You may have some different types of tiled floors, whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or entryway. And while tiles are an excellent flooring option for their durability and aesthetic appeal, keeping them neat and well-maintained can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the different types of tiled floors and know how to protect and maintain tile floors. This blog post will cover every tile, from ceramic and porcelain to marble and natural stone.
How do you Clean Different Types of Tiled Floors?
Just as you wouldn’t use a cleaning product meant for an enamel surface on a stainless-steel refrigerator, it’s essential to understand that different types of floor tiles in India require specific care. While tile floors are typically quite long-lasting, each type has unique features and cleaning needs.
For instance, clean ceramic or porcelain tile floors are somewhat low maintenance. In contrast, coarse tiles, such as the ones made of slate, marble, granite, or limestone, demand specialised care and usually require specific cleaners. By using the right cleaning methods and products for your respective tile type, you can keep your floors looking their best and extend their lifespan.
How do you clean floor tiles made of ceramic and porcelain?
Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles are famous flooring options for their durability and low maintenance. Washing them is generally easy and can be done with a few simple steps:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to release any loose dirt or debris.
- Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, such as dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner.
- Mop the floor with the cleaning solution using a soft mop or microfiber cloth.
- Rinse the floor with clean water to clear any remaining soap residue.
- Dry the floor with a clean mop or towel to prevent water spots.
You can use a specialised tile cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water to make a paste for stubborn stains. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush before rinsing and drying the area.
It’s important to avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaners, such as bleach or vinegar, on ceramic and porcelain tiles as they can damage the surface. Additionally, avoid using a steam mop, as the high heat and moisture can cause the grout to loosen and the tiles to crack. By following these simple cleaning tips, you can keep your ceramic and porcelain floor tiles looking clean and new for years to come.
How to Clean Tile Floors Made of Stone?
While washing natural stone tile floors, such as marble, slate, or granite, you can follow similar steps as porcelain and ceramic tiles, but with a few precautions:
- Firstly, use a soft-bristled broom when mopping natural stone tiles since they are more prone to scratch than ceramic and porcelain tiles.
- Secondly, using the right type of cleaner for your floor type is crucial. For instance, slate and marble tiles are exposed to acidic cleaners, such as vinegar, while granite tile needs a mild detergent with a pH-neutral formula to prevent discolouration.
- Moreover, most grout (a mixture of water, cement, and sand) cleaners are acidic, so ensure that a grout cleaner is safe for marble.
Following these guidelines ensures that your natural stone tile floors remain clean and free from damage.
How to Clean Terracotta Floor Tiles?
TerraCotta floor tiles are similar to ceramic tiles in that they’re made from natural earthen clays and fired until hard. However, unlike ceramic and porcelain tiles, terra cotta is created at a lower temperature and lacks surface glazing, resulting in a porous surface that’s vulnerable to staining if not properly maintained.
To keep your terracotta floor tiles looking their best, follow these tips:
- Vacuum or sweep the floor regularly to clear loose dirt and waste.
- Damp mop the floor weekly using mild soap and water, ensuring not to oversaturate the tiles.
- Stains can be removed using oxalic acid and water, followed by a wash with a soft cloth.
- Avoid using acidic cleaners like ammonia or vinegar, as they can damage or discolour the tiles.
- Don’t use stiff brushes, especially wire brushes, as they can scratch the relatively soft terracotta tiles.
- Consider applying a water-based sealant annually to protect your floors from stains and make cleaning easier.
Following these steps ensures that your terra cotta tile floors remain beautiful and durable for years.
How to Clean Concrete Floor Paving Tiles?
Floor paving tiles made from cement-based concrete are becoming famous in residential flooring due to their affordability and versatility in shades and styles. However, to keep them looking their best, regular cleaning is necessary. Here are some suggestions on how to clean and maintain concrete floor paving tiles:
- Start by sweeping or cleaning loose dirt and waste from the tiles.
- Mix a soft, non-acidic cleaning solution with warm water and damp mop the tiles. Moistening the tiles before cleaning with a flexible nylon brush is best.
- For tough stains, use a specialised concrete cleanser and a scrub brush. Avoid using wire brushes, acidic cleansers, or bleach, as they can damage the tiles.
- Rinse the tiles by damp mopping them with clear water after scrubbing them with the cleaning solution.
- Like other stone floor tiles, concrete pavers should be sealed periodically with a high-quality concrete sealer. Apply it after the floor has been thoroughly cleaned and is completely dry.
By following these tips, you can keep your concrete floor paving tiles looking great for years to come.
How to Clean Quarry Tile Floors?
Quarry tile can be considered a type of engineered terra cotta. It is made from natural clay and crushed stone that is moulded and fired at a higher temperature than terra cotta, resulting in a tougher, water-resistant surface. To keep your quarry tile floors looking their best, follow these cleaning tips:
- For weekly cleaning, use a combination of soap and water. Rinse the floor thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
- Use a stripping cleanser and a stiff-bristled brush for deep cleaning. While quarry tile is more resistant to colours than terra cotta, it’s still a good idea to seal it sometimes. Sealing will also help prevent grout lines from absorbing water and staining.
How to Clean Vinyl or Linoleum Tile Floors?
Maintaining the cleanliness of vinyl or linoleum tile floors is crucial to their longevity. Although using a steam mop might seem convenient, it can damage the flooring due to its high heat and moisture. So instead, follow these cleaning tips to keep your vinyl or linoleum tiles looking new:
Vinyl: Start by sweeping the floor, then mop with a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer or a mixture of water and vinegar. Avoid using hard cleaners that can rub the surface.
Linoleum: After sweeping, clean with a linoleum-specific solution or a mixture of borax and water. Apply a coat of wax every three to six months and buff it to maintain the floor’s shine.
How Often to Clean Tile Floors?
To keep your tile floors clean without water, vacuum or sweep them at least once a week or whenever they look dirty, or you feel grit under your feet. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment works well for tiles, but getting into corners or tight spaces might be hard. In those cases, a small broom and dustpan can help.
For cleaning with water, mop your kitchen tiles every two weeks and your bathroom tiles once a week because bathrooms can get dirty. Also, if the grout (the lines between the tiles) looks dirty or stained, give it a good scrub every few months or whenever it looks like it needs it.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining different types of floor tiles in India is essential to ensure their longevity and enhance their appearance. From porcelain and ceramic to natural stone and vinyl, each type of floor tile requires a specific cleaning process and regular maintenance routine.
Following the tips outlined in this blog, you can keep your floor tiles looking their best for years. With a little effort and awareness, you can keep your floor tiles in new condition and enjoy their beauty and durability for many years to come.
Looking for the best floor tiles for your house? Jindal Mechno Bricks is here to help you. So get the best high-quality different types of tiled floors from us and maintain them to beautify your home.
FAQs
Can I use vinegar to clean all types of tile floors?
No, vinegar is acidic and can damage natural stone tiles like marble or slate. It’s safe for ceramic and porcelain tiles, but use it diluted and not too often to protect the grout.
How often should I clean my tile floors?
It’s best to sweep or vacuum tile floors once a week to remove dirt and grit. Mop kitchen tiles every two weeks and bathroom tiles weekly due to higher germ accumulation. Spot-clean grout as needed when it looks dirty.
Can I use a steam mop on my tile floors?
Avoid using a steam mop on natural stone tiles because the heat and moisture can damage them. Check the manufacturer’s advice for ceramic and porcelain tiles first, as steam can sometimes harm grout.
How can I remove stains from my tile floor?
Try a paste of baking soda and water for ceramic and porcelain tiles. Apply it to the stain, let it sit, then scrub gently and rinse. For natural stone, use a cleaner specified for that stone type to avoid damage.
Should I seal my tile floors?
Sealing is suitable for natural stone tiles and unglazed tiles like terra cotta to protect them from stains and water damage. Ceramic and porcelain tiles usually don’t need sealing, but their grout lines do. Check your tile’s recommendations and reseal as needed, typically every one to two years.
