Good as new: how to care for your tiles and grout
A tiling job well done is a beautiful thing to behold. Follow these tips to clean tiles and grout and keep them looking sparkling as new.
The material and surface of the tile will determine your cleaning materials. Modern quality ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles have a glaze or seal which makes them hardy, so using a non-abrasive cleaning cloth or sponge and pH neutral cleaner is the best form of maintenance. Textured or patterned tiles need a softer touch, such as a microfibre cloth.
Cleaning bathroom tiles
A steam clean will take care of that stubborn soap scum build up, especially in the shower. Give the tiled floors and walls a liberal spray with household cleaner, then run the hot water for five minutes to build a good head of steam. After 20 minutes, give the tiles a wipe down with a soft cloth for a sparkling finish.
Mould X is a great product for cleaning mould, it kills, cleans and disinfects mould and mildew. It is suitable for using on a wide variety of washable surfaces, including tiles, silicone, walls, ceiling, glass, wood and plastic.
Home remedy: White vinegar is the cure-all for a host of household cleaning applications, including removing grime from bathroom tiles. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Mist the surface, leave for a few seconds, then buff dry. For limescale buildup, you can mix vinegar with a bit of baking soda: the acidic vinegar will break down the mineral deposits that build up in limescale and the baking soda helps to dissolve these stains.
TOP TIP: If you do live in an area with hard water, ideally you should avoid installing porous tiles such as limestone, travertine and marble as their porosity allows minerals to penetrate the surface and stain over time. A quality porcelain or ceramic tile is better suited to hard water.
Cleaning kitchen tiles
The trick to keeping kitchen tiles and grout looking good is regular cleaning as this prevents staining from fat and food splashes. Warm, soapy water works wonders on not-so-dirty kitchen tiles. But if you are tackling tougher stains, a good-quality tile cleaner and a little elbow grease will bust the grime.
Use a cleaner with degreasing properties to get rid of that fatty spatter on the tile splashback behind your cooker. Just follow the instructions on the bottle. Wipe with a clean, wet cloth, then buff with a dry cloth.
Home remedy: If you prefer a natural approach, the citric acid in lemons breaks down grease and fat. Cut the fruit in half, give it a squeeze and rub the cut end directly onto the greasy spot. You can use it on the cooker top too. Then wipe with a damp cloth or sponge and clean water to remove the grease.
How to clean floor tiles
Vacuum tiled floors regularly to prevent loose debris and crumbs from getting trampled into the tiles and grout. Mix your preferred floor cleaner with warm water and clean the floor with a microfibre soft cloth or mop. It's a good idea to invest in a steam mop: the hot steam disinfects while it cleans.
Handy hints for cleaning grout
Most grouts on the market have properties that make them more resistant to stains and mould. Arc Pro-line Grout contains anti-mould technology, which makes it ideal for wet room and shower wall and floor tiles. In addition, Mould X is a very effective product for removing and preventing mould and mildew from both grout and silicone sealant.
Regular wipe downs with a sponge or microfibre cloth will slow down mucky build up in the grout. It also helps to open a window or leave the extractor fan running for 10 to 20 minutes after a shower to cut down on the moisture and humidity, and further inhibit mould.
When a deeper cleanse is called for, spritz the grout with hot water, then scrub with an old, clean toothbrush to remove any dirt or grime on the surface.
If that doesn’t work, use a pH neutral cleaner, and give it another scrub. Then bring out the sponge or soft cloth again to buff out any residue.
Home remedy: Make a paste of three cups of baking soda and one cup of warm water and work into the grout lines with a toothbrush to remove grime and limescale. This is also a good way to clean dirt that may build up in the hard to reach parts of patterned tiles.
