How to Green Clean Ceramic Tile

Cleaning ceramic tile floors are a snap. You may think it is as easy as adding soap and water to a bucket and mopping, but stop right there, that is the last thing that you want to do for your floors. You want to avoid using acidic cleaners, strong detergents, bleach and ammonia as these things can dull or fade your tile.  Avoid scouring powders as well, as they will scratch the surface.

First and foremost, the best thing you can do for your entire house is have a policy of no shoes in the house.  Removing your shoes when entering the house is not only good for keeping your floor clean and dirt free, but allergens are also tracked in on your shoes as well. You will find that by removing your shoes at the door the environmental contaminants stay outside and you will have a lot fewer problems with allergies.  If you have wood floors the dirt and stones that come in on shoes can do terrible damage to your floors.

1. First of all sweep your floors with a broom and dustpan to remove loose dirt. If you prefer to vacuum you may do this instead, which ever is easier for you.  You may use a nylon brush to scrub up any dirt that is stuck on the floor.  The key is to vacuum or sweep daily so that dust does not scratch the surface of your floor or accumulate in the grout.
2. The best mop that you can use is a microfiber mop, a cotton cloth works well too.   A sponge mop can push the dirt into the floor further.
3. Wet the floor with water before mopping with any other additives.  It is important that your floor soaks up the water first as tile is a very porous surface. this keeps the additives on the surface and not on the inside dulling your tile colors.
4. Try mopping with very warm water first.  If you sweep the floors daily and mop often you should not have to use much more than water.
5. If water was not enough than use one cup of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of water.
6. Rinse well twice and dry with a cotton cloth.  This method will make your floor sparkle.
7. If your grout is stained you can use vinegar and baking soda to clean it. Remember the volcano!  Rinse very well.
8. If you have not sealed your grout, you may want to invest in a penetrating sealer.