Ceramic tiles can take more upkeep then you may think. While they look sleek and pretty when clean, keeping that look does take a bit of maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your ceramic floor tiles squeaky clean:
Always test any product or stain removal technique on an out-of-the-way spot of tile before trying to clean any tiles in pride of place. Even products advertised as ‘safe for tiles’ might not be as safe as you’d hope. The same goes for any techniques to clean the grout, which is porous and especially vulnerable. Test it out on a patch behind the fridge, or under some rarely moved piece of furniture. If you see any discolouration or it doesn’t react the way the product promises, you’ll have saved both your time and your tiles.
You don’t always need a specialised product. Hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach are perfectly capable for getting rid of a whole variety of stains and spills. With spilt coffee, tea, or juice just wash the stain with detergent and some hot water, then blot with hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach. The same goes for nail polish, but swap out the hot water wash for nail polish remover and then dab away with the bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
If you’ve got spilt wax or tar, or even dried up gum stuck to your ceramic tiles, however, put away the bleach and get out some ice cubes. The best DIY technique is to put the ice in a plastic bag on top of the spill. Once its cold and hard, use some good old-fashioned elbow grease to remove the offending substance. Non-flammable paint thinner will get rid of any residue left afterwards.
If tragedy strikes and you find yourself with some kind of dye or ink staining your ceramic tiles, all hope is not lost. Lay a cloth soaked in diluted bleach over the stain and leave it there until the stain is gone. Resist the temptation to interfere earlier, just let the bleach do its job to safe your pristine tiles. Once the stain is gone, be sure to rinse the area well.
Blog by Leticia Philip