The Quick and Easy Guide to Cleaning Porcelain Tile and Grout
Porcelain is a popular choice for use in kitchens and bathrooms. It is durable, water-resistant, and relatively easy to clean. And we all know that the kitchen and bathroom is where most of the activities at home happen. However, even if the cleaning porcelain tiles are easy, grime and dirt accumulates very easily on the surface especially on the grout between the tiles. That is why regularly cleaning porcelain tiles is important; else, the grime will be even harder to take out.
Here, I’ll show you the simple ways of cleaning porcelain tile and how you can make it last much longer by using simple ingredients you can find in your home. First, sweep your tiles to take out surface dirt. Using a soft-brush broom is best to avoid scratching the tiles, while the bristles of the broom will allow you to get into the grout.
After, wipe your porcelain tile floor with a mop or, for your tiled walls, a sponge. Soak it in a simple solution of one gallon of water, one cup of vinegar, and one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. You could also use commercial cleaners available in your local supermarket, but the vinegar solutions works just as well and is cheaper.
Now, cleaning porcelain tile means also cleaning the grout lines, and this can be a bit tricky. Unattended, the grout lines can accumulate dirt and moisture which is the ideal environment for mildew and bacteria to grow. Cleaning tile grout takes a bit more elbow grease but relatively easy and simple with a few items in your pantry. Mix the following ingredients together in a spray bottle:
- 5 cups water
- 1/3 cup ammonia
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup vinegar
Spray on your grout and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Wipe clean with a rag or rinse with water. If your grout is white then you can use a bleach solution made of 1 part bleach and 5 parts water. This will lighten the stains of your grout lines. However, it is also important to remember NOT to mix ammonia and bleach together as they can cause a chemical reaction. We don’t want anything like that while cleaning porcelain tiles, do we?
After you’re done cleaning porcelain tiles and the grout, you can have your grout lines sealed or you can do it yourself by buying a commercial sealant at the local hardware. This will prevent water stains and mildew from growing on your grout and makes them easier to clean next time.
Now you have gleaming, sparkling porcelain tiles that you can show off to friends. |
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