Tile floor cleaning tips from National Floors Direct

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Tile Floor



Are you looking for ways to ensure your tile stays in great shape? Is your bathroom floor starting to look a little worse for the wear? If so, then you need to learn all that can about cleaning tile floor the right way.

Doing so can educate you on an efficient way to keep your floors looking young and fresh. It all starts with investing in the right brands. That can ensure that your floors only require a small amount of maintenance, to begin with.

See below for an in-depth guide on cleaning tile floors and why you should use it to your advantage. 

Step One: Find the Right Tile Flooring

Believe it or not, certain brands of tile are needier than others. If you invest in the wrong manufacturer for your ceramic tile, then you could be signing yourself up for years of extensive cleaning. 

Some of you might be wondering if it's time to make a switch. You wonder whether you should invest in new tile flooring to revitalize the aesthetic of your bathroom, kitchen, etc. Here are a few signs that it's time to invest in new flooring:

  • The water is starting to puddle in your bathrooms
  • Some of the tiles are loose or have even been lifted up
  • There are cracks in several tiles
  • You see noticeable issues with grout lines, incorrect spacing, crooked tiles, etc.

You can unlock the beauty of tile flooring for your home with the right service. We take tremendous pride in offering the highest quality tile in the industry. All of our flooring products pass extensive health and sustainability standards, which means they have a positive impact on your air quality as well.

Ceramic tile can give you the same aesthetic as porcelain tile, often with more colors, patterns, and styles to choose from. If your tile needs replacing already, then the new ceramic tile is certainly worth exploring.

Step Two: Schedule Frequent Once Overs

If you're going to unlock the true beauty of your tile, you have to commit to regular cleanings. Mind you, these cleanings don't have to be extensive. A simple once-over will do the trick!

First, start by grabbing a broom and sweeping the area thoroughly. Be on the lookout for objects such as dust, dirt, pollen, debris, and so forth. Sweep it all into a dustpan, and then throw it away. 

If you have rugs in the room, be sure to shake those off outside, then throw them in the wash. Not cleaning the rugs frequently can damage the integrity of your tile. 

Once you've swept it thoroughly, it's time to wash it down. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need any special floor cleaners to keep your tile in great shape. Tile is nonporous, so it isn't soaking in dirt and water the way other flooring options do; therefore, it doesn't need a deep clean.

Instead, grab a mop and a bucket of water. place a light layer of water over the surface and then mop over the different surfaces. 

Step Three: Scrub the Grout

The grout doesn't need to be cleaned as frequently. However, over time, the grout can develop a buildup of dust, dirt, or even mold spores if left to fend for itself.

You'll want to give it back up by paying special attention to it once every month or two. Invest in some grout cleaner and mix it in a bowl with 1 part grout cleaner, 3 part water. Dip a hand brush inside of it and then scrub the grout thoroughly.

When you mop, some of the pathogens will get caught in the grout cracks. Wait for the grout to show some visible signs of being dirty, then opt to clean it as soon as you can.

Scrubbing the grout will ensure that everything gets broken up. Let the solution sit for a few minutes after you've scrubbed it, then wash it up with a mop.

Step Four: Be Proactive With Your Cleaning

Perhaps the biggest key in tile flooring is being proactive with your ceramic tile. If you let spills sit, then it will be hard for your tile to ever come back from it.

First, any time that you or your family spills a liquid (any liquid!), be sure to clean it up right away. Grab the mop and water to get rid of it quickly. If it was a substance that's known to stain (such as red wine) then scrub the grout as well.

If you spill crumbs or any physical objects, grab a vacuum and sweep them up. This can prevent unwelcomed stains and pests from your floors.

Step Five: Rinse and Repeat

See what we did there? The reason that most homeowners start to see discolored tile flooring is that they don't clean it often enough. Consistency really is the key, here.

Make sure to keep a note of it on your schedule. Figure out a cleaning routine that your busy itinerary allows, then stick to it. If you can only mop your floors once every two to three weeks, then so be it.

Frequent cleaning will help lengthen the lifespan of your tile floors. You won't have to replace it for quite some time!

Cleaning Tile Floor: Use These Tips to Your Advantage

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on cleaning tile floor, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

Take the time to read this article for more information on the top 8 creative kitchen floor tile ideas that you should consider as well. To get started, make sure that you call us directly at 1-888-400-FLOOR and we'll schedule your free in-home estimate.