Tile is extremely durable and can last decades with proper care and maintenance. Cleaning tile is fairly straightforward, but most cleaning advice is overly generalized. For best results, you need to know what type of tile you have first. It also helps to base your cleaning approach on where the tile is located. Tips on how to clean shower tile are different than those for cleaning a kitchen backsplash or tile fireplace.
With that in mind, let’s look at how to clean tile based on the type of tile and where it’s located in your home. These cleaning and maintenance tips will ensure your tile looks its best for years to come.
Need specific tile advice? Contact our team at Tile X Design for expert insight on choosing, installing, and taking care of your tile.
Determine the Type of Tile
Before diving into cleaning tips, take some time to understand what kind of tile you have. Ceramic and porcelain tile often use the same cleaning products and methods. However, natural stone tile is much more porous, so you have to be more careful about the products you use.
Maintaining Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are generally very easy to clean and maintain. While porcelain is less porous and more durable than ceramic, you can generally follow the same cleaning advice for both types. Just keep in mind that ceramic is more susceptible to scratches and pitting from harsher cleaners.
Here’s how to clean ceramic tile:
- Remove dirt and debris by sweeping or using a microfiber cloth.
- Mix a few drops of mild soap or pH-neutral cleaner with warm water. Follow the instructions for your cleaning agent for mixing ratios.
- Use a rag mop, microfiber mop, or wet rag to wipe down the tile (sponge mops can push dirt into grout lines). You can also use a steam mop.
- When done mopping, use a dry microfiber cloth or mop to remove any excess water (extra water can soak into grout and cause damage over time).
When it comes to porcelain and ceramic tile, the finish is almost as important as the tile material itself:
- Glazed tile can usually handle slightly acidic cleaners, such as diluted vinegar, but only when used sparingly. You’ll want to avoid letting acidic cleaners get onto the grout.
- Matte or unpolished tile is more porous and susceptible to staining. Acidic cleaners (even when diluted) can cause staining and pitting.
Maintaining Natural Stone Tile
Stone tile is durable overall, but its surface is much more susceptible to showing damage. Stone tile can become scratched, stained, or etched if you use brushes or cleaning agents that are too abrasive. Follow these tips to clean stone tile:
- Sweep with a soft-bristled broom or wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
- Mix warm water with a stone-specific, pH-neutral cleaning agent following the ratio on the cleaning bottle.
- Use a damp, not sopping wet, mop or cloth to clean the surface.
- Ensure the area dries evenly to prevent staining.
- Always clean spills immediately to prevent stains.
- Never use lemon juice, vinegar, or other acidic substances, even when diluted.
Sealing Stone Tiles
Another difference to note is that you have to seal floor tile regularly to maintain its surface. Always use a marble tile sealer or other sealant made specifically for natural stone tile. Stone tile sealants are designed to penetrate the surface while maintaining the breathability that the stone needs.
Tips for Cleaning Grout
One of the most difficult parts of tile floor maintenance is that you aren’t just cleaning the tiles themselves. You’re also cleaning the grout between the tiles. Cleaning products suitable for tile may damage the grout. For example, glass tile is non-porous and can be cleaned with a standard glass spray. However, glass cleaner tends to have a high pH, which can weaken grout over time.
Read our guide to cleaning tile grout for more tips!
Cleaning Tile Room by Room
While the type of tile is important, you might face different cleaning challenges based on where the tile is located in your home.
- Kitchen backsplash tile: Mix warm water with dish soap to help break down grease. Always wipe the area with water to remove soap residue, which can attract dust.
- Shower tile: Use a squeegee to remove water droplets at least once a day, but preferably after every shower. For stubborn soap scum, you can mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to create a paste that you leave on for 10-15 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide is non-acidic, making it safe for most grout.
- Fireplace tile: To remove built-up soot and ash from tile, create a mix of water and baking soda or hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Leave the mixture on the stained area for up to 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Use water to remove any leftover cleaning residue.
- Outdoor tile: Sweep debris regularly to prevent dirt from embedding in the tile. In shaded or wet areas, watch for the growth of algae or moss. You can use a gentle brush with soap and water to remove moss. For stubborn growth, you can try diluted bleach or a commercial moss killer.
Tile You Love, Designed to Last
Tile is extremely durable and long-lasting, but part of the secret to its longevity is regular cleaning and maintenance. While a lot of tile-cleaning advice applies to various surfaces, you should always research what works best for your specific tile. Using the wrong cleaning solutions or brushes can damage the surface and the grout that holds it together.
Looking for tile that can stand the test of time? Visit the Tile X Design showroom in Plymouth to talk to our experts and see designs in person. Our team is here to help you choose tile that fits your lifestyle, budget, and home design. Contact us to get started!