How to Clean Tile Floors

The best way to clean tile floors depends on the type of tile you have and usually only requires the application of warm water and elbow grease. Learning how to clean tiles floors is a simple way to keep your home germ-free.

How To Clean Porcelain Tile

A beautiful and extremely durable flooring option, porcelain tile will retain its sparkling finish for years—so long as it's cleaned regularly and appropriately. Porcelain does not require sealing, however, it is a good idea to seal grout or any joints. Use a product that is safe for both the tile and the grout.

Here's how.

Porcelain tile consistently ranks as a preferred flooring choice among homeowners, partly due to its beauty—the material comes in a veritable rainbow of hues—and partly due to its stain- and moisture-resistance. Though it loses luster over time, anyone can learn how to clean porcelain tile and restore its original shine.

Tip: Wipe up spills and wet spots with a cleaning cloth as soon as possible, as wet, grimy dirt becomes more difficult to remove the longer it sits on the tile.

Regular, once-a-week cleaning requires nothing more than a simple sweep with a soft-bristle broom before vacuuming (with the brush attachment).
Once a month, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with two gallons of water (or purchase one of the many suitable commercial cleansers) and apply the solution to the floor with a sponge mop. Rinse with plain water, then dry the surface completely with a clean towel or a microfiber cloth.
Others suggest using a pH-neutral dish detergent or other pH-neutral cleaner such as Mr. Clean or Spic and Span.
Once dry, buff the clean porcelain tile to a high shine with a piece of cheesecloth.

Sharon Jones, professional from the Tile Council of North America, advises against the use of cleaning agents such as bleach and vinegar. Though your tile may look pretty immediately after you’re done dousing it in full-strength vinegar or bleach, cleaners with a pH that is either too high or too low can take a toll on your tile, breaking down protective sealers meant to keep soap residue, dirt, and oils from your skin out. Worse, acidic cleaners like vinegar can eat away at unprotected grout, which is alkaline in nature. Bleach and other cleansers that are very high or very low in pH do kill organisms in your tile that can lead to discoloration, however they are not meant for regular cleaning. If you choose to use these cleaners for a deep cleaning, the application of sealer within 24 hours (after the tile has completely dried) is a must.

For Regular, Weekly Maintenance: Neutral cleaners, such as those made specifically for grout and tile, or mildly alkaline all surface cleaners, are recommended. These include the common cleaning products Mr. Clean and Spic and Span (and their generic equivalents).These cleaners can be used with nylon or plastic scrubbers, which typically don’t scratch.

Love to Go Au-natural? Natural cleaners save money – and the environment! For those of you that prefer all natural, there are an array of safe and natural cleaning solutions based on mildly alkaline baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and borax.

Routine cleaning: Dip a damp sponge in a bowl of regular baking soda and wipe down tiles. Rinse with warm water.
Set-in dirt: Mix 2 tablespoons borax, 2 tablespoons super washing soda, and ½ cup baking soda. Wet down surfaces, sprinkle on, and scrub with a moistened sponge or brush. For vertical and hard-to-reach areas, add water to make a solution, dip, and scrub.
Scrubbing and wiping down tile and grout surfaces with tile cleaning solutions doesn’t mean your cleaning duties are covered. Rinsing those surfaces with clean, clear water following the application of detergent is essential. This removes soap residue, as well as the residue of all the dirt and biological contaminants you just scrubbed loose. And dirty rinse water is one of the top contributors to dingy grout – so change that rinse water often!

What Not to Do

While porcelain tile boasts exceptional durability, there are few products and techniques you should take pains to avoid:

Never use a product containing ammonia or bleach (or any type of acid-based cleanser); these can alter the tile color and/or stain the grout.
Never use oil-based detergents or wax cleaners as they leave a residue that may attract dirt.
On unglazed porcelain, never use any cleaners that contain dye or coloring.
Never use steel wool to clean porcelain tile—small particles of steel can become embedded in the tile and grout, eventually causing rust stains.
Never use hard bristles or scrub brushes, as they can scratch the tile surface.

Regular cleaning and polishing with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth will ensure that porcelain tile retains its “like new” shine for many years.

Cleaning Other Types of Tile Flooring

Natural stone tile floors can require special care while following the same essential steps as above.

Before cleaning, sweep stone tile floors with a soft broom, as rougher brooms can leave scratches.
Slate tile floors can be cleaned with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent such as dish soap. Avoid cleaning products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acidic substances.
Do not use vinegar or chemicals on granite or marble tile floors. Instead, use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner that won’t streak or discolor the tile.
Travertine tile floors, like floors of limestone or marble tile, should be cleaned with hot water and a spray cleaner designed for marble or granite tile floors. Apply using a soft cloth or sponge and buff dry with a clean cloth. Cleaning on a regular basis should prevent the need from using soap.

How to Clean Tile Floor Grout

Tile floors will not appear completely clean unless the dirty grout is cleaned as well.

Create a paste of baking soda and water.
Scrub it gently into the grout with a toothbrush or grout brush.
Rinse with warm water and allow to air dry.
Try removing small grout stains with a white or pink pencil eraser, like you would erase a mistake on a piece of paper.
For stubborn stains, use a toothbrush or sponge to apply grout cleaner or a solution of three-quarters bleach and one quarter water to the grout lines and rinse with warm water. Avoid getting the bleach on the tile.