It’s not only a chore to clean tiles, but it can be an artistic endeavor. No matter if you have porcelain, ceramic or natural stone tiles. Keeping them clean is not as simple as rinsing and wiping. Over time, dirt gets ingrained in the grout and makes your tiles look dirty. What can you do to tackle this problem?
Start by preparing a quality chem dry carpet cleaning solution. You should avoid vinegar and acidic cleaners when cleaning natural stone tiles. These can etch their surface. If you have ceramic or porcelain tiles, mild soapy-water will often work. Let the solution sit on the tiles. This will loosen the dirt.
Stand up and mop the floor! Grab a scrubbrush for the grout. You’ll find it therapeutic. Not quite the same as peeling bubble-wrap, but still very satisfying. Imagine grout as the border around a painting. It needs to be treated separately. It’s also the dirtiest. You can’t cheat by skipping the part!
Talk about steam cleaners. These bad boys can transform your tile game. The heat will not only clean but also disinfect. You heard right, two birds with one rock. This is great news for you germophobes. Your floors will be safe to eat from. But you get my point.
How about those stains that won’t budge, the ones you can’t seem to get rid of? A paste made of baking soda, water and a few drops of oil will do wonders on stubborn patches. It’s easy to apply, just let it dry before rubbing it away. The paste is simple yet highly effective.
As you scrub on all fours, be sure to keep your eyes open for any cracked or loose grout. You can avoid major headaches by addressing these issues as soon as possible. The saying “a stitch in the right time saves nine” is true.
A little bit of humor is in order: Don’t forget that feeling you get when you channel your inner Cinderella. It’s not as bad as it seems. What is the piece de resistance? The end result is worth all the hard work.
Let’s talk maintenance. Let’s discuss maintenance. This is akin flossing teeth. Not glamorous, but so necessary. Investing in doormats will help you to catch dirt as soon as you enter the house. Vacuum or sweep regularly. Spills should be cleaned as soon as they occur. Once or twice a yearly, seal the grout lines.
In contrast, tile maintenance is not always a solo task. Professional help can save your life. When you are pressed for time or facing a tile disaster it can be worth hiring professionals. There are many tile-cleaning services on the North Shore. Each one brings their A game to make the tiles shine.
As a rule, it is best to do a thorough cleaning every couple of months. More traffic will require more cleaning. Kitchens and bathrooms require more cleaning. If you have outdoor tiles, pressure washers can be very effective, but use caution, as too much pressure could damage the surface.
We’ll now focus on pet owners. Fur, dander, or the occasional “accident”, can cause havoc to tiles and grout. Keep pet areas neat and clean. Vacuum often. Use an enzyme cleaner to neutralize odors and remove organic stains.
You can expect mysterious stains, especially if your family includes children. Prepare yourself with stain-removing products and a positive mindset. You might need a miracle – or a big jackhammer – if you delay too long.
In closing this short, chaotic guide remember that tiles require regular maintenance, even though they are durable. It’s not the most glamorous task, but a little bit of work will make your home look pristine and welcoming. So grab your best tools and get to work cleaning those tiles so they shine like the Chrysler building. Your floor space, and your sanity, will thank you.
Ultra Brite Carpet & Tile Cleaning North Shore
79-83 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
(02) 8015 5143