General Cleaning Guidelines
For floor tiles, ensure you sweep or vacuum to remove any dust or debris before using any cleaning products. You should damp-mop your tile floor at least once weekly to decrease wear and abrasion from dirt and grit. If you have glazed tiles, you should clean them regularly with an all-purpose, non-oil-based household cleaner that won’t harm the grout joints.
Addressing Grout Haze
After tile installation, grout residue commonly forms a white-coloured haze over the surface of the tiles. This haze should be removed once the grout has cured. Use a commercial grout haze remover, or create a homemade solution with four parts water and one part white vinegar, using a soft cloth dipped in the mixture to clean the tiles. Rinse with plain water afterward to remove any remaining vinegar residue.
To make a cleaning solution by adding two cups of white vinegar to a gallon of warm water. Sponge mop a small area with as little water as possible and immediately dry completely with a towel.
Start cleaning grout haze as early as 24 hours after the grout is dry but no longer than 10 days after. For cleaning, mix a mild detergent with hot water and apply with a rag or chamois mop.
Protecting Your Newly Installed Tiles
After finishing tiling your floor, avoid walking on the tiles for at least 24 hours to prevent them from shifting. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool pads, or scouring powders on the tiles. To clean grout lines, use an old toothbrush with warm water and mild detergent. Apply the appropriate polish after the tile and grouting work to ensure your tiles maintain their shine.
Regular Tile Cleaning
Keep your tile floors dust-free by sweeping or vacuuming at least twice a week, and mop the floors regularly to keep them in pristine condition. Spot-clean the grout once every two to three months. For stubborn stains, specialized tile cleaners may be necessary. Be cautious and read the labels to ensure compatibility with your tile type.
Best Practices for Different Tile Types
For porcelain tile in a shower, dilute bleach with water as recommended by The Center for Disease Control for safe and regular use. To maintain the shine on porcelain tiles, mix vinegar with water and wipe the tiles with a soft cloth, then buff dry.
For unglazed tiles, use concentrated cleaners like Ardex’s Tile and Grout Multipurpose Cleaner for everyday cleaning, and rinse thoroughly with clean water after. Avoid using bleach-based products as they can damage tiles and grout.
It’s important to use pH-neutral, mild detergents on new tiles to prevent surface damage. After cleaning, rinse tiles thoroughly to remove any detergent residue.
Throughout the cleaning process, adhere to the guidelines and tips mentioned to keep your newly laid tile floors looking as good as new for years to come.