Spring cleaning guide for thoroughly cleaning your tiles

Tiles are a popular flooring and wall covering choice for homeowners, thanks to their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. However, keeping tiles clean and looking their best can be a challenge without dedicated time for upkeep. So, what better a time to divide and conquer the different tiled areas of your home than the spring?

In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at how to clean some of the most common types of tiles used for walls: porcelain, ceramic, slate, marble, glass. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions and cleaning solutions tailored to each tile type, so you can confidently tackle any cleaning task. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains or just want to give your walls a refresh, our comprehensive guide has you covered. We’ll also share some tips and tricks for maintaining your tiles to keep them looking their best for years to come. So, grab your cleaning supplies and let’s get started!

What to Keep in Mind When Tile Cleaning This Spring:

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, a chance to freshen up your home after the long winter months and prepare for the warmer seasons ahead. If you have tiles in your home, whether on the floors or walls, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use the right cleaning products: Different types of tiles require different cleaning products to avoid damage. Make sure to read labels and use pH-neutral cleaners, avoiding acidic or abrasive solutions that can harm the tiles.

• Clean grout thoroughly: Grout is porous and can trap dirt and grime, so it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. Use a grout cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water to scrub away any buildup.

• Protect high-gloss tiles: High-gloss tiles can be more prone to scratching, so use soft cleaning tools and avoid harsh chemicals that can dull the finish.

• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, make sure to dry your tiles completely to prevent water spots and potential mold growth. Use a dry cloth or towel, or open windows and doors to promote air circulation.

• Consider professional cleaning: For particularly stubborn stains or buildup, or if you simply want a deep clean, consider hiring a professional tile cleaning service. They have specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that can tackle even the toughest grime.

If you keep these tips in mind, you can ensure a successful and safe spring cleaning with your tiles. So, now it is time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy the fresh start that comes with a clean home, because next up is the step-by-step for cleaning tiles!

Different Cleaning Solutions:

Before we head into the steps for each specific tile type, we want to provide a run-down on the various cleaning solutions you’ll see mentioned below. This way, you have a better understanding of the ways they work and help you achieve a good, ole spring cleaning!

• Alkaline:  Alkaline cleaners for tiles have become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness in removing tough stains and grime. These cleaners work by breaking down oils and dirt, leaving tiles looking fresh and bright. The best candidates for alkaline cleaners are non-porous surfaces such as ceramics, porcelain, and some stone tiles. When using an alkaline cleaner, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the product on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your tile surface. With proper use, alkaline cleaners can be an effective solution for keeping your tiled surfaces looking their best.
• pH Neutral:  These cleaners are good for a variety of tiles, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. pH neutral cleaners work by being gentle on tile surfaces while still providing a deep clean. They are also great for those with sensitive skin as they do not contain harsh chemicals. When purchasing a pH neutral cleaner, it is important to read the label to ensure it is safe for the specific type of tile you have in your home. With a pH neutral cleaner, you can keep your tiles looking clean and pristine without any worries about damaging them in the process.

Cleaning Marble or Natural Stone Tiles: 

If you have marble or natural stone wall or floor tiles, it’s important to take care of them properly to keep them looking beautiful. 

• To start, begin by brushing away or vacuuming any loose dirt or debris. 
• Then, mix a gentle cleaner with warm water and use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the tiles.
  • The best kind of cleaner for stone or marble tiles is a pH neutral cleaner.  This cleaner is diluted heavily with water and won’t etch the surface of your tiles. 
• Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent any water stains. 
• Finally, to maintain the shine and protect the stone from stains and scratches, apply a sealant annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. 

With a little TLC, your marble or natural stone wall tiles will look stunning for years to come!

Cleaning Glass Tiles:

Cleaning glass wall tiles can seem like they’d be a hassle, but with proper technique, it can be a breeze. So, let’s us ensure it’s that way!

Once you’re ready to dive in, just make sure you have all the materials you need on hand, including a soft-bristled brush, a bucket, warm water, and an alkaline cleaner (this is the most effective solution for glass tiles).

• Before anything else, remove any dirt or grime using the scrubber brush. 
• Then, mix the non-abrasive cleaner with warm water according to the instructions on the bottle. 
• Dip the brush into the solution and gently scrub the tiles in circular motions. Be careful not to press too hard, especially if your tiles have a textured surface. 
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth. 

Cleaning Slate Tiles:

If you’ve got slate wall tiles in your home, congratulations! They’re a beautiful and unique addition to any space. But have you thought about how to keep them looking good as new? Cleaning slate wall tiles can seem intimidating, but don’t worry – it’s actually pretty simple. 

• First, grab a soft-bristled brush and gently sweep away any surface dirt or dust. 
• Then, mix up a gentle cleaning solution (we recommend using a pH neutral cleaner here as slate is sensitive) and apply it to a small section of the tiles. 
• Use the same soft-bristled brush to scrub the section gently, being careful not to scratch the surface. 
• Rinse with clean water and repeat until the entire wall is clean. 

And there you have it – sparkling slate tiles without any fuss. Trust us, your guests will be impressed with your cleaning skills.

Cleaning Porcelain Tiles:

Durable as can be, porcelain tiles still need some TLC to make sure that they withstand foot traffic, kitchen splashes, and pet runs. Whether on the walls or floors, occasional upkeep will warrant the best results.

• First things first, let’s get rid of any extraneous dirt or built up dust on your walls with a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum with a gentle brush attachment. 
• Now, grab a bucket and add in your pH-neutral cleaner or alkaline cleaner.
  • Either works in this situation. If you’re more sensitive to cleaners, aim for pH; if you’re not, alkaline can provide a deeper clean.
• Dip a towel or cloth into the solution, squeeze out some water, and start wiping in a circular motion from top to bottom. 
• After cleaning the entire wall, rinse it off with clean water, and there you have it! You’ve got brand-spankin’-new, sparkling clean walls to show off to your guests.

Cleaning Ceramic Tiles:

Have you noticed your ceramic tiles looking a little dull lately? No worries, we’ve got you covered for this spring cleaning extravaganza.

• Start by taking a soft brush or vacuum with a soft brush attachment and getting rid of any dirt or dust on the tiles. 
• Next, grab a bucket and put warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner in it (just avoid any harsh or abrasive cleaners!). 
• Take a microfiber cloth or towel and swish it around in the cleaning solution, then start wiping your walls or floors in a circular motion from top to bottom. 
• Rinse the cloth in the cleaning solution often and make sure to wring it out to avoid any excess water. 
• Once you’re finished, rinse off any leftover cleaning solution with some clean water and use a clean, dry cloth to dry the wall off. Voila! Your tiles are clean as can be.

Don’t forget to keep up with maintenance all year long.

If you’re like most people, you probably think that cleaning tiles is only a springtime chore. Well, we want you to think again! Keeping your tiles spick and span all year round is essential for many reasons.While spring time is a great chance to deep clean, weekly upkeep is key.

First of all, no one really wants stained tiles in their home or workplace. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent those unsightly stains from forming and help your tiles look like new for longer. Plus, we doubt you want to slip and slide on a dirty, slippery tile floor. Regular cleaning can keep you safe from any potential accidents.

What’s more, regular tile maintenance can help ward off mold and mildew growth (And let’s be real, who wants that nasty stuff lurking around their bathroom or kitchen? Not us!). Not only does it look subpar, but it can also be a health hazard, especially if you have allergies or respiratory issues. All of that’s to say, if you want your tiles to last longer, you need to take good care of them. Continuing with upkeep can help extend the life of your tiles, which means you’ll save money in the long run. And who doesn’t love saving money?

Wrapping up cleaning tiles for the spring:

Well that concludes our lesson in tile spring cleaning 101! Whether your walls and floors are made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, or stone tiles, remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning before starting any project. And don’t forget to test new products on an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t cause accidental damage. With a little bit of effort and the right cleaning tools and techniques, you can keep your tiled surfaces looking good as new and impressing visitors for years to come. Happy cleaning!