The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Quarry Tiles

Quarry tiles are a lovely and robust flooring choice that develops a beautiful finish over time. However, because they’re often unglazed, they need a bit of special care to keep them looking their best. Here’s a quick in-depth guide on how to clean and maintain your quarry tiles effectively.

Quick Tips for Maintaining Quarry Tiles

1. Wipe Up Spills Straight Away: Should you manage to mark a quarry tile, make sure to clean up any spills as soon as they happen. A bit of warm water can do the trick, but don’t let it sit too long to avoid any staining.
2. Tackle Grease Stains with Fila Multi Surface Stain Remover: For those stubborn grease stains that just won’t budge. Just ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors. Apply the FIla Multi Surface Stain remover to a cloth, place it on the stain, cover it with plastic to keep it moist, and let it sit for about an hour. After that, wipe it down with a clean cloth and continue with your usual cleaning routine.
3. Choose the Right Mop: Quarry tiles can be quite coarse, so it’s best to avoid old string mops that might fall apart. Instead, go for a wet microfiber mop, a looped-end knit mop, or a synthetic tube mop for effective cleaning.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Mopping the Floor

• Sweep or Vacuum First: Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to get rid of any debris. This step is essential to ensure a clean surface before you mop.
• Use Warm Water: For everyday cleaning, dampen your mop with warm water and run it over the floor. Focus on any particularly dirty areas as needed. Quarry tiles usually don’t need strong cleaners for regular maintenance.
• Dry the Floor: After mopping, dry the floor with a dry mop or rag. This is important to prevent mould, as water can linger more easily on quarry tiles compared to other types.

2. Deep Cleaning the Tiles

• Select a pH-Neutral Cleaner: Avoid acidic or basic cleaners. Instead, choose a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for quarry tiles. You can also whip up your own by mixing 0.5 cups of baking soda into 1 gallon of water, adding a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent, or clean with confidence using the below, depending on your quarry tile cleaning needs.

For cement residue on your quarry tiles, check out our very own  Fila Cement Residue Remover 1ltr

For your outdoor project involving quarry tiles, you'll want to purchase our  Fila Patio & Porcelain Cleaner to keep your quarry tiles looking clean all year round.

• Use Caustic Soda for Tough Stains: For grease or limescale, consider getting a caustic soda tile cleaner. Look for products that contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These cleaners are safe for quarry tiles when diluted properly but be careful—too much caustic soda can leave a white film on the tiles.
• Dilute the Cleaner: Pour the caustic soda cleaner into a mop bucket and add hot water according to the manufacturer’s instructions (for example, 1 part cleaner to 32 parts water for a 3% dilution). Always wear safety goggles and gloves when handling caustic soda.

• Mop or Scrub the Tiles: Dip a synthetic mop or stiff bristle brush into the diluted cleaner and scrub the quarry tiles. Pay extra attention to areas with limescale or oily spots. We recommend using our DEX Clean-Up Pads to scrub the residue off.

• Let It Sit: If the manufacturer recommends it, allow the cleaner to sit for about 2 minutes to penetrate the ceramic. If not specified, you can skip this step.
• Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, mop the tiles with water to remove the caustic soda cleaner. Rinse the mop frequently to ensure all cleaner is removed. If any greasy spots or limescale remain, you may need to repeat the treatment.
• Final Drying: Use a dry mop or rag to thoroughly dry the floor. Leaving water on the surface can lead to stains or mould.

You can purchase from our range of specialist cleaning equipment  here.

Conclusion

Caring for your quarry tiles doesn’t have to be a chore. With these straightforward tips and a regular cleaning routine, you can keep them looking beautiful and durable for years to come. Remember, a little attention goes a long way in preserving the charm of your home! Happy cleaning!

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