How to Clean Tile Floors

Cleaning tile floors can be a very tedious and time consuming chore, but well worth the effort. One must be careful in choosing the correct cleaning method. You want to clean the tile and grout yet keep the grout from breaking down. With a little elbow grease, hopefully your floors will be free of dirt, grime, most stains and markings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• HOT water
• Dry rag or sponge
• Vacuum
• Two large buckets
• Baking soda
• Rag mop
• White vinegar

Ridding the Floor of Surface Dirt

1. Sweep the loose dirt into a pile and remove.

2. Use vacuum attachment along the bottom of the baseboard and flooring.

3. Move the surface cleaner of the vacuum to the lowest setting and vacuum the tile.

Mixing Your Cleaner and Mopping

4. Mix equal parts of HOT water and vinegar in a large bucket

5. Fill another bucket with water to rinse the floor.

6. Wring the mop out as much as possible.

7. Mop the floor side to side and up and down to get between the grouting.

8. Rinse the floor with the clean water. Again, wring the mop out as much as possible.

9. Allow the tile and grout to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to saturate the grout. You may want to use a rag or sponge to soak up any excess water.
• Prevent pruned hands by wearing gloves.
• Seal the grout to help repel spills and other dirt stains.
• For small, difficult stains, mix a little baking soda and water to make a paste. Use a small brush and circle the paste into the stained area. Remember to rinse this as well.
• If you have a steam cleaner, it too is a good way to clean the tile and grout.
• Keep children away from the cleaning solution.
• There are several products sold over the counter to clean tile floors. Although they do work, they will break down the components of the grout. Use them sparingly.
• Never use bleach on colored grout.