How to Clean Bathroom Tiles
The bathroom is one of the most essential rooms in the house and keeping it clean is a must for maintaining good hygiene. While cleaning the toilet, sink, and shower are typical tasks, cleaning bathroom tiles can often be neglected. However, cleaning your bathroom tiles is crucial to keeping your bathroom sparkling clean and hygienic. This article will provide you with a complete guide on how to clean bathroom tiles, with tips for cleaning all different types of tiles and keeping them looking new.
Step 1: Dust and Sweep the Stone Floor
Before starting the cleaning process, sweep the floor thoroughly to remove the dust and debris from the tiles. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the tiles’ surface. Dirt left on the tiles can cause scratches and damage to the surface. Once done, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner for Stone Floors
Stone tiles are delicate and require specialised cleaning products. We recommend using a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for natural stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic products on the tiles. Instead, use a cleaner that’s meant for stone floors as it can remove stains and dirt without causing any damage to the tiles.
Step 3: Mop the Floor
Once you’ve selected a suitable cleaning product, dilute it according to the instructions and fill your mop bucket with warm water. Dip the mop in the solution and wring out the excess water. Mop the floor, starting from the farthest corner of the bathroom and moving towards the entrance. Make sure to avoid using excess water as it can damage the tiles. If you use too much water, wipe it off immediately with a dry mop or a towel.
Step 4: Dry the Tiles
After mopping the floor, we recommend drying it off as soon as possible. Use a clean microfiber cloth or a towel to wipe off any excess water left on the surface. Make sure to remove all the moisture as it can stain or damage the tiles. We also recommend opening the windows or turning on the ventilation system to speed up the drying process.
Step 5: Seal the Tiles
Once the tiles are clean and dry, it’s time to protect them by sealing the surface. Sealing your stone tiles can prevent stains and discolouration. We recommend using a penetrating sealer that can soak into the tiles and provide long-lasting protection. Apply the sealer according to the instructions and allow it to dry completely before walking on the tiles. Remember to reapply the sealer in 6-12 months to ensure your tiles remain protected.
Step 1: Determine Your Marble Type
The first step in cleaning your marble floor tiles is to identify the type of marble you have. Different types of marble require different cleaning techniques and products. Marble comes in various colours and grades, so it’s crucial to recognise what type of marble you have before cleaning it. Once you know the type of marble you’re working with, you can determine which cleaning solution is the best fit.
Step 2: Sweep Your Marble Floor Regularly
Marble is prone to minor scratches, especially when dirt, grits, or other abrasive substances are tracked in from outside. Hence, to maintain your marble floor tiles, it’s important to sweep or dust them regularly. Dirt and debris can easily scratch the surface of the marble, so sweeping your floor tiles regularly is essential to keeping them clean and bright. You can use a soft bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner that is designed to be used on delicate floors.
Step 3: Use the Correct Cleaning Solution
Cleaning solutions play a vital role in preserving your marble’s natural beauty. It is crucial to use the right cleaning solution for your particular marble type. For example, you might need to avoid acidic cleaning products when cleaning marble as acidic substances damage the marble’s surface. Instead, opt for neutral-based cleaning solutions, or natural ones such as vinegar. to create a cleaning solution, add equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, spray thinly on the surface of the marble and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, using a soft cloth or sponge without any abrasive texture, wipe down the flooring surface thoroughly.
Step 4: Dry with Soft Towels
It is essential to dry marble quickly after cleaning to prevent water spots and avoid etching. Using a soft towel to dry your marble floor is highly recommended. Avoid dragging the cloth across the marble’s surface; instead, pat it gently until the surface is dry. If you happen to have a large marble floor area, it might help to use an electric fan to speed up your marble floor’s dryness after cleaning it.
Step 5: Seal Your Marble Flooring
Applying a sealant to your marble floors is a crucial step in preserving its natural beauty and making it less vulnerable to stains, scratches, and damage. There are many high-quality sealers available, depending on your budget and preference. For example, a penetrating sealant seeps into the marble pours and provides a long-lasting barrier to stains and other threats, while a topical sealer adds a shiny layer on top of the marble for extra protection and shine.