The Best Way to Clean Tiles - Fix Up, Look Sharp
With the new season upon us, there's no better time to get out your dusters & polishes for a spring clean. Sometimes, there's nothing more satisfying than a good deep clean to breathe life back into your home and leave your mind feeling a bit clearer.
If you love your tiles as much as we do, it's important to keep them maintained and ensure they're looking good for years to come.
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Whether it's your kitchen bathroom or hallway, when it comes to tiles, cleaning and caring for them properly can give a space an instant refresh. Not only that, it’ll increase their longevity and performance too.
Make sure cleaning and maintaining your tiles is on your spring clean to-do list and be sure to follow out expert tips to get your tiles sparkling and like new.
How to Clean Grout
We all know how quickly dirty grout that’s supposed to be white can transform the look of a room. So cleaning your grout is the best place to start - and a quick win to give you some big cleaning satisfaction.
The best way to tackle grout and remove built-up grime is to use an old toothbrush as your weapon of choice.
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For mild stains, a nifty trick is to mix some baking soda with vinegar to form a paste. Get involved and get scrubbing with a dollop of elbow grease, using your toothbrush to work the paste in between the tiles. Leave it for 30 minutes before you rinse off.
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For dirtier, more stubborn stains, use a grout stain remover or grout cleaner that’s safe for your tiles. Make sure you test the cleaner in an area not visible first.
Related: Learn how to choose the right grout for your tiles here.
How to Clean Wall Tiles
With the grout back to brand spanking new, give your tiles some love. Consider the finish of your wall tiles before you start. For example, for plain ceramic tiles, a scouring pad should be ok. However, for printed pattern tiles, it might be safer to use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Never use vinegar or harsh cloths on marble!
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If you can, run some hot water over or near the tiles to open up the ceramic pores and really get deep into the dirt.
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Choose the right cleaner for your wall tiles, depending on their material. A gentle stonewash cleaner is suitable for travertine, limestone, granite, sandstone, slate, marble and polished porcelain.
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For heavy duty grime, you might need something a little stronger to remove stains like oil, grease and any ingrained dirt.
How to Clean Tile Floors
As there’s often a larger surface to cover with floor tiles, sometimes it’s easier to just break out the steam cleaner! Although an appealing option, it’s not always suitable for certain tiles so check first to avoid any risk of scratching your tiles.
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For longevity of your floors, use the correct maintenance cleaner to increase the life of the protective seal. Meaning these deep cleans don’t become a regular chore!
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Be careful using normal detergents, we’d even say avoid it. On sealed surfaces, normal cleaning products and strong bleach will remove the protective seal.
3-Step Tile Care Guide
If your spring clean has gone the whole hog and become more of a spring renovation, protect your investment and ensure you follow these steps to properly clean and seal your tiles.
Step 1 - Clean
After fitting, an initial clean should be done to remove residue, adhesive, grout and any grime. LTP Grimex is specially formulated for limestone, travertine, slate and porcelain to remove stubborn stains and ensure a clean start for your tiles.
Step 2 - Seal
Once fitted and cleaned (should be sealed before grouting), our sealers protect against staining and enhance the natural colour and texture of your tiles. LTP Mattstone, suitable for natural and artificial stone, will strongly repel water, oil and grease. For maximum enhancement, especially in wetrooms, use LTP Colour Intensifier.
Step 3 - Maintain
Maintain the natural beauty of your tiles with cleaners formulated for the most delicate surfaces, from natural stone to unglazed ceramics. Renovate a dull-looking floor with LTP Floorshine or keep your natural, or artificial, stone walls fresh from dirt and residue with LTP Waxshine.
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