Using a steam mop is said to be the best way to clean ceramic tile floors. Is It The Right Tool For You? Learn what function to look for in a steam mop and learn more tips for cleaning ceramic tile floors.
Different methods of cleaning ceramic tile floors
Ceramic tiles are excellent floor coverings because they are dirt-repellent and require little maintenance. Therefore, it is perfect for high-traffic areas in the house, e.g. B. living rooms, kitchens and comfort rooms. While relatively easy to maintain, it doesn't mean it isn't prone to typical wear and tear, especially if you don't know how to clean it. For example, ceramic tiles might look dull and foggy over time. Dirt, sand, grime, and stains, if not cleaned immediately, can damage and scratch the surface of a tile. Grout lines are also areas where dirt can build up quickly. Despite all of this, maintaining ceramic tile floors is not difficult. You just need a combination of patience, hard work, and the right tools to restore the shine. If that's exactly what you want, read on because you've come to the right place.
Benefits of ceramic tile floors
Ceramic tiles are versatile, easy to care for and look exquisite. Here are other benefits of using ceramic tile as a flooring:
- Environmentally friendly. Ceramic tiles are made from natural materials such as sand or clay. Some come from recycled components.
- Cost efficient. Depending on the style and quality, ceramic tile can cost as little as $ 1 per square foot. Even the high-end models can typically be bought for $ 15 per square foot.
- No shortage of options. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and designs. Local hardware and tile centers are almost certainly selling hundreds of different ceramic tiles at the same time.
- Reduces allergens. If someone in your family has allergies related to dust, ceramic tile is a fantastic flooring option. It does not contain dust mites and its smooth surface makes it easy to remove the dust.
- Water and scratch resistant. Glazed ceramic tiles are sturdy and engineered to withstand just about anything from water to punctures and scratches.
Ways to clean ceramic tile floors
Floor cleaning and ceramic floor maintenance usually fall into two categories: light maintenance and thorough cleaning. Let's take a closer look at each one.
1) Easy maintenance
This is your daily garden cleaning. For easily removable stains and grime, dry pugs or brooms are enough to do the trick. After gently sweeping the floor, microfiber mops are a great way to bring the shine back. If you don't like the manual labor of sweeping the floors, you can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust. And if some stains and mist are a little out of the league of a microfiber mop, use a mixture of white vinegar and water to effectively save the sparkle.
2) deep cleansing
Light maintenance is like the typical toothbrushing routine. Do it every day and it will help you stay away from common dental problems. However, every now and then you need to see a dentist to get rid of deep-seated plaque and tartar. Thoroughly cleaning ceramic tiles is like visiting the dentist. The only difference is that with the right tools, you don't need a professional to do this for you. Here are some options for deep cleaning ceramic floors:
- With steam mops. The best thing about a steam mop is that New steam cleaners give your floors natural cleaning. Not only does it clean the surface, but the high-pressure steam also disinfects the tiles at the same time. This makes the tiles safe for babies and children to crawl and play with. You also have the option of adding relaxing scents to the mop so that you can transform your home into an aromatherapy oasis. If a steam mop is a viable option for you, choose one that allows steam to be used when needed. Unlike a model that continuously blows steam, it will keep the floor clean and dry after each mopping pass.
- Use Spin Pug. Using a spin mop with a vinegar mixture to clean ceramic tiles is also a great option. It's cheaper than a steam mop, but more versatile because you can use a spin mop on virtually any type of surface.
How to use a steam mop
A steam mop can be used to sanitize floors, remove bacteria, and remove deep-seated dirt for thorough cleaning. Here are instructions on how to use a steam mop:
- Before using the steam mop, you must first vacuum or sweep the floor. DO NOT skip this part. Surface dirt, sand, hair and other particles are picked up by the steam mop and can potentially impair its cleanability.
- Use distilled water or special products for steam mopping. Detergent or cleaning agents are not advisable and can damage your machine.
- Do not connect the machine until you have attached the cloth to the mop head. Some models get hot quickly and can scald you. There is also a risk of electric shock. So better be on the safe side than on the safe side.
- Some vapers get hot quickly while others can take a few minutes to complete. When it gets hot, place the mop head on the floor and squeeze the trigger (with steam if necessary). Proceed as if you were using a regular mop.
- If you're cleaning a large area, don't forget to replace the dirty cloth. If you don't, you are just spreading the dirt, defeating the purpose of cleaning in the first place.
- After cleaning, let the mop cool down and dry the floor. Pull the power plug out of the socket. After cooling down, do not leave a cloth on the mop head. This can potentially damage the mop and also opens up the possibility of mold building up in it.
Clean tile mortar
What good is clean ceramic tile floors if the grout that holds them together doesn't? Mortar should also be kept clean, but admittedly it's quite a challenge. Unlike the tiles themselves, the mortar is made of a porous material that can easily collect dirt and grime. When cleaning grout, keep the following in mind:
- Vinegar and baking soda are usually an effective combination when cleaning tile grout. There are also commercial products that do this as well. However, if you use bleach and water make sure it is white colored grout.
- Use a grout brush. It's designed to be small with stiff bristles that fit perfectly into the tiny grout lines.
- Having a steam mop will make your life a lot easier. It can of course be done without chemicals. Make sure that high pressure steam can remove the grout sealant. So you either had to close it again after steam wiping or after closing it again.
- After cleaning the tile grout, rinse it off with water and absorb the extra moisture by wiping it with a clean, dry cloth.
The verdict: the best way to clean ceramic tile floors
As with anything else, regular cleaning keeps ceramic tile floors looking like new. You can use the old school tried and true pug and broom method for easy maintenance. For deep cleaning, it is recommended to use spin mops or, better, steam mops. Steam mops are particularly effective at cleaning deep-seated dirt and grime. Since it works with the release of high-pressure steam, it also disinfects the floor when it is cleaned and hits two birds with a single stone. Another thing to keep in mind is cleaning the tile grout. In most cases, tile grout requires special attention as it requires special tools to keep it clean. Some of these tools are grout brushes and sealants.
All of the methods listed above have been found to be effective at cleaning ceramic tile floors. Depending on the type of spots you are facing, it is at your discretion to choose one over the other. Sweeping and wiping might be enough for simple, everyday cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, Steam Mops and Spin Mops are the way to go.