How to Clean Onyx Tile

How to Clean Onyx Tile thumbnail
Onyx tile requires cleaning as part of a regular maintenance cycle.

Onyx tile is a soft, calcareous stone tile. Composed primarily of calcium carbonate, cleaning onyx tiles with an acidic-based cleanser can damage them. Because of this, cleansers and methods used for other tile types are unsuitable for cleaning onyx tiles. Using a pH-neutral cleanser, along with frequent cleaning, can keep your tile looking fresh and extends the life of the tiled surface by years. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth
  • Dust mop
  • pH-neutral cleaner
  • Bucket
  • Sponge
  • Rope mop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the surface of the onyx tiles using a clean, lint-free dry cloth or dust mop. Wipe any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the tiles, working in a single direction.

    • 2

      Dilute a pH-neutral cleanser in a bucket of warm water, combining the mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a cleanser made specifically for use with calcareous stone tiles. Use a damp sponge or rope mop to go over the surface of the onyx tiles, cleaning the tiles briskly, but not allowing the water to puddle. Use a light pressure on the tiles, as firm pressure applied to ingrained dirt may scratch the onyx.

    • 3

      Rinse the surface of the cleaned tiles with clean water to remove any residue from the pH-neutral cleanser. Wipe away the cleanser in a single direction to avoid displacing cleanser over areas already rinsed off.

    • 4

      Dry the surface of the tiles with a cloth to prevent streaks from developing due to air-drying. Pat the tiles dry with the cloth rather than pushing the cloth during the drying process.

Tips & Warnings

  • Prevent staining of onyx tiles by blotting up all spills immediately.

  • Protect floor-tiled surfaces by using a non-slip mat or area rug at the entrances to high-traffic areas.

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References

Resources

  • Photo Credit blue tile background image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com

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