scrub
Before you dip the mop or your sponge into your cleaning solution, rinse it out under hot running water to remove any debris from the last time you used it.
Scrub and mop the tiles with your cleaning solution. Work in small sections. Be sure to rinse out your sponge mop head frequently to avoid spreading around dirty water. Make a new batch of cleaning solution after it gets dirty.
Remove any cleaning solution residue by mopping or rinsing the area with clean, hot water.
Dry
You can allow the tiles to air dry. But drying it with a clean microfiber cloth or towel will remove even more dirt and prevent water spots.
Seal
You may want to consider sealing your tiles once they are completely dry. Be sure to wipe off any excess with a soft cloth.
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Ceramic tiles maintenance
You don’t get new tiles every day. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on them on a daily basis to prolong their lifespan and avoid deep cleaning. Here are some tips that you should follow to keep your ceramic tiles tip-top.
Vacuum and dust your tiles daily
Clean up spills and dirt right away
Sweep, dust and wipe tiled areas on a regular basis
Use a mop, hot water, and mild detergent to clean the floor once a week
Always remove any cleaner with a clean wet mop. Leftover cleaners can make your tiles slippery and dull
Use a squeegee to remove water and soap residue after showering
Balance the Ph of the cleaning solution by mixing acidic cleaning agents with equal parts of water.
Use appropriate ceramic tile cleaners to maintain the good look and feel of the ceramic surfaces in your home.
Apply car wax annually. This will safeguard the sealant layer of your tiles and prevent mildew growth
PRO TIP
To make your tiles sparkle like they’re brand new, mix club soda or hot water with some lemon juice and buff the cleaned floor. This will restore that original shine of a clean ceramic tile while keeping it sleek and bright!
PRO TIP
To keep mold from growing on your clean ceramic tile surfaces, simply add two teaspoons of tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with warm water. Then mist it over the tiles and watch as it goes away!
What to avoid when cleaning a ceramic tile
The biggest risk to any type of tile is harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Strongly acidic products, like citric acid or neat vinegar, can affect the finish. Always dilute your cleaning solutions to make sure they’re safe for your tiles, and avoid these cleaners entirely on natural stone tiles or unglazed ceramic.
Completely avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on your ceramic tile either. These ingredients are just too strong and they will cause damage.
Avoid dyes that can have a negative long-term effect on the colour of the tiles.
Any cleaning product or tool that has a gritty, abrasive texture is going to be damaging to your tile.
It isn’t just the cleaning solutions you use that can be harmful. Avoid using any hard or abrasive cleaning tools. Steel wool, magic erasers, and scouring sponges can all scratch your tiles.
Sponge mops and other traditional mop alternatives can have plastic and metal parts that can also scratch the clean ceramic tile floors. They also redistribute the dirt to the tile and clean ceramic tile grout lines.
Conclusion
Ceramic tiles have been popular for centuries and continue to be a favorite choice for flooring. They are durable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors and styles.
If you have any questions or need help with the house cleaning process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
