Cleaning your rental property before moving out requires attention to detail. It's necessary to clean every nook and cranny thoroughly to get your deposit back.
If you prepare the property for inspection, you should know how to clean tile flooring with no damage.
So if:
- you are a tenant who needs tips for end of tenancy cleaning
- or you are a landlord who wants to keep the property in top shape
Learn how to keep tile flooring spotless.
How to Clean Tiles and Grout
There are a few general steps you can follow to clean the tiled floors and grout in every room of rental properties.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
For this task, you will need a broom or vacuum cleaner, a mopping cloth, a container, warm water, a pH-neutral tile cleaner, a grout brush or an old toothbrush, a microfibre cloth or mop, and protective gloves.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Sweep or vacuum the tiled floor to remove any loose dirt or debris. In this way, you will prevent the dirt from scratching the tiles during the main part of the cleaning process.
Step 3: Mix the Cleaning Products
Add warm water and the recommended amount of tile detergent to the container. When doing that, avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners because they can damage the tiles and grout.
Step 4: Test the Solution in a Small Area
The cleaning solution should be tested in a small, not-so-visible area before being used on the entire floor to ensure it won't damage the tiles.
Step 5: Clean the Tiles
Use a microfibre cloth soaked with the cleaning solution and squeeze out any excess water. Start mopping the tiles and work in small sections. Be sure to pay attention to any areas that have visible stains or spills. During this part of the cleaning process, avoid using excessive water because it can seep into the grout lines.
Step 6: Tackle the Grout
Once the tiles are clean, it's time to focus on the grout lines. Once the tiles are clean, it's time to focus on the grout lines. Let the solution sit for a few minutes to loosen dirt and stains from the grout lines - they should be wiped gently to prevent damage.
Step 7: Rinse the floor
After cleaning the tiles and grout, refill the bucket with warm water. Remove any remaining residue using a mop.
Step 8: Dry the Floor
To prevent slipping and help the floors dry faster, use a dry microfibre cloth or mop to remove any excess water. Let the floor completely dry.
What Is the Best Product to Use for Each Type of Tile Flooring?
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
pH-neutral tile cleaning detergents are generally safe for ceramic and porcelain and help remove dirt and grime without damaging the surface. Furthermore, diluted mild dish soap can be used for regular tile cleaning. If you use abrasive, acidic, or harsh detergents, you may scratch the surface.
Keep in mind that ceramic tiles can be harder to clean than other types of smooth or glazed tiles, especially if the dirt and hard water stains on them haven't been dealt with on time. If the grout and tiles are sealed, you can use a steam cleaner without adding any cleaning solution to dampen and lift any stick-on grime to make scrubbing easier.
Natural Stone Tiles (Marble, Granite, Slate, Travertine)
Look for pH-neutral cleaning products that are specifically designed for natural stone. They are gentle and won't harm the surface or sealer. In case the sealer is damaged, seek the advice of a professional or follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate sealer. Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners on these tile floors.
Quarry Tiles
Quarry tiles are typically more porous and require a slightly stronger cleaner. For them, use pH-neutral or mild alkaline solutions to remove dirt and stains effectively - vinegar and harsh chemicals are not recommended.
Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl tiles are generally durable and easy to maintain. For them, opt for gentle all-purpose floor cleaning detergent that won't strip away the protective coating or damage the vinyl surface. You should avoid using abrasive scrub brushes.
Glass Tiles
For glass tiles, use mild, soapy water or non-abrasive glass cleaning detergents. Avoid cleaning detergents with harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients that can damage the surface.
Despite these general recommendations, it's highly recommended always to check the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for cleaning products specific to your type of tile flooring.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Tiles and Grout?
When cleaning tiled floors and grout, there are certain things you should not do in order to prevent damage. So avoid:
- Using acidic or abrasive cleaners. Avoid using cleaners that are highly acidic or contain abrasive particles, such as bleach, vinegar, or ammonia-based products. These can discolour or scratch the tile surface and damage the grout.
- Using rough or abrasive tools. Avoid rough scrub brushes, steel wool, or abrasive cleaning pads when cleaning tile and grout because they can scratch the tile surface and erode the grout.
- Allowing spills or stains to sit. It's highly advised to clean up spills on tiled floors to prevent staining promptly. If they are left unattended, they can seep into the grout lines and become very difficult to remove.
- Overusing water. Excessive water can seep into the grout lines and damage the grout over time. Use a dry microfibre cloth or mop to remove excess water from the floor.
- Neglecting regular sweeping or vacuuming. Regularly sweep or vacuum your tiled floors to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. In this way, you will prevent them from scratching the tiles during cleaning.
- Scrubbing too aggressively. While it's important to clean the grout thoroughly, avoid scrubbing too aggressively with the grout brush or toothbrush because it can loosen or damage the grout.
- Using coloured cleaning solutions on light-coloured grout. Be careful when using coloured cleaning solutions, especially on light-coloured grout. They may stain or discolour it, so it's advisable to test them in a small area first.
- Neglecting to rinse properly. Rinse the floor thoroughly after scrubbing the tiles and grout. The residue left behind can attract more dirt and make the floor look dull.
- Skipping regular maintenance. Proper maintenance is crucial for tiled floors and grout. Regularly sweep, vacuum, and mop to keep them clean and prevent dirt buildup. Neglecting regular maintenance can make cleaning more challenging in the long run.
Why You Should Hire Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaners
In some cases, cleaning the tile floor requires the right tools and products - especially before moving out. If you feel that you are not capable enough of completing the job, or you don't have time and energy, then you should book end of tenancy cleaning services. Hiring professional cleaners guarantees that the tile flooring in the rental property will be cleaned without any damage. You will enjoy spotless results with no effort.
Takeaways
- Stone tiles require special attention - avoid chemical detergents.
- Cleaning with acidic solutions damages tile and grout - avoid vinegar or lemon juice.
- Grout should not be scrubbed with an abrasive brush.
- You can hire professional cleaners for a hassle-free cleaning process.
