Posted by When it comes to cleaning tile floors, you must be aware that different kinds of tile require different cleaners and cleaning techniques. Some are made from natural stone like marble, travertine, slate, granite, etc, while some are made from ceramic, porcelain, wood or other material. In this article, we shall understand the characteristics of different kinds of tile and also about how to clean tile floors.
How to Clean Tile Floors made from Ceramic or Porcelain
Characteristics:
- Ceramic and porcelain are non-porous tile that do not have the tendency to absorb moisture within their pores.
- This characteristic makes them quite durable and low-maintenance when compared to natural stone tile.
- However, you cannot prevent stains, spillage, soap scum and other debris from settling on the surface and making it dirty.
- If there is water accumulation on the surface, it will also lead to mold breeding.
Best Way to Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tile:
- The best way to clean tile floors made from ceramic or porcelain is to use a surface cleaner that is non-acidic. Such cleaners with a low pH value ensures that the top enamel coating of the tile is not corroded.
- You must first loosen the debris with a robust cleaner and then scrub gently with a non-abrasive brush that does not cause scratches.
- Do not let water accumulate on the surface and always make it a point to keep the surfaces dry.
- Do not use home based remedies like baking soda or vinegar for tile cleaning, as these are acidic to some extent and may cause etching on the surface.
Best Product to Clean Ceramic and Porcelain Tile:
- For cleaning ceramic tile, we recommend you to use Imperia Deep Clean from pFOkUS. It is a deep-penetrative cleaner that is also alkaline in nature. It easily loosens the bonds of tough stains and removes them gently without damaging the surface.
- If you need a tile floor cleaner for daily light cleaning, you can try using Imperia Maintenance from pFOkUS. It is a maintenance cleaner that easily removes all the superfluous dirt and dust and reveals a sparkling surface below.
How to Clean Tile Floors made from Natural Stone such as Marble, Travertine, Granite or such Others?
Characteristics:
- Travertine, marble and slate are permeable stones and are prone to stains caused by food and liquid spillage. These spills and dampness lead to mold and mildew formation. The spills tend to get absorbed by the porous stone thereby making it an excellent breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
- You need to seal natural stone tile after deep-cleaning to prevent such moisture absorption and mold breeding.
- You can later maintain their beauty and cleanliness by using a maintenance cleaner.
- Natural stone like slate also shed dust, which makes the surroundings dirty and also makes the stone look dull after a few years. It is necessary to seal them after deep-cleaning.
Best Way to Clean Natural Stone Tile:
- For cleaning bathroom tile floors made from natural stone tile, never use acidic cleaners, as they may cause etching on the surface.
- Natural stone floor tile cleaning can be done by using alkaline or pH-neutral cleaners that are strong on the germs and yet gentle on the stains.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners that might cause scratches on the surface.
- Always wipe the tile floor after use to prevent hard water staining, water accumulation or mold breeding.
- Use a deep-penetrative cleaner that has a deep-soaking action that can enter into the pores of the tile and eliminate all traces of bacteria and mold from within.
- After deep-cleaning, always seal the stone tile, to give a coating protection and prevent further moisture absorption.
- You can even consider buffing or polishing the stone tile after a few years, every once in a while to retain the sheen and lustre.
Best Product to Clean Natural Stone Tile:
- You can use Imperia Deep Clean from pFOkUS as it has a deep-penetrative action. This cleaner, apart from being alkaline, is also deep-soaking and hence it can easily remove all hidden traces of mold and mildew at the root level. It also does not cause any etching and leaves the surface sanitized at the root level.
- After deep-cleaning, we recommend you to seal the tile and later, you can use Imperia Maintenance, a combination product of a sealer and a cleaner, for daily maintenance cleaning. This maintenance cleaner retains the top sealant coat and also cleans the superfluous dirt settling on the surfaces once sealed.
How to Clean Grout:
Characteristics:
- Grout is a mixture of cement and sand added between two tiles to join them.
- It is a porous surface and tends to absorb moisture and give birth to mold.
- Grout, when unsealed, gets deteriorated and discolored because of acidic cleaners.
- Grout also goes missing or cracks in some places leading to water stagnation.
- Grout should be strong and in place, else the tile joints may get loose.
Best Way to Clean Grout:
- The best way to clean grout is to use a deep-penetrating cleaner that is non-acidic, alkaline and robust.
- Use a grout brush to remove all traces of mold and stains hidden in the thin grout lines.
- Always seal grout after cleaning to prevent further deterioration.
Best Product to Clean Grout:
- We recommend you to clean grout using a Grout Brush from pFOkUS. It is a very useful tool with bristles that are quite strong and yet swivel in all directions. It easily helps you to remove all the hidden stains and mold.
- Imperia Deep Clean is a recommended grout cleaner as it is deep-penetrative and robust. It easily removes all the dirt and mold, without affecting the delicate structure of the grout.
- Lastly, once the grout is completely dry, use a grout sealer to give a coating protection.
Mentioned-above are the right tips, techniques, tools and products required for proper tile cleaning of any kind. Use the tips above to clean your tile floors and retain their beauty and integrity for long.