Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Ceramic Tile Floor?

 A ceramic tile floor is very durable. When cared for, the tiles will last for many years. Generally speaking, all you need to do to clean it is to sweep it daily and use a damp mop to wash it.

Bad Stains

For stubborn dirt or stains, a couple of drops of soap in mop water will be sufficient. If the tile or grout is white, you can add a bit of bleach to the mop water. This will remove yellowing and stains.

Is Bleach Necessary?

Bleach is not needed in routine cleaning of ceramic tile, and is actually a bit of overkill. Use it only for bad stains and yellow grout.

WARNING: Bleach stains clothing and is toxic to inhale, so be sure to wear old clothing and gloves and check your work area has proper ventilation before you use it. If you're going to have your face close to the bleach while you work (which often happens when leaning down to clean floors), then wear a face mask and safety glasses. This is especially important if you have a history of respiratory problems.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How To Clean Tile In A Steam Shower

Tile in a steam shower requires very little effort to clean and maintain. The steam that is produced in the enclosure does a great deal of the cleaning. It loosens any residue, allowing you to simply wipe it away. If moisture remains on the tile too long, mold and mildew can develop. Clean your steam shower tiles at least twice a month to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

What You'll Need:

• Liquid detergent
• Soft cleaning cloth

Applying the Detergent

Pour a small amount of liquid detergent onto the cleaning cloth. Use the cloth to apply the detergent to a small area of the tiles. Continue applying the detergent until the entire shower is covered. Allow the detergent to sit for 5 minutes.

Scrubbing the Tiles

Use a cloth to scrub the residue from the surface of the tiles. Work the cloth between the tiles as well. Rinse the tiles with cool, clear water.

Using the Ozone Generator

If your steam shower has an ozone generator, allow it to operate for about 10 minutes after each shower in order to clean the tiles and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Tips for Cleaning Terracotta Tiles

 Cleaning terracotta tiles is not as difficult a task as you might assume. Terracotta tiles are a popular form of tile used today in homes across the country. Their natural, rich amber color is sought by homeowners who like a warm, homey feel.

What You'll Need:

• Broom
• Brushes
• Water
• Damp Mop
• Professional Cleaning Products To Taste

What Are They?

Terracotta, which means “cooked earth” in Italian, can be beautiful to look at. However, these types of tiles do need some care if you decide to have them in your home. When installed by a professional, terracotta tiles can be either used in their raw form or sealed with a glaze so they appear shiny. Terracotta tiles are produced from raw clay and are usually available in several color options. Terracotta tiles lend themselves to a Southwest or rustic style and simple appearance.

Here are a few tips that can help you to keep terracotta tiles looking their best day in and day out without too much effort.

Be Prepared

Before you start, have everything you need handy including brooms, brushes, water, damp mop, and professional cleaning products.

Wear Shoes

When mopping and wetting the floor tiles, be sure to wear rubber sole shoes so you do not fall. Terracotta, like most floor tiles, can become slippery when wet.

Sweep

It’s important to remove anything that is laying around on the surface of the terracotta floor such as pet hair, baby toys, food, and dust. Use a broom with soft bristles and sweep the tiles thoroughly. Doing this on a regular basis may help keep the tiles clean on the surface and mopping to a minimum.

Mopping

Use a soft rope mop or soft sponge head mop with warm water to clean when the floor starts to look dull or grimy. Do not use a metal mop head, which could potentially scratch and harm the terracotta tiles.

Professional Products

There are professional cleaning products on the market that are designed specifically for cleaning terracotta tiles. These products are usually available at home improvement and flooring stores. Or ask your tile installer what he recommends when cleaning the terracotta tiles.

Natural Alternatives

If you prefer the natural way to clean, try equal parts of white vinegar to a bucket of warm water and then mop the tiles accordingly. Vinegar is good for removing any oily materials or debris on the tiles and dries quickly.

Other Oils

If you have other stains such as water, you might want to try using some Linwood oil, also available at home improvement and flooring stores. Use a small amount on a slightly damp mop head after you are done washing the floor. Spread a light coat the oil evenly on the tiles moving from wall to wall. Then, let the floor dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it or replacing furniture.

Move all furniture and other accessories that might get ruined or covered in oil prior to using it.

Try to Avoid

Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals on the terracotta tiles; they could become permanently discolored or damaged if the wrong cleaning products are used. If you're in doubt, don’t use it.

As you can see, cleaning your terracotta tiles is not too difficult. Proper maintenance will ensure they will last for years to come.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Clean Grout Haze From Tile Grout

Grout haze is caused when tiles are installed and the grout is not completely removed from the tile surface after the project is complete. To clean it, you can use common household ingredients or a commercial tile cleaner. The best time to remove grout haze is within 24 hours of completing a grouting project; however, it is possible to remove haze even days or weeks after the tiling project is finished.

What You'll Need:

• Bucket
•  Warm water
•  Scouring pad
•  Vinegar
•  Commercial grout haze remover
•  Protective gloves

Removal Methods

It's always best to start with the simplest removal method first. If you're trying to remove the grout haze within that first 24-hour window, plain elbow grease may just do the trick. Fill a bucket with warm water and, using a green scouring pad, give the haze a good scrubbing. For stubborn haze or haze that's had a little more time to sit, this may not work.

If your grout haze refuses to come up with just warm water, try a mixture of warm water and vinegar (50 percent of each). In many cases this will remove the haze, provided you use enough force against the tile to remove the excess grout causing it.

By this time, if the haze has still not been removed, then it may be time to resort to a commercial haze remover. You can purchase this type of product at any large home improvement center in the tile department. Following the instructions on the package and wearing protective gloves, soak a cloth and use it to wipe the haze from the tile. If the haze continues to be a problem, then the next step is to try applying the remover directly to the surface of the tile. Take care when resorting to this measure that you try small amounts at a time in small areas to avoid possibly damaging the grout you want to keep. Also, be sure to clean up the remover thoroughly, using a new cloth if you have to.

Again, keep in mind that the longer grout haze is allowed to set, the harder it will be to remove.

What Not to Use

The primary products to avoid when attempting to remove grout haze are commercial detergents that may be overly harsh on the grout and leave their own film on tile.

Be aware that attempting to remove grout haze may actually soften the grout between the tiles. If this occurs, then use a putty knife to smooth the grout into place and then reseal the grout to prevent further damage.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Ceramic Tile Floor?

 A ceramic tile floor is very durable. When cared for, the tiles will last for many years. Generally speaking, all you need to do to clean it is to sweep it daily and use a damp mop to wash it.

Bad Stains

For stubborn dirt or stains, a couple of drops of soap in mop water will be sufficient. If the tile or grout is white, you can add a bit of bleach to the mop water. This will remove yellowing and stains.

Is Bleach Necessary?

Bleach is not needed in routine cleaning of ceramic tile, and is actually a bit of overkill. Use it only for bad stains and yellow grout.

WARNING: Bleach stains clothing and is toxic to inhale, so be sure to wear old clothing and gloves and check your work area has proper ventilation before you use it. If you're going to have your face close to the bleach while you work (which often happens when leaning down to clean floors), then wear a face mask and safety glasses. This is especially important if you have a history of respiratory problems.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Can I Use Bleach to Clean My Ceramic Tile Floor?

 A ceramic tile floor is very durable. When cared for, the tiles will last for many years. Generally speaking, all you need to do to clean it is to sweep it daily and use a damp mop to wash it.

Bad Stains

For stubborn dirt or stains, a couple of drops of soap in mop water will be sufficient. If the tile or grout is white, you can add a bit of bleach to the mop water. This will remove yellowing and stains.

Is Bleach Necessary?

Bleach is not needed in routine cleaning of ceramic tile, and is actually a bit of overkill. Use it only for bad stains and yellow grout.

WARNING: Bleach stains clothing and is toxic to inhale, so be sure to wear old clothing and gloves and check your work area has proper ventilation before you use it. If you're going to have your face close to the bleach while you work (which often happens when leaning down to clean floors), then wear a face mask and safety glasses. This is especially important if you have a history of respiratory problems.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Clean Mold from Bathtub and Shower Tile Grout

You need to know how to clean mold off tile grout to maintain the health and integrity qualities of your bathroom. Not only are black mold stains in your shower grout unpleasant to look at, but if they are left long enough, the mildew and bacteria can be bad for your health as well. Whether you are using eco-friendly cleaners or abrasive scouring powders, you will need to put some effort into getting your grout looking new again.

What You'll Need:

• Baking powder
• Vinegar
• Scouring cleanser
• Anti-mildew spray
• Bath and shower tile spray
• Latex gloves
• Bucket
• Dishcloth
• Soft scouring pad
• Small bowl
• Old toothbrush
• Squeegee

Step 1 - Choose Cleaning Products

With so many products on the market, finding the right cleaner for the job can be a difficult choice. Before you head off to the store, think about what kind of cleaner you would like to use: does it have to be eco-friendly or are you willing to use strong chemical detergents?

If your mold problem is particularly bad, you might want to ask for a product used by professionals. Trust the experts at your local hardware store; they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Step 2 - Surface Cleaning

Mold and mildew can hide under soap scum, so you will need to do a general surface clean before attacking the black stains on your bath and shower grout. Sprinkle the entire tile surface area with baking soda and wipe clean with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

Pay special attention to the grouted areas. Rinse with warm water and let the tiles dry. Repeat this process until there is no white residue on the tiles after they have dried.

Step 3 - Grout Scrubbing

In a small bowl, make a paste of scouring powder and warm water. Wearing latex gloves to protect your hands, apply the paste to the moldy grout with a soft scouring pad. Scrub black mildew stains vigorously without gouging the grout from between the tiles.

If mold stains remain in your tile grout, use a toothbrush to carry out deeper cleaning. Rinse with warm water and let the tiles dry. You may need to repeat this process a few times before mold stains are completely gone.

Step 4 - Anti-Mildew Spray

Use an anti-mildew spray to kill the mold-causing bacteria. Make sure the spray coats the affected area evenly, leaving the tile and grout wet but not soaked. Leave the anti-mildew spray to dry overnight. Re-apply anti-mildew spray, scrubbing the tile and grout with a soft scouring pad on the second application. Rinse with warm water.

Step 5 - Mold Prevention

Although you cannot entirely prevent mold and mildew from returning, there are a few things you can do to keep it under control. Use a squeegee to clean away excess water after every bath or shower.

Also, use an eco-friendly after-shower tile spray at least every second day. When scouring your bathroom, don’t just surface clean tiles, but take the time to scrub the grout in between as well.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com