How To Clean Tile Floors: Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning helps keep the beauty, color, and texture of your tiles
- Different stains require different cleaning methods
- Proper grout care contributes to your floor appearance and prevents mold and mildew growth
Are you a restaurant owner cleaning footprints or spills after customers, or a toddler’s mother fighting with milk stains and crumbs on the floor? Cleaning your tiles turns into a daily, and sometimes hourly, challenge.
In this guide, we’ll share:
- How to clean tile floors
- How to take care of grout lines
- What tools you need to make your floors fresh and shiny again
How To Clean Tile Floors Step by Step
When well-maintained (part of which includes the cleaning process), tiles can last up to 50 years or more. If you want your tile floor to look freshly installed even years down the line:
1. Clean Dirt and Debris
Sweep your tiles with a soft-bristle broom or use a vacuum cleaner to collect dust, dirt, and crumbs. By doing this, you’re preventing scratches and setting the stage for a more effective clean.
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild tile cleaner or dish soap.
Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, as these can damage the tile’s finish.
3. Mop the Floors
Apply the cleaning solution to the tiles with a microfiber or sponge mop. Make sure there’s no excess water as it will soak the tiles and weaken grout lines over time.
4. Rinse the Tiles
Fill the bucket with clean water and mop the floors again. will ensure there’s no leftover soap residue, which can form a dull film on the tiles.
5. Dry the Floor
After mopping, dry the tiles with a microfiber cloth or towel to prevent water spots and make your floor shiny.
Optional: Use a Steam Cleaner
If there’s tough grime that you cannot clean with a regular mop, use a steam cleaner. The steam will break down grease and bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
Note that some tile types like marble, limestone, and travertine cannot be cleaned with steam as the high heat can cause fading and cracking.
How To Clean Stains off Ceramic Tiles
Although ceramic tiles are resistant to most stains, you may still need to fight spills and grime.
Light Stains
- Remove dust, dirt, and debris with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
- Mix mild soap with warm water and clean the tiles with a soft mop or microfiber mop.
Specific Stains
- For oil or grease stains, use a dish soap solution, and scrub the stained area with a soft cloth or sponge.
- For stubborn grease, make a paste of baking soda and water, leave for 5-10 minutes and scrub with a soft brush. You can also use a high-concentration grease remover.
- For coffee, tea, or juice stains, use a vinegar and water solution or a mild abrasive cleaner.
- For ink or dye stains, rub alcohol and blot the stained area, then rinse with water. Avoid scrubbing, as it may spread the stain.
- For rust stains, use a commercial rust remover designed for tiles, following the label instructions.
- For hard water stains, use a mixture of white vinegar and water or lemon juice.
- For set-in stains, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply, and leave for 15 minutes. Then, scrub with a soft brush or sponge.
- To prevent stains on your beautiful tile floors, use an anti-stain protector. It’ll create a protective layer so that liquids, oils, and grime don’t seep into the tiles. It will also make cleaning easier and reduce the risk of stains.
How to Clean Grout Lines
Dirty grout can make your tiles look old and worn out, even if you have just finished cleaning them.
Matte finish and textured tiles are more slip-resistant than gloss finish tiles
Daily Maintenance
- Clean your tiles with a mop and wipe the grout lines with a damp cloth or sponge to prevent accumulation of dirt.
- Dry the grout with a towel or microfiber cloth to minimize moisture and reduce the risk of mold growth.
Deep Cleaning
- Mix baking soda and water and apply the paste directly to the grout lines.
- Scrub the grout lines with a grout brush or an old toothbrush, paying attention to places with visible stains.
- If there are tough stains, let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the grout lines and wipe them with a dry towel.
Cleaning Stubborn Stains
- If you notice mildew or mold, mix equal parts of vinegar and water and spray onto grout lines.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub with a brush.
- For persistent stains, put hydrogen peroxide on the grout and scrub after 10 minutes.
Prevent Future Stains
Seal the grout with a grout sealer to protect it from moisture and stains for longer periods of time.
Cleaning Tools for Tile Floors
Here’s your toolkit for tackling dirt and keeping your tiles gleaming.
- Vacuum cleaner: To remove dust, dirt, and debris.
- Steam cleaner: To break down dirt and grime without the need for harsh chemicals.
- Microfiber mop: To clean tiles without damaging the surface.
- Bucket: To mix cleaning solution.
- Tile cleaner or mild detergent: To clean grime without harming the finish of your tiles.
- Soft cloths or towels: For drying the floor after cleaning and making it shiny.
- Grout brush or old toothbrush: To scrub grout lines and reach tight spaces.
Shop Ceramic Tiles at Ceramista
Looking for ceramic tiles that combine elegance, durability, and easy maintenance? Discover the smarter solution with Ceramista.
We go beyond traditional tiles by offering high-performance flooring that works just as well for large commercial projects as it does for DIY home renovations.
Our signature INSTANTILE interlocking system allows for installation up to nine times faster than conventional methods, reducing labor costs, project timelines, and installation errors.
Damaged tile? No problem. The system allows for quick, single-tile replacement without disturbing the rest.
Ceramista tiles are crafted in Spain using eco-conscious materials. They beautifully replicate the look of natural wood, stone, and metal, offering the warmth of organic textures with the durability and water-resistance of ceramics.
Built to perform in both indoor and outdoor spaces, Ceramista tiles are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and decks.
Manufactured at Europe’s largest solar-powered tile facility, our collections support your sustainability goals without compromising on style.
Easy to install, clean, and maintain, Ceramista tiles give you more time to focus on what matters most.
How To Clean Ceramic Tile Floors: FAQs
How can I keep my tile floor clean for longer?
To keep your tile floor clean for longer, use doormats at entrances, clean spills immediately, and sweep or vacuum regularly.
Can I clean my tile floors with bleach?
Bleach is not recommended for cleaning tiles as it can lead to discoloration of grout and damage certain types of tiles. If needed, use a diluted solution.
How can I make my tile floor look shiny?
To make your tile floor look shiny, clean and dry the tiles with a microfiber cloth. Alternatively, use a specialized tile polish.
