Cleaning tile floors need not be a time consuming task–it can take as much time as it takes to clean a regular floor.  Floor tiles are available in different materials: Vinyl, Ceramic or Linoleum tiles.  Each type of tile floor requires different cleaning materials and methods.

Best Way to Clean Tile Floors

Avoid using abrasive materials and tools as they will scratch the tile surface.  Typically, a soft mop, warm water and an appropriate cleanser will always be the best tools to clear your tile floors.  The maintenance cleaning for all tile floors is the same: dust or mop weekly.

Things You’ll Need

• Broom and dustpan
• Damp Sponge or clean mop
• Bucket of water
• Grout cleaner

To clean tile floors

Gather all the necessary cleaning materials depending on your tile floor and mix the ingredients as instructed.  This is especially so for cleansers bought from your local hardware shop.

Prepare the floor by vacuuming or sweeping it.  This removes any loose dust, hairs, etc., and it also allows you to pay special attention to the tiles on the perimeter of the floor surface as dirt and dust gathers more in these places.

Wash the floor by following instructions given by the cleanser manufacturers.  Mop the floor in circular motion.  A sponge and baking soda works well in loosening caked-on dirt.  Some floors require sprays to remove the dirt while others will become clean by washing with warm water.

Clean the grout with a cleanser that has oxygen bleach (consult professional cleaners on this as not all tiles can be cleaned with this bleach).

Rinse your floor thoroughly to wash away the residue of the cleaner so that it does not away into your tiles.  Leaving excess water can loosen or unglue the tiles.  Leaving too much water or using too hot water should also be avoided.  Loose tiles may pass liquids underneath and might crack the tiles.

Dos

• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid sliding on them or staining your grout.
• Maintenance cleaning often to save yourself extra scrubbing effort when cleaning.  Dust or sweep often and damp mop your floors weekly.
• Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against scratching.
• Remember that when repair is needed, you might not get the exact color of the original tile. Get a color and texture as close as possible and the replacement tile will blend in with time.

Don’ts

• Use steel wool or abrasive cleaning products or materials that can scratch the tile floor.
• Use extreme force while cleaning to prevent chipping and cracking.
• Bleach too often–your grout may become discolored.
• Move heavy objects across some tile floors.  Always take proper precautions to avoid cracking the floors.

Regular care and maintenance will keep your tile floors looking their very best for years to come.  Once you figure out a tile cleaning routine, you will find it that you are cleaning in a shorter period of time.  Remember to let the floor dry before you walk on it again.