For any commercial space, the appearance and upkeep of the premises can play a pivotal role in making a strong first impression.
Tile floors, often chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal, are no exception. Unfortunately, these tiles can accumulate dirt over time, leading to a lacklustre appearance. Furthermore, grimy grout lines can make even the cleanest tiles look unkempt, potentially harming the image of your business.
This article offers tips and insights into the best ways to deep clean tile floors and grout lines in your commercial space, ensuring longevity and pristine aesthetics.
Identify The Type Of Tile
The first step to deep cleaning tile floors is to identify the type of tile you use. Each type has unique properties that determine suitable cleaning methods and solutions.
Ceramic tile floors, for example, are known for their durability and resistance to stains. Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are resistant to moisture.
Meanwhile, slate tiles offer a natural texture but are porous, requiring specific care. Lastly, natural stones like limestone, granite, and marble are beautiful but can be sensitive to certain cleaning agents.
Identify The Best Cleaning Solution For Your Tile Floor
Once you’ve identified the tile type, choose the right cleaning solution. This step isn’t just about making your tiles shine; it’s about ensuring they remain undamaged in the process. An incorrect or overly harsh cleaning agent can dull the finish, degrade the material, or cause discolouration.
Read on below to learn more about the different types of cleaning solutions.
Different Types Of Tile Cleaners
Here’s a detailed dive into the three main types of tile cleaners and some popular options in Singapore.
1. pH Neutral Floor Cleaner
Ideal for most tile types, especially natural stone, pH neutral floor cleaners effectively remove dirt without damaging the tile surface. They maintain the natural sheen of the tile and are generally safe for frequent use. However, you should be cautious about not overusing or leaving residues, which may lead to build-ups or streaks over time.
A pH neutral floor cleaner is a cleaning solution with a pH level close to 7, which means it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
What To Look For On The Label:
- pH Level: Ideally between 6-8.
- Terms: “pH balanced,” “pH neutral,” or “safe for all floors.”
- Absence of Acidic or Alkaline Ingredients: Such as vinegar, lemon, ammonia, or bleach, unless they’re balanced out.
2. Heavy-Duty Degreaser
Perfect for areas prone to oily or greasy stains, like kitchens or garages. These cleaners cut through the grime with efficiency.
However, it’s important to use them in well-ventilated areas and ensure gloves are worn during the application, given their potent nature. Always follow their application with a thorough rinse to ensure no harmful residue remains.
What To Look For On The Label:
- Terms: “Heavy-duty,” “industrial strength,” “grease remover,” or “oil lift.”
- Active Ingredients: Solvents, detergents, or surfactants known for grease-cutting properties.
- Usage Recommendations: Often specified for industrial settings like factories
3. Specific Tile Cleaning Chemical
Tailored for specific tile types, these cleaners cater to the unique properties of each tile. Make sure you use the right cleaner for your tile to avoid damage. For instance, acidic cleaners might harm natural stones, causing etching.
What To Look For On The Label:
- Terms: “Tile cleaner,” “grout cleaner,” “safe for ceramic/porcelain/marble tiles,” etc.
- Targeted Residues: May specify removal of lime, soap scum, mould, or mineral deposits.
- Absence of Harsh Chemicals: Some tiles (e.g., natural stone) can be sensitive to acidic or overly alkaline solutions.
How To Deep Clean Tile Floors And Grout
Maintaining pristine tile floors in commercial spaces is not just about regular sweeping or mopping. Deep cleaning, especially focusing on tiles and the often overlooked grout lines, brings out the floor’s original lustre.
Below are some tips on how to deep clean tiles and grout.
Baking Soda, Bleach, And Ammonia For Cleaning Tile Floors
When cleaning marble and similar tile surfaces, it’s essential to steer clear of acid-based cleaners, as these can discolour and damage your flooring.
Instead, use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on the floor. Apply this mixture using a mop or a clean cloth. To finish, a steam mop is beneficial if you want to disinfect surfaces and remove residual dust and dirt.
Consider using bleach, ammonia or other potent cleaners such as calcium lime rust removers for ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and other similar tile surfaces. For a more natural approach, opt for bicarbonate of soda combined with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or citric acid.
Baking Soda And Vinegar For Cleaning Grout Lines
Baking soda and water are an excellent combination for cleaning grout lines. Create a paste and spread it evenly across the grout. Let it settle for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Once settled, scrub along the grout lines using a stiff-bristled brush. If there are stubborn stains, a diluted white vinegar solution can be considered, but always ensure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. After scrubbing, rinse off the mixture with a damp cloth, ensuring all residues are removed.
Mopping The Tile Surface
Finally, after cleaning both tiles and grout, it’s essential to mop the entire surface. Prepare a bucket filled with warm water, adding a few drops of pH-neutral floor cleaner. With a clean mop, clean the floor section by section.
Make sure to rinse the mop regularly and change the cleaning solution if it becomes too dirty. Finally, dry the floor with clean towels, guaranteeing a streak-free finish and reducing the risk of slips.
Why You Need Professional Tile Scrubbing Done
While regular maintenance can keep your tiles in decent condition, periodic professional cleaning ensures deep-seated grime and embedded stains are effectively tackled.
In addition, professional commercial cleaning services in Singapore have access to advanced equipment and solutions, ensuring a thorough clean without risking tile damage.
Conclusion About The Best Way To Deep Clean Tile Floors
Maintaining clean tile floors is not just about aesthetics; it’s a long-term investment in the lifespan of your flooring and the image of your business. Deep cleaning tiles and grout ensures longevity, reducing the chances of early replacements or repairs.
For those seeking top-notch commercial cleaning services in Singapore, ESP Cleaning Services has a qualified team experienced with deep cleaning commercial spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Way To Deep Clean Tile Floors
How Often Should Commercial Spaces Deep Clean Tile Floors?
For commercial spaces or offices that experience high foot traffic, deep cleaning tile floors should be done at least quarterly. However, a bi-annual deep cleaning can suffice in areas with lighter traffic or less exposure to dirt and spills.
Why Does My Tile Floor Still Look Dirty After Cleaning?
If your tile floor still appears dirty after cleaning, there could be several reasons: residual cleaning solutions, embedded dirt, or cloudy sealant can be the culprits.
What Is The Best Machine To Deep Clean Tile Floors?
The ideal machine for deep cleaning tile floors is a steam cleaner or a tile and grout cleaning machine. These machines utilise high-pressure steam or scrubbing brushes to effectively dislodge dirt, grime, and bacteria from tiles and grout lines.
Does Baking Soda Clean Tile Floors?
Yes, baking soda cleans tile floors. Its mild abrasive nature can help remove stubborn stains and grime without scratching the tiles.
Is Vinegar Or Bleach Better For Cleaning Tile Floors?
Vinegar is a natural, pH-neutral cleaner, which makes it safe and effective for most tile floors without risking damage. It can break down grime and leave tiles shiny. Bleach, on the other hand, is more potent and offers strong disinfecting properties, but it can discolour certain tiles and degrade grout over time.