Ceramic floors are one of the most popular choices for the home. They are easy to maintain, but what is best to use when you clean them?
Your best choice for cleaning ceramic floors is vinegar diluted in water. Approximately 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a gallon of hot water with a tablespoon of Dawn dishwashing detergent will work wonders on your ceramic floors and have them looking shiny and new.
Although vinegar is the top choice for cleaning ceramic, it is by no means the only choice available. Most homeowners choose vinegar because it is friendly on the budget and not harmful to the environment, but you may want to consider other options, depending on your need.
In addition, it’s important to ensure that you are cleaning the floor on a regular basis in-between times that you are washing it. This will help to keep the floor in the best shape possible, including those grout lines that tend to get discolored.
What Can You Use To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Most people consider ceramic floors to be impervious to damage. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In this article, we will discuss many different products that you can use to clean your ceramic floor effectively. It’s also important to understand the types of products that could damage the floor if they are used or used improperly.
Bleach – Although you may be able to use bleach to brighten up the grout on occasion, it is not a product that should be used on a regular basis. If you continue to use bleach on your floor for an extended amount of time, it could damage the ceramic tile by discoloring the surface. It may also cause the grout to get discolored.
Ammonia – Most people consider ammonia to be an excellent cleaner, and it can work well in some instances. It is not a product, however, that should be used on your ceramic tile. It is much better to use vinegar or perhaps even a commercial cleanser because you can discolor the tile if you use ammonia too frequently.
Oil – Be cautious about any cleaning products that contain oils. They can be used on many surfaces but you should not use them on your ceramic tile floor all that often.
Abrasives – One major issue that can occur with your ceramic is if you constantly use an abrasive cleanser. These are often used when there is a buildup of dirt or noticeable stains that need to be cleaned. Using abrasives too frequently, however, could damage the finish on the tile and leave it looking dull.
Essentially, if you are using any type of cleanser that is not made for ceramic tile or is not environmentally friendly, you run the risk of damaging it. It is always better if you use a product that is marked for use on ceramic tile and use it regularly.
Something else that needs to be considered is the grout. You can have the most phenomenal-looking ceramic tiles but if the grout is discolored or damaged, it is going to make the entire floor look bad.
Fortunately, there is a natural way to clean the grout and get it looking its best again. This is not something that should be done on a regular basis but rather, it is done to bring back the look of the grout when it has become discolored.
First of all, you will use lemon juice to completely soak the grout line. Lemon juice is a disinfectant and it also will eat away at the surface of the grout that has become discolored. You can also add some vinegar with the lemon juice because it serves the same purpose.
Don’t wash the lemon juice and vinegar up immediately. Allow them to sit on the floor for up to 15 minutes. This will give the lemon and vinegar an opportunity to do the work it needs to do.
Finally, rinse the area with a wet mop. Don’t use any cleaning solution, just straight water. This will help to dilute the lemon and vinegar and wash it away.
You may need to do this more than once if the grout is extremely discolored.
Finally, it’s important to care for your floor in between the times that you are washing it. We will discuss a number of different products that can be used to clean ceramic tile but if you aren’t keeping it clean in between times you wash it, you will struggle to keep it looking nice.
Fortunately, it is very easy to care for ceramic tile in this way. You should sweep it on a daily basis by running a dust mop over it to remove much of the dirt and debris that gets on it through use.
You can also use a vacuum on a daily basis or perhaps even on a weekly basis if you are sweeping the floor daily. A vacuum will get into the nooks and crannies that may be missed with a broom or mop.
Keeping the dirt off of the floor is an excellent way to keep your floor looking nice. It will help to reduce the possibility that the surface of the floor will become scratched, which takes away much of the shine.
Let’s take a look at some of the options that can be used for cleaning ceramic tiles effectively.
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Vinegar is one product that is often used for cleaning the home. Can it be used to clean ceramic tiles?
You can use vinegar on ceramic tiles to clean and disinfect. The acidity in vinegar makes it an excellent cleanser that will lift dirt and grime from the ceramic surface. When you dilute it in water, it will lower the pH so it isn’t too harsh on the floor while cleaning it.
Generally speaking, you would use a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water. You can use hot water on ceramic tile and it is preferred because it will wash away the dirt more effectively.
White vinegar is only one of the options available for cleaning ceramic tile. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar. The pH level may be slightly different, but it still cleans effectively.
Can You Use Bleach To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Bleach is often considered to be one of the best cleaners for use in the home. Is it also good for use on ceramic tile?
You should not use bleach for cleaning a ceramic tile floor. Extensive or continued use of bleach on ceramic can damage the surface and cause it to be discolored. It can also do something similar to the grout. It is best if you don’t use bleach when cleaning ceramic. Vinegar is a much better option.
Although you should not use bleach for cleaning ceramic tile floors every time, you may be able to do it a few times if it is absolutely necessary. Bleach is often used when there is a significant stain. It is not something that should be used on a routine or daily basis.
At times, you may see commercial products that contain bleach. Those products are made specifically for ceramic tile, so you can use them. Generally, they only use bleach to make it sound like it works better.
Can You Use Baking Soda To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
We often have some baking soda tucked away in the refrigerator. It’s good for removing smells but can it also clean ceramic tile?
Baking soda is great for cleaning ceramic tile because it is mildly abrasive. When you mix in some baking soda with vinegar, dishwashing detergent, and water, it makes an effective cleaning solution that can be used on a routine basis to keep your ceramic tile looking great.
Even though baking soda is slightly abrasive, it will not damage the tile. It is just another option you have for cleaning the tile and making sure that some of the more stubborn stains are removed.
You can also make a paste out of vinegar and baking soda to scrub the grout.
Can You Use Water To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Sometimes, you just want to mop the floor and you don’t want to put any cleaner on it. Is it okay to use plain water to clean ceramic tile?
Water is an excellent choice for cleaning ceramic tile on a routine basis. The wet mop will pull up much of the dirt and grime that has accumulated on the floor since the last time you washed it. It is not necessary to add any type of soap or another cleaner, although it is preferred.
Although you can clean a ceramic tile floor with straight water, you may find that it is easier if you clean it with some type of soap. Even a tablespoon of Dawn dish detergent will make a difference.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you have to put together some type of cleaning solution every time you fill a bucket with water. If you are only cleaning a small area or if you just want to rinse the floor, there is no problem with using water only.
Can You Use Steam Cleaner To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
If you have access to a steam cleaner, should you be using it on a ceramic tile floor?
A steam cleaner will effectively clean a ceramic tile floor along with the grout. It will lift much of the residue that has built up on the tile since the last time it was cleaned and then it can be simply wiped away.
There is more benefit to using a steam cleaner than simply cleaning the tile. It will wash away much of the dirt that is on the floor but it also has a disinfectant property to it as well.
The high pressure and high-temperature steam will kill much of the bacteria that has been living on your floor. It also does a great job of removing mold that may be in the grout lines.
Be cautious about using a high-pressure steam cleaner too frequently as it could eventually damage the surface of your tile.
Can You Use Ammonia To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Ammonia is often considered to be one of the more powerful cleaners we use at home. Is it something you should be using on your ceramic tile floor?
Do not use ammonia for cleaning ceramic tile floors. Prolonged use of ammonia or the use of strong ammonia mixtures could cause damage to the floor and discolor the surface as well as the grout lines. Although ammonia is a powerful cleanser, it is not the best choice for ceramic.
You may find that, at times, there are commercial products available made specifically for ceramic that also contain ammonia. Those products typically only contain a very small amount of ammonia and it is not enough to make a difference. It is a marketing ploy only.
Can You Use Muriatic Acid To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
If your ceramic tiles have become extremely dirty, you may consider doing a deep clean with muriatic acid. Is this a good idea?
Muriatic acid is a strong type of acid that is sometimes used for deep cleaning. It should not be used for deep cleaning ceramic tile or for cleaning the grout. Most homeowners are not familiar with how to use muriatic acid effectively and you could easily damage the tile and grout if you use it improperly.
If you have tried many different options and have not yet found a way to clean a floor that has heavy stains, you may fall back on muriatic acid as a last-ditch effort.
In this case, muriatic acid should be diluted in a 1:10 mixture with water. It should also not be on the surface for too long because it can etch away the shine and leave the floor looking dull. If at all possible, it is better to avoid using muriatic acid.
Can You Use Pine Sol To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Pine-Sol is a common commercial cleaner but is it good for ceramic tile?
You can use Pine-Sol for ceramic tile cleaning on a routine basis. It can be diluted in water and will leave a fresh, lemon scent behind.
Pine-Sol is not only good for mopping up ceramic tile, it is also a good cleaner for any type of nonporous surface. You might find that you are using it on the floor along with countertops and even appliances.
Can You Use Steam Mop To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
If you have a steam mop available, should you be using it on ceramic?
You can thoroughly clean your ceramic tile floor with a steam mop. It is a product that can be used on a routine basis to scrub away the dirt that has been leaving your floor looking listless.
There is a difference between a steam mop and a high-pressure steam cleaner. A steam mop works by heating the water to super-high temperatures and then mopping it on the floor. It is an effective cleaner for use on ceramic.
Can You Use Alcohol To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Does rubbing alcohol work well for cleaning ceramic tile?
You can use rubbing alcohol on ceramic tile by diluting it in water or spraying it directly on a stain. Rubbing alcohol works well as a cleaner but it evaporates very quickly. Make sure that you mop up after using rubbing alcohol using plain water.
Rubbing alcohol can be used if no other options are available but vinegar is a much better choice.
Can You Use Murphy’s Oil Soap To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Should you be using Murphy’s oil soap to clean your ceramic tiles?
Oil-based cleaners, such as Murphy’s oil soap are not the best choice for cleaning ceramic tiles. Although they are safe for use on tile, they may leave behind a film. It is much better to use water with either a mild soap or vinegar to clean your floors regularly.
This content is owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on Apr 28, 2022..
Most people use Murphy’s oil soap because of the shine it leaves behind. It does that very well and if that is what you are trying for, then you can use it on occasion.
Can You Use Windex To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Windex does a great job at cleaning windows. Can it also clean ceramic tile?
You can spray a mixture of Windex on your ceramic tile to clean a stain effectively. It’s a good choice when the floor gets dirty in a spot and needs to be cleaned without mopping the entire floor.
Windex may also be a proper choice if you have grease on the floor. A thin film of grease can be wiped away with Windex effectively.
Can You Use Acetone To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Have you ever considered using acetone on ceramic tile? Will it damage the floor?
This article was first published on Apr 28, 2022 by Wabi Sabi Group..
Acetone can effectively clean away many deep stains, including removing paint and fingernail polish that has dripped on the floor. It can be used occasionally but sparingly because using too much acetone for too long could damage the tile surface.
If you have to use acetone, make sure you are only using the minimum amount necessary.
Can You Use Methylated Spirit To Clean Ceramic Tiles?
Are methylated spirits a good choice for cleaning ceramic tile?
You can use methylated spirits on ceramic tiles if you are careful. Methylated spirits are often used for removing paint but if left on the floor too long, it could cause damage.
If you are going to use methylated spirits on your ceramic tile floor, use it as sparingly as possible. You can also make a mixture with some dishwashing liquid and very hot water with methylated spirits to clean stubborn spots on the floor.
The best option for cleaning the ceramic floor is to mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a gallon bucket of hot water. You can add some Dawn dishwashing liquid if you want some added cleaning power.
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WabiSabi Group is the owner of this article and was published on Apr 28, 2022 and last modified on .