How to Clean Tile
Floors Like a Pro

Tile is a beautiful and elegant floor choice for traditional and contemporary decor. There’s a lot to love about ceramic and porcelain tile floors, and at the top of the list is how low maintenance they can be. Once you know the best way to clean tile floors, you can keep them looking great with minimal effort. All you need to learn how to clean tile floors safely are tips from the pros and a few DIY cleaning solutions. 

How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors

Ceramic tile is ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways and is also ideal for backsplashes, countertops, and more. Ceramic tile may be used in bathrooms, but it is better suited to dry areas because it is more porous than porcelain. With the right tools and knowledge, learning how to clean ceramic tile floors is simple. Because sponge mops can have abrasive parts that scratch ceramic tile, use a string or strip mop instead.

• Sweep your ceramic tile floors daily to prevent buildup, abrasive dirt, and debris.
• Mop the floor using a string mop and a bucket of hot water with a few drops of dish soap.
• Remove dirt from the grout using white vinegar and an old toothbrush if needed.
• Mop up the soap residue using a fresh bucket of hot water.
• Wring the mop out frequently to get the best finish.
• Let the floor air dry, then buff the floor to a shine with a microfiber cloth.

When you know how to clean tile floors in just a few steps, keeping your ceramic tile looking its best is easy. 

How to Clean Porcelain Tile Floors

Porcelain tile is often used in bathrooms and kitchens because of its smooth finish and water resistance. Porcelain is also denser and less porous than ceramic, making it easier to clean your bathroom. Follow these floor tile cleaning tips to make cleaning easier. 

• Sweep your floors to remove dust and dirt before mopping.
• Fill a bucket with hot water and a cup of distilled white vinegar.
• Mop the floor with a microfiber mop and wring out your mop frequently.
• Tackle dingy grout and stains with a scrub brush and baking soda.
• Remove the dirt and cleaning residue by mopping with clean, hot water.
• Allow the floor to air dry and give it a good buffing with a dry microfiber mop.

Knowing how to clean tile floors safely and regularly will keep your home healthier, cleaner, and more beautiful. 

How to Clean Natural Stone Tile Floors

The rough surface and unique markings of natural stone tile add warmth and elegance—plus, they hide dust and dirt. While natural stone doesn’t show dirt like smooth-surface tile, it still requires routine cleaning. Unlike other tiles, vinegar, baking soda, and other natural cleaners are not the best way to clean tile floors made of stone. These DIY cleaners can strip the color and change the stone’s pH balance. Fortunately, a natural cleaner made with Castille soap can clean natural stone safely. 

• Mix ½ cup rubbing alcohol, 1½ cups water, and ½ teaspoon Castile soap in a spray bottle. 
• Sweep the floor and use your vacuum’s brush attachment to get into nooks and crannies. 
• Spray the cleaning solution onto the floor and clean the tile with a damp mop.
• Use a clean, damp mop to remove the dirt and cleaning residue. 

To keep natural stone looking its best, we recommend resealing the tile and grout about every four years. To make cleaning tile floors even easier, immediately clean up spills, mud, and debris when you spot them. 

How to Whiten and Brighten Tile Grout

Knowing how to clean tile floors is a wasted skill if you don’t know how to clean dingy grout. Grout is sealed, and dirt and grime get into the pores when the sealant degrades. Even with a durable seal, grout lines can still look gray and dull because of soap scum and other residue. Here’s how to bring back the brilliance.

Fill a spray bottle with undiluted hydrogen peroxide and spray it on the grout. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe, all-natural cleaner and whitener that easily soaks into the pores. Use a stiff nylon brush to scrub the grout, rinse with hot water, and let it air dry. If the grout still looks dull, it may be time to reseal it. Plan to reseal grout yearly to keep those lines looking as clean and sharp as your tile.

The Maids®: Your One-Stop Resource for Simplifying Housekeeping

Now that you’re cleaning tile floors like a pro check out our handy cleaning guides for carpets and hardwood floors. Whether you want to learn new housekeeping skills or get help with house cleaning, The Maids has you covered. Discover how residential cleaning services can help you find more time for what you love—and a clean home more often. Get your free custom cleaning quote today, and we’ll create a customized cleaning plan for your budget and lifestyle.