From natural stone tiles to intricately crafted glass tiles in a rainbow of beautiful colours, there are countless types of tile available that can be used to enhance your home. Today's homeowners are turning to tile for everything from their shower stalls to their kitchen backslashes.
Although tiled surfaces are beautiful to look at, they can be challenging to clean. Typically, the tiles themselves are not the problem it is the grout that is used between them. Most tiles are made from nonporous materials, meaning that they will resist staining and discolouration. They are also unlikely to harbour bacteria unless they have a rough surface that has small holes or ridges.
Grout, on the other hand, is quite porous. As a result, it can easily become stained. It also can develop problems with mould or mildew and can even be affected by bacteria.
Fortunately, there are some highly effective tile and grout cleaning techniques that you can turn to that will leave your tile surfaces clean, disinfected, and looking their best. Try putting the following cleaning routine to the test in your home to see how it does on your tiled surfaces:
1. Invest in a couple of good scrub brushes. A larger brush can be used to scrub the surface of the tiles, removing any dirt that has managed to get down into the tiny holes in the surface. A smaller brush, such as a toothbrush, can be used to scrub away any dirt or grime that has worked its way into the grout.
2. Choose your cleaning products wisely. There are plenty of tile and grout cleaners available commercially. Typically, however, these cleaning products rely on harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to touch or breathe. If you plan on using these products, always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Additionally, make sure that the space is well ventilated.
Alternatively, you can look into natural cleaning products. Most experts recommend using a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide does a great job of lifting stains while the mild abrasive nature of the baking soda helps scrub away dirt.
3. Start by wetting and gently scrubbing the surface of the tile. Before you get into any heavy duty cleaning, gently scrub away any surface dirt. This will make it easier to see where there are stains that require more attention. Wet the surface with warm water, gently scrub it with your scrub brush, and rinse away the dirt so you can see what you are working with.
4. Treat any areas where there are stains. Finish up the process by applying your cleaning product to any stained or discoloured areas on the tile or grout. Use your scrub brushes to gently scrub the area, taking care not to scrub so hard that you damage the surface. Rinse the area with hot water and double check to make sure that the stains have been fully removed. If not, repeat the process until the surface is clean.
Tile and grout cleaning can be challenging. However, these tips from our tile and grout cleaning experts in Brisbane, QLD should make it easier.