How to clean and maintain your tile: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tile floors and walls are durable, stylish, and easy to care for—if maintained properly. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking great but also helps extend their lifespan. Here’s how to keep your tile and grout in top shape:

1. Daily Cleaning: Vacuum or Dust

Use a vacuum or a soft dust mop daily to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Avoid straw brooms, as they can scratch the surface of your tiles over time.

2. Weekly Maintenance: Mop It Up

Mop your tile floors once a week using warm water and a mild soap. After mopping, always dry the surface with a clean towel or microfiber cloth. This helps prevent slipping and stops new dirt from settling into the damp areas.

3. Monthly or As-Needed: Deep Cleaning

Every so often, perform a deeper clean to remove stubborn stains and grease:

• Mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water.

• Mop or wipe down the tiles with the solution, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Important: Do not use vinegar on granite or marble tiles, as it can etch the surface.

4. Shower Tile & Walls

To clean shower walls, combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the walls, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

5. Grout Care

For regular grout cleaning:

• Mix baking soda with water to form a paste.

• Apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit overnight.

• Scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse with warm water.

6. Use Bleach Only as a Last Resort

For extremely dirty or stained grout, you may use a chlorine bleach solution—but only when other methods fail. Follow these safety tips:

• Rinse off any previously used cleaners, especially vinegar.

• Never mix vinegar and bleach, as this creates toxic chlorine gas.

• Use bleach sparingly, as it can weaken or discolor grout over time.

Final Tip: Seal Your Grout

Sealing your grout once or twice a year adds a layer of protection against stains and moisture. This is especially important in high-traffic or wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.