subject: Tile Cleaning Tips [print this page] When considering tips on tile cleaning, or tile and grout cleaning, it is useful to remember that there are several different kinds of tiles, and some which are more likely than others to be part of a domestic house cleaning programme. There are porcelain tiles, quarry tiles, terracotta tiles, mosaics and then natural stone tiles like marble, slate, granite or limestone. The tiles most commonly used in houses are, however, ceramic tiles, which may be glazed or unglazed. Wherever they are found in the house, on walls, floors, in kitchens or bathrooms, or in outside patio areas, they need regular tile cleaning to keep them in good condition. Just as important as cleaning is the necessity for tiles to be sealed and grouted, if this is an intrinsic part of their installation. Generally glazed tiles (and some unglazed tiles) dont need sealing, and the way to test this is to sprinkle them with a little water to see if they darken when wet, indicating that they need a sealer. There are also different types of grout, so they should also be tested in the same way to see if they darken, and therefore should be sealed.
Tile cleaning of ceramic tiles on a day to day basis can be a very simple domestic house cleaning job, just a matter of keeping them clean with plain water, or cleaners that are pH balanced, or detergents that are soap-free. They can then be wiped dry with an old cloth to help prevent the build-up of mould or mildew, a particular threat in bathrooms or even in damp corners in kitchens affected by steam produced during cooking. When it comes to tile and grout cleaning, it is important to understand exactly what grout consists of it is a kind of glue, a combination of sand and cement with added-in acrylics and silicone. Grout actually shows dirt a lot more readily than tiles, and easily gets discoloured or stained, especially if it is unsealed. It is the substance that holds ceramic tiles together, and can be cleaned by first brushing it with a soft brush to loosen dirt. With a cleaning solution made out of a litre of warm water and a quarter cup of mild detergent, you can sponge the tile and grout, concentrating on areas that are dull or stained, and then complete your tile cleaning by rinsing the tiled area with clear water and drying and polishing it with a clean cloth.
One problem with attempting domestic house cleaning of grout which has become seriously grubby is that in tile cleaning, any product that is acidic may damage the grout. There are special household scouring products that are pH balanced, and these can be left in place on the affected areas to take hold before cleaning off once they have had a deep cleaning effect. The two acids that are sometimes found in heavy duty tile and grout cleaning products are sulfamic and phosphoric acids, but these products should only be applied by qualified experts. Its probably advisable to avoid risking damaging tiles by using solutions such as those described above for tile cleaning, or trying natural products like baking soda and diluted vinegar, or, better still, calling in the professionals.
