Tiled floor cleaning tips

Getting rid of residue

Making sure you are cleaning your floor with clean water and the right fluid seems sensible right? Choose the wrong cleaning fluid for your tiled floor and they can look hazy. This can be caused by soapy residue. You can usually remove the film with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. Make sure you rinse thoroughly with clean water, and buff dry with a clean lint-free cloth. A top tip from us here at Xtraclean is to be kind to your knees when drying a tiled floor. Dry your tiled floor the easy way by using your foot to slide a cloth over the floor.

Getting great looking grout

The key to a great looking tiled floor is clean grout. Tiles come in a variety of finishes and most provide a barrier from day to day activities. Grout on the other hand is porous and absorbs grease and other stains. You can scrub the grout with a stiff nylon brush (don't be tempted to use a metal brush as this will damage the grout). You can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply this to help clean your tile grout. Mix 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part water to make a thick paste. This versatile cleaner will work with all colors of grout. Beware though that vinegar can be harmful to some natural stones such as marble or limestone.

Blood

Dab the stain with hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach.

Coffee, tea, or juice

Wash the stain with detergent and hot water, then blot with hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach.

Gum, wax, or tar

Place ice cubes in a resealable plastic bag and lay the bag over the material you want to remove from the tile. Once the material solidifies, remove as much of it as possible with a non abrasive implement. Remove any remaining residue with nonflammable paint thinner.

Grease or fat-base stains

Wash the stain with club soda and water or with a nonabrasive floor cleaner.

Ink or dye

Soak a clean cloth with diluted bleach and lay it over the stain. Let the cloth stay in place until the stain disappears. Rinse well.

Iodine

Scrub the iodine stain with diluted ammonia and rinse well.

Nail polish

Dissolve the nail polish stain with nail polish remover. If the stain remains, dab it with hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach.

Replacing the Grout

If you have persistent stains in your tile grout that can’t be removed with a regular procedure, removal of grout from that particular area may be necessary. This can be done quickly and effectively by using a small grout remover, which can be bought from most diy stores.

When the stained grout has been removed, there will be a space that needs to be filled. You can take a grout sample to one of your local stores and try to get the closest match. Once you have the material, pour the dry mixture in the cavity you have created. If the color matches to your liking, vacuum the dry mixture out. Make a small batch of grout by following the directions provided on the box. Use a gloved finger to firmly apply the grout to the damaged area. Wipe the area with a clean and damp sponge.