How to Clean a Tile Floor & Grout With a Floor Scrubber

Floor scrubbers can help keep tile floors shiny and clean.

Grouted tile makes an ideal floor selection for some areas, especially those that experience a lot of moisture or humidity, such as bathrooms. Tiles are relatively stain- and moisture-resistant, and the grout helps to seal the floor against such damage. To keep things looking their best, the tile floor still needs regular cleaning. For stubborn dirt or spills, or for textured tiles where the dirt can get into crevices, you may need to use a floor scrubber to get rid of the grime.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Broom or vacuum
• Mop
• Tile and grout cleaner
• Floor scrubber
• Towel

1. Sweep the ceramic tile floor with a broom or a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar to remove surface dirt. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar because the bar will scratch up the tile surface.

2. Mop the floor with warm water and a tile and grout cleaner recommended or approved by your tile manufacturer. The products that are safe to use on your particular tile will vary by the material, so double check with your manufacturer if you are unsure.

3. Rinse the floor in clean warm water to remove residual soap film. Inspect the surface to determine if you should clean the entire floor with the scrubber. If only some areas have stains, you can simply spot clean those areas with the scrubber.

4. Dampen the floor with your cleaning solution once more, or with an equal mixture of water and white vinegar. Depending on the type of floor scrubber you use, you may be able to fill the scrubber with the cleaning solution so that it spreads around the floor as you scrub.

5. Plug in the scrubber and set it on the lowest setting. Start in one corner of the room and walk in even passes across the floor, pushing the scrubber ahead of you. Increase the power of the scrubber only if necessary to remove stains. Continue until you scrub the whole floor.

6. Rinse the surface once more with plain water to remove residual soap. If you choose, buff the floor dry with a clean, lint-free towel to add a little shine and avoid slipping or sliding on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Rent or purchase floor scrubbers at hardware and home improvement stores, as well as flooring supply retailers. The size of your floor will dictate the type of scrubber you need. Most you walk behind and push, but for large areas, you can use ride-on scrubbers. If you have questions regarding your particular needs, consult a flooring professional or your floor's manufacturer.

• To reduce the amount of dirt buildup on your floor, use flooring mats in entryways to take dirt and mud off people's shoes before they walk on the floor.

• Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners on your tile because they will scratch the surface. Also, avoid bleach and ammonia, which will discolor the grout.

References

• World Floor Cleaning Association: Ceramic/Porcelain Care