Floors are typically last on the to-clean list for a room, and because of this you may rush the work in your eagerness to be done. You can work fast without leaving behind dirt and debris, though. Simply follow these five steps to clean tile floors fast and efficiently.
1. Remove All Floor Rugs and Mats
Pick up any floor coverings, taking them outside for a good shake. Lay them on a clean surface, and then head back inside.
2. Sweep and Vacuum
Nothing beats a broom for getting into corners and crevices. Sweep the floor in sections, creating piles as you go. Get out your vacuum and put it on the bare-floor setting to lift its beater bar, which can dull and scratch the tile. Vacuum up the piles, and then run the appliance over the entirety of the floor like you would carpet. Use attachments on stubborn debris in grout lines. This combination of sweeping and vacuuming removes the most dirt and dust bunnies.
3. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
What you use to clean your floors depends on the type of tile. For ceramic tile, a manufacturer-recommended mild detergent works best. Never use abrasive products, as they can scratch the tile, or bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, which can discolor the grout.
For cleaning natural stone tile, also follow manufacturer’s instructions, which likely will call for a soap-based product. Never use abrasive products, as they can scratch the tile, or bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, which can discolor the grout. Also do not use lemon juice, vinegar or other acids on marble, limestone or travertine.
Mix the cleaning product according to manufacturer’s recommendations and keep a soft brush ready to tackle stubborn stains.
4. Mop the Floors
Dip your chamois mop in the cleaning solution, and then ring out until just damp. Start at one end of the room and work backward, mopping as you go and changing the water as needed. Use the soft brush to lift any stains. Once the floor looks clean, rinse with warm water to keep detergent or soap buildup from dulling the tile. You can let air-dry or wipe dry with a soft cloth.
5. Return Rugs and Mats
Rugs and mats are the key to keeping tile floors as clean as possible, thus reducing the time you spend sweeping, vacuuming and mopping. Floor coverings at entry points, both inside the home and outside, pull dirt and debris from shoes. Mats in the kitchen and bathrooms can catch all manner of items that fall to the floor. Before you return the rugs and mats to their proper places, though, be sure to vacuum them, as well.
Pro tip: A large lint roller, the kind that look like paint rollers, does wonders when it comes to lifting hair and other debris from rugs, especially those with a flat weave.
Other Tips for Keeping Tile Floors Clean
- Ask family members and guests to remove their shoes when entering your home.
- Dust mop between cleanings to speed up the process even further.
- Clean heavily trafficked areas more often.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen; even sealed tile and grout can stain if certain spills linger.
- Reseal tile and grout as recommended to protect the floors.
If you still find that cleaning your tile takes more time than you have, or would like to spend cleaning, consider letting a professional take over. That way, you know that the correct products and methods are being used every time, and you can focus on activities you find more fun.
For your home cleaning needs, contact the professionals at Molly Maid. Each maid services team comprises insured, licensed and uniformed housekeepers who are regularly quality checked. Click here to request service in your area.
