Tile and grout are frequently used in homes. It a basic flooring staple, typically found in bathrooms and kitchens unless alternatives were used at the homeowner’s direction. Natural stone tile floors and manmade tile floors require different cleaning and treatments, but both, over time, can become layered with residue and the porous surfaces compacted with dirt, debris, moisture, mildew, and even mold. Even diligent cleaning will eventually lose the cleanliness battle and a professional will need to come in and perform a deep cleaning to extract the contaminants. Try not to fret; it’s the natural composition of the tile and grout and keeping it as clean as possible extends the longevity and overall condition of your tile and grout. Today, we at Ameri-Best Carpet Cleaning would like to share some cleaning tips regarding porcelain and ceramic tile and grout cleaning in between professional cleaning and maintenance.
1. Using a microfiber dust mop or a vacuum set on “bare floors” to remove the surface of dirt and debris is the first step. The edges and corners accumulate dirt and debris has a tendency to buildup quickly and gets neglected during the cleaning process.
2. Please note, if you prefer using department store cleaner, always read and follow manufacturer’s directions. Pre-treat your porcelain tile floor with a hot water rinse if the cleaner isn’t concentrated. For an effective home concoction, combine a gallon of warm water with ½ cup of white vinegar and mix well.
3. Scrub your floors down in a grid pattern using a soft-nylon brush.
4. Wipe up the remaining residue with a clean, warm, damp cloth.
5. Despite the fact that porcelain is stain-resistant, stains are still possible. Porcelain resists stains but is is not stain proof. If stubborn stains are not removed during the wash down, scrub the targeted area with firm pressure, and wipe away the residue.
1. Like with porcelain, extract the dirt with your preferred method (microfiber dust mop, soft bristle broom, or a vacuum on bare floor setting); again ensure the edges and corners accumulated debris id efficiently removed.
2. Combine a gallon of warm water with 2 Tbsp. of mild liquid dish soap, mix well. As you mop the floor, the water can start to become cloudy, when this happens it is an indicator that the water has become top contaminated with the filth on the floor’s surface, change out the water solution to avoid recontamination and the resulting sticky and/or soapy residue buildup. Use the grid pattern for more efficiency.
3. Completely dry before resuming traffic flow. Air dry with optimal ventilation, or wipe up the lingering moisture with a dry towel.
Grout that is especially stained will need extra cleaning power from bleach and baking soda. Many people are sensitive to breathing in close proximity with bleach. Please take safety precautions if you chose to use bleach. Wear a breathing mask, safety glasses, and cleaning gloves. Bleach has the ability to lighten colors. Before cleaning with it, perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area to ensure the bleach does not compromise the color of your grout.
1. Combine ¾ cups baking soda with ¼ cup bleach to form a paste. (If you are treating vertical walls in the shower or bathroom, add a tad more baking soda to thicken it up.)
2. Using the grid pattern especially if the space is large, apply the mixture directly to the grout, and allow it to set 10-15 minutes. Grab the designating cleaning toothbrush and agitate the grout with circular brushing and allow it to set 10-15 more minutes.
3. Wipe clean with a warm cloth.
4. Grout is dark when it’s wet; evaluate the results once it has dried. If any stubborn stains persist, repeat the steps in those targeted areas.
Tile and grout, no matter the materials used to manufacture them, should be cleaned by a professional at least once a year, if needed more often. If your home’s tile and grout is in need of a professional deep cleaning, contact Ameri-Best Carpet Cleaning and let our trained experts efficiently clean your tile and grout to restore the vibrancy and shine.