It's not surprising that tile, which is as durable as it is beautiful, is a popular material for kitchens and bath spaces.
But the job of cleaning tiles —and the maze of grout that keeps them in place — is decidedly unpopular. In an effort to restore dingy surfaces to like-new brightness, people are often tempted to use cleansers and tools that are tougher than necessary, such as bleach and stiff brushes.
But strong-arm cleaning tactics often create more problems than they solve. They can scratch tiles and damage grout, creating conditions that dull surfaces, invite stains, and make long-term maintenance difficult.
The gentle cleaning techniques outlined below are suitable for ceramic, porcelain, terra-cotta and glass tiles. To get started, you'll need cleaning cloths, a pH-neutral cleanser, a squeegee for each shower, an alkaline cleanser, a grout brush, a grout sealer and a grout poultice and restorer.
Follow these steps, and you'll find that keeping tile and grout clean is a fairly straightforward task —one that might be compared with taking care of your teeth: A little preventive action and regular cleaning with the proper tools will keep them looking good.
1. The moment you spill anything on tile, wipe it up with a damp cloth to keep stains from setting. After showers, wipe down tiles — as well as the shower door — with a squeegee, from top to bottom. This will keep soap scum, lime deposits, rust stains and mold to a minimum.
2. The worst grime actually tends to accumulate on the grout and not the tiles, which are naturally more stain-resistant. Typically made of cement, sand and polymers, grout has microscopic pores that readily trap dirt. The dirt, in turn, is a magnet for mold and mildew, which lead to discoloration. To make grout care easier in the long run, apply a penetrating sealer that protects against water- and oil-based stains. It's best to apply the sealer with a small foam brush; excess can be buffed off the tile and will not leave any lasting residue.
Reapply periodically (the frequency depends on the brand and the wear and tear the surface receives; refer to the label on the sealer for instructions).
3. Every week, sweep or vacuum tile floors to remove dirt and grit, which scratch surfaces. Sponge or mop tiles with a pH-neutral cleanser, which is less harsh than most cleansers, and warm water. Use a grout brush to clean out joints and corners. Rinse well, as grout can absorb cleansers, which will attract dirt. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
4. Occasionally, tile needs deep-cleaning. To remove soap scum, use an alkaline cleanser (most all-purpose household cleansers are alkaline), warm water and a soft-bristle brush. Rinse well with clean water, and towel dry. (It's important to reserve alkaline cleansers for occasional use. They can strip the seal from glazed tiles and may dissolve grout sealer.)
Use a grout brush and the same alkaline cleanser to remove soap scum or mildew from between the tiles. (If you have mold, discard the brush after use to prevent recontamination. To discourage mold's return, run the bathroom fan or crack open a window during and for about half an hour after each shower.) To treat stubborn stains or discoloration, use a poultice and a grout restorer (test products on an inconspicuous spot first).
5. For the best results, always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label of any cleaning product; using more cleanser than is recommended or sidestepping other directions can result in dull, dirty tiles. When sponging or mopping grout, change the wash water and rinse water frequently to avoid redistributing dirt (if there's a large area to cover, consider using a wet/dry vacuum, which extracts dirty water efficiently). If grout is crumbling or powdery, there's no quick fix. It's time to reapply it.
6. Just as abrasive cleansers can damage tiles over time, so can certain cleaning tools. Avoid equipment that can scratch, including steel wool, stiff brushes, and mops with metal parts. Extend the life of your grout by steering clear of lime and mineral scalers, white vinegar, and citrus-based cleansers, which can cause damage. Oil soaps and pine cleansers will leave a sticky or waxy residue on tile and attract grime to grout. Fight the urge to use chlorine bleach or ammonia, too; they won't get rid of mold, and they will harm grout and tile.
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