From walls to floors, ceramic tiles are ubiquitously found in many homes due to their durability, aesthetic versatility, and low-maintenance requirements. However, even with regular cleaning, ceramic tiles can become dirty and stained over time. If you’re wondering how to keep your ceramic tiles spotless and looking their best, you’ve come to the right place. Read our expert guide on how to clean ceramic tiles, according to our partner house cleaning experts in Fishers.
Everyday/Light Cleaning
Ceramic tiles are primarily made from clay, sand, and water, fired at high temperatures to create a hard, long-lasting surface. They are often covered with a glaze, which provides a protective layer against stains and spills. However, despite this protection, they still need routine cleaning to keep dust, dirt, and grime from settling in.
- Dust – Start cleaning by removing loose dust and dirt from the surface. Use a soft broom or vacuum cleaner (with a brush attachment to avoid scratches) to remove any loose debris on the tiles.
- Mop – Use a microfiber mop soaked in warm water for best results, as it can pick up minute dirt particles and is gentler on the tiles than traditional mops.
- Dry – Don’t let the floor air dry. The water can seep into the grout lines causing potential damage and discoloration. Instead, use a dry mop or a towel to dry the floor after mopping thoroughly.
When cleaning ceramic tiles on walls, the same cleaning techniques apply. But instead of vacuuming, use a dry microfiber cloth to pick up dust and cobwebs, then wipe with a wet microfiber cloth, followed by a dry one instead of mopping.
Deep Cleaning Ceramic Tiles
While regular cleaning can keep your tiles looking good, occasional deep cleaning is necessary to remove deep-seated muck and stains and restore the original shine of your ceramic tiles.
Can I Use Vinegar on Ceramic Tiles?
While vinegar is popularly used as an eco-friendly home cleaning agent due to its ability to cut through grease and dissolve mineral deposits, using it in its pure or undiluted form on ceramic tiles can cause harm. Here’s how:
- The high acidity of undiluted vinegar can break down the grout over time. Grout is a porous material and can be easily damaged by acidic substances. Over time, the vinegar can cause the grout to crumble or discolor.
- Although ceramic tiles are often coated with a protective glaze, vinegar’s potent acidity may dull it if used frequently or left on the surface for extended periods.
For these reasons, it’s generally recommended to dilute it with a recommended ratio is 1/2 cup of white vinegar to a gallon of warm water. This mixture is still effective for cleaning while being gentle enough to preserve the integrity of your tiles and grout. Before using any new cleaning solution on your tiles, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
All-Around Home Cleaning Solutions We Love
On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of vinegar (or its smell), you can also clean ceramic tiles with these commercial cleaning products:
- The Pink Stuff
- Mr. Muscle Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner
- Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner
What Not To Use on Ceramic Tiles
Aside from using 100% undiluted vinegar, we also recommend against using strong chemical cleaners and materials that may be too abrasive on ceramic tiles.
- Bleach – may melt and strip off its finishing.
- Steel wool and scouring pads – can cause scratches.
- Dye-containing house cleaners – may discolor your tiles.
- Wax-based cleaning products – can make ceramic tiles slippery.
When scrubbing a ceramic tile surface, use a soft brush or non-scratch pad to scrub it gently. Our article on How to Clean Stained Grout is also a must-read for deeper cleaning.
Practical Tips for Protecting Your Ceramic Tiles
Cleaning religiously can keep your ceramic tiles in top condition. But, preventative measures also play a key role. Here are some examples:
- Use door mats and rugs in entry points and high-traffic areas to keep dirt from tracking onto the tiles.
- Promptly clean up any spills to prevent staining.
- Lastly, reseal grout lines annually to keep them from absorbing dirt and moisture.
Premium House Cleaning By DeluxeMaid
Cleaning ceramic tiles might seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward once you know what to do. With the right approach and regular maintenance, your ceramic tiles can look good as new for many years. No time to clean? Then leave the house cleaning to us! DeluxeMaid is a top-rated professional home cleaning company that serves the Indianapolis area and works only with vetted and experienced cleaning professionals.