Posted on Date 20th Dec 2023
How to spring clean your tiles
Spring is in the air, which for many of us means taking full advantage of the warmer weather and longer nights to give the house a really deep clean.
One area of the home that can sometimes get missed when doing a deep clean are the tiles in the bathroom or kitchen. Whether its the floors or the walls, like everything else they will have accumulated a lot of dust and dirt over the winter months which might not be obvious to the naked eye.
A deep spring clean of your tiles though will help remove any dust or dirt from your tiles and have them gleaming again in no time at all.
How to get your tiles ready for cleaning
Before you start deep cleaning its always advisable to given them a once over with the hoover or soft dustpan and brush or a microfibre cloth for the walls to remove anything obvious from the surface of the tiles.
What tools should you use to clean tiles
Although it does depend on the type of tile you have in your home, wed always recommend a microfibre cloth when cleaning your walls and a chamois-style mop whenever you are cleaning your floors. The latter particularly helps to stop washing dirt into your grout lines and leaves less streaks on polished floors (saving you another job!).
Dont overlook your grout lines
Its quite common for people to overlook their grout lines when cleaning their tiles. Make sure to allow time to clean your grout using a product such as Fila Multi Surface Cleaner to remove any grease or grime that may have built up. Water based; it doesnt contain any harsh chemicals which could potentially erode your grout.
Avoid chemical-based cleaners when cleaning tiles
Repeated use of chemical-based cleaners containing bleach can erode the surface layer of ceramic and porcelain tiles so wherever possible use a water-based tile cleaner from companies such as Fila. Purpose-made for cleaning tiles, Fila not only cleans your tiles professionally but also protects them in the process. We would always recommend when giving your tiles a clean with a product like Fila to give them a second go with clean, warm water to remove any residue from the detergent prior to drying.
Clean your tiles from top to bottom
If you are planning on giving your tiles a deep clean, then always work from the top down (just like you would with your windows). This avoids anything dripping down onto the area youve just cleaned.
The best way to clean natural stone tiles
Natural stone tiles such as those made from granite, marble or slate can easily be damaged if not cleaned using the right PH-neutral products. So, if any of your tiles fall into those categories then wed always recommend investing in a suitable product such as Fila Cleaner Pro. It may seem like an added expense but think of it more as a long-term investment in your natural stone tiles. Plus, stay away from using anything like a scourer or stiff brush for cleaning as this could end up scratching the surface of the tile (which is something you definitely dont want).
The best way to clean shower tiles
Shower tiles can be particularly tricky to keep given how much tiles are used on a daily basis. Wherever possible try and wipe down your tiles after youve showered with a clean, dry cloth to stop the build-up of any dirt, especially in your grout lines.
If thats not a practical option, then when it comes time to clean the shower, first run a shower with the doors and windows closed before you start. This will help open up the pores of ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles, giving you more chance of reaching the dirt and ultimately achieving a cleaner finish.
We would always recommend cleaning your grout first as any dirt that comes out of your grout lines is more than likely to go onto the tiles. Next focus on the tiles. Try and work in circular motion from top to bottom with your cloth to help lift any tough stains from your tiles before rinsing off with clean warm water and a clean cloth or sponge.
How often should you clean your tiles
While we are talking here about giving your tiles a deep clean for spring, we would always recommend cleaning your tiles, wherever they are in your home, as often as possible preferably weekly (but thats up to you of course). This will not only stop any build-up of bacteria and germs on your tiles but also will ensure they continue to look good for many years to come.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about keeping your tiles clean, feel free to contact the Tile Warehouse team using the web chat facility. They would be more than happy to help.