How to Clean Tiles: A Step-by-Step Tile Cleaning Guide

Tiles are an integral part of a home, offering durability, allergy-free, ease of maintenance, and a variety of design options. Whether you’re dealing with bathroom wall and floor tiles, kitchen and living area wall and floor tiles, or outdoor living areas, keeping your tiles clean is essential for maintaining their appearance and longevity. In this step-by-step guide on how to clean tiles, we will walk you through the process of cleaning different types of tiles and natural stone products and provide tips on how to maintain them for years to come.

Understanding tile types and cleaning requirements

Essential tools and cleaning products

Cleaning ceramic and porcelain tiles

Cleaning travertine, limestone and marble

Cleaning grout in tiles

Cleaning outdoor tiles

Cleaning bathroom tiles

Cleaning floor tiles

Maintaining clean tiles: Tips and best practices

Bathroom featuring a grey hexagon tile wall.

Understanding Tile Types and Specific Cleaning Requirements

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s crucial to understand the specific types of tiles installed in your home environment. Different materials require different cleaning methods to avoid damage and ensure a thorough cleaning.

Ceramic Tiles: Commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean.

Porcelain Tiles: The most common type of tile that is denser and less porous than ceramic, making it more resistant to stains and moisture.

Travertine & Limestone Tiles & Pavers: A type of natural stone with a porous surface and body, requiring special care to prevent stains.

Marble Tiles, Pavers & Mosaics: A type of natural stone, both luxurious elegant and timeless, but sensitive to acidic and abrasive cleaners and prone to scratching.

Outdoor Tiles: These tiles are designed to withstand the elements and often require more rigorous cleaning.

Swimming Pool Tiles: The most common choices for pool tiles are glass pool mosaics and porcelain tiles designed to withstand water immersion, and the different types of pool environments, i.e., chemicals and weather conditions.

A modern kitchen with navy blue cabinets, fluted glass upper cabinets, and a white subway tile backsplash.

Essential Tools and Tile Cleaning & Sealing Products

To clean tiles effectively, having the right tools and products is essential. Here is a list of what you will need:

Mop: A microfibre mop is ideal for cleaning tiles.

Soft-bristle brush: Useful for scrubbing grout and removing stubborn stains.

Microfibre cloths: For wiping down tiles and polishing them.

Vacuum cleaner: With a soft brush attachment for removing dirt and debris.

pH-neutral cleaner: Safe for most tile types, especially natural stones like travertine and marble.

Heavy duty tile cleaner: For heavily soiled and neglected areas. Cleans ground-in dirt, grease soap scrum, and other organic materials.

Vinegar and Baking Soda: Natural cleaning agents for tackling tough stains.

Grout cleaner: Specifically formulated to clean and brighten grout lines.

Sealer: For natural stone tiles to protect them from moisture, etching and stains.

Bamboo toothbrush resting on a glass jar filled with white powder, placed on a marble surface.

Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Step 1: Remove loose dirt and debris

Start by sweeping or vacuuming the tiles to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. This prevents scratching the tiles during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Prepare a cleaning solution

Mix a mild detergent with warm water. For porcelain tiles, you can also use a mild pH-neutral cleaner or a diluted vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) to tackle grease and grime.

Step 3: Mop the tiles

Use a microfibre mop or a soft sponge to clean the tiles. Work in small sections, rinsing the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirt around.

Step 4: Scrub the grout

Apply a grout cleaner to the grout lines and scrub with a soft-bristle brush. For heavily soiled grout, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Rinse the tiles with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the tiles with a microfibre cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.

Cleaning Travertine, Limestone and Marble Tiles

Initial Cleaning After Installation

The initial cleaning of natural stone surfaces, such as travertine, limestone, and marble, is crucial to prevent staining and ensure the stone’s longevity. Upon installation, it is important to remove any grout, adhesive, or construction debris from the stone surface before it dries or cures. This process should be done immediately after installation and grouting.

During the manufacturing and installation processes, natural stone surfaces can accumulate residues or contaminants. To clean these surfaces effectively:

Travertine and Limestone: Use a neutral pH cleaner designed specifically for natural stone to avoid etching or dulling the surface. Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the stone.

Marble: Marble is more sensitive to acids and abrasives, so a specially formulated marble cleaner should be used. Avoid any products containing vinegar, lemon, or other acidic substances.

Step 1: Start by using a soft, damp cloth or sponge to gently remove any residue. For more intensive cleaning, gently scrub the surface with a soft brush and warm water, followed by a thorough rinse and drying with a soft cloth.

Step 2: If grout residue remains, follow the grout manufacturer’s instructions for removal, ensuring that all traces are cleared to prevent staining. It is also recommended to perform a grout patch test in an inconspicuous area to check for potential discolouration or staining.

Daily Maintenance

Regular maintenance of natural stone surfaces helps preserve their beauty and prevents the build-up of dirt and stains. The cleaning methods can vary depending on the type of stone and the texture of the surface.

Step 1: Dust and vacuum the surface

Use a soft broom or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and dirt.

Step 2: Use a pH-neutral cleaner

Avoid acidic, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners as they can damage natural stone. Use a pH-neutral cleaner mixed with warm water.

Step 3: Wipe with a soft cloth

Gently wipe the tiles with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using too much water, as natural stone is porous and can absorb moisture.

Step 4: Dry and buff

Immediately dry the tiles with a clean microfibre cloth to prevent water spots. For marble tiles, consider buffing them to a shine with a dry, soft cloth.

Step 5: Apply a sealer

To protect travertine, limestone and marble tiles from stains and moisture, apply a stone sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Intensive cleaning

For more intensive cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas or places prone to spills and stains, the following methods can be employed:

Travertine and Limestone: Use a gentle stone cleaner with a soft-bristle brush. Avoid acidic or harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the stone.

Marble: Use a pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner designed for marble. Do not use abrasive pads or acidic cleaners, as these can cause etching and dull the surface.

After cleaning, always rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots or streaking.

Cleaning Grout in Tiles

Grout is often the most challenging part of tile cleaning because it can easily become stained and discoloured. Here is how to clean it effectively:

Step 1: Apply a grout cleaner

Use a commercial grout cleaner or a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it to the grout lines.

Step 2: Scrub the grout

Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the grout lines. For tougher stains, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Step 3: Rinse and wipe

Rinse the grout with clean water and wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.

Step 4: Seal the grout

After cleaning, consider applying a grout sealer to protect it from future stains and make cleaning easier.

A person applying grout to floor tiles with a trowel while wearing gloves.

Cleaning Outdoor Tiles

Outdoor tiles are exposed to dirt, weather, and other elements, requiring more frequent and thorough cleaning. Here is how to keep them in good condition:

Step 1: Sweep the area

Remove loose dirt and debris by sweeping the tiles with a stiff-bristle broom.

Step 2: Use a pressure washer

For deep cleaning, use a pressure washer on a low setting. Be cautious with the pressure to avoid damaging the tiles, especially if they are made from natural stone.

Step 3: Scrub stubborn stains

For stubborn stains, apply a mixture of water and mild detergent. Scrub with a brush, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Step 4: Apply a sealant

To protect outdoor tiles from the elements, apply a sealer appropriate for the natural stone tile material type.

Cleaning Bathroom Tiles

Bathroom tiles are frequently exposed to moisture, soap scum, and mildew, making them prone to buildup and stains. Follow these steps to keep them clean:

Step 1: Use a bathroom-specific cleaner

Choose a cleaner formulated for bathroom use. Spray it onto the tiles and let it sit for a few minutes to break down soap scum and mildew.

Step 2: Scrub the tiles

Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the tiles. Pay extra attention to corners and grout lines, where buildup is more common.

Step 3: Rinse and dry

Rinse the tiles with clean water and dry them with a microfibre cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.

Step 4: Clean the grout

Apply grout cleaner to the grout lines and scrub with a brush. Rinse and dry as needed.

A modern white square vessel sink with a black faucet on a wooden countertop with marble backsplash.

Cleaning Floor Tiles

Floor tiles in high-traffic areas require regular cleaning to remove dirt and prevent wear. Here is how to clean them effectively:

Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum the Floor

Remove loose dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming the floor. This prevents scratches during mopping.

Step 2: Mop with a Suitable Cleaner

Use a mop and a cleaner suitable for your tile type. For ceramic and porcelain tiles, a mild detergent works well. For natural stone, use a pH-neutral cleaner.

Step 3: Focus on Stubborn Stains

For stubborn stains, apply the cleaner directly to the stain and scrub with a soft-bristle brush.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue. Dry the tiles with a microfibre cloth or allow them to air dry.

A spacious living room with large-format grey tiles, a dark fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Maintaining Clean Tiles: Tips and Best Practices

Regular cleaning: Sweep, vacuum, and mop tiles regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.

Immediate spill cleanup: Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid stains, especially on porous tiles like travertine, limestone, and marble.

Use doormats: Place doormats at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto your tiles.

Protective pads: Use protective pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches on floor tiles.

Periodic sealing: For natural stone tiles, apply a sealant periodically to protect against stains and moisture.

Avoid harsh cleaners: Use pH-neutral cleaners for natural stone and avoid abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch tile surfaces.

Conclusion: Choosing the Ideal Tile for Your Needs

Tiles are a durable option for floors, walls, and other surfaces, but they require proper care and maintenance to stay in good condition. By following the step-by-step cleaning tips outlined in this article, you can keep your tiles looking their best, whether they are in your bathroom, kitchen, living, or your outdoor living spaces.

At Tile Factory Outlet, we offer a range of tile and tile cleaning products to meet your tiling needs. Visit our showroom or explore our online store to discover top-quality tiles at unbeatable prices. Our team of experts are ready to help you select the right tiles and products for your next project.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who could benefit from these tile cleaning tips. Happy cleaning, and don’t forget to check out TFO for all your tile and tile care needs!