How to properly clean all tiled surfaces

No matter whether in the bathroom, kitchen or on your tabletop, clean, polished tiles make all the difference.

Here are our tips for keeping all tiled surfaces in tip-top condition.

As with many things, prevention is often better than the cure.

• Reduce the need for deep cleaning so often by simply vacuuming and sweeping kitchen and bathroom floors regularly. Sweep the floor with a broom or else use a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to quickly pick up debris and prevent tiles from becoming scratched. If dirt accumulates on a wet floor it can become tough to remove.
• A chamois-style mop is gentle on ceramic tiles and ensures that the grime is picked up rather than spread over the floor.
• Use a simple soap solution or white vinegar which is natural and non-toxic. Remember to open windows to reduce the smell or feel free to add essential oils to give the solution a fresh scent.
• If your tiles are sealed, it is a good idea to invest in a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning your dirty tiles does not require the use of abrasive cleaning agents and helps to effectively kill any bacteria lurking on the floor.

Grouting can often gather stubborn stains. White grouting can, surprisingly, be spruced up with a white rubber on the end of a pencil. Harder surface stains can also be tackled with sandpaper to rub them away.Bleach can be used on white grouting but be very careful not to get it on the tiling.

Never use bleach on coloured grouting as it will strip it of its colour. For a natural way to clean grouting, try the same baking soda and vinegar mixture as above. Leave it on and then use an old toothbrush to get into the narrow spaces between tiles.

Baking soda can be used to combat the grease that your cooker spits out, to stop bacteria from accumulating. Add a homemade cleaning solution of ¼ cup baking soda, 2 tablespoons of washing up liquid and 2 cups of water to a spray bottle for easy use. Spray on your kitchen backsplash tiles and then wipe off with a clean dish rag. To prevent unsightly water spots, dry off with a towel.

Cleaning bathroom tiles can transform the look of your whole room. Mould is an eyesore that effects grouting in wet environments so focus on cleaning that regularly. Tiles can also be affected by water stains but this is easily remedied with a white vinegar solution. Run a hot shower to open up the ceramic pores and use a soft sponge to apply the vinegar solution. Surfaces that are regularly exposed to water should also be caulked. This seals the tiles and protects the grout from wear and tear.

While textured and natural tiles can be cleaned with scouring pads, it is best to treat delicate mosaic tiles and ceramic tiles with sponges. Use soap or a natural detergent and sponge on in circular motions and then rinse off.

For tiled outdoor tables that are used for eating, particularly during barbeque season, you can use oxygen bleach to degrease them, following the instructions. You should try not to do this too often as it will shorten the life of the tiles. For a quick touch up to the grouting in your intricate tile tabletop, invest in a grout pen to cover any discolouration, simply and neatly.

There are many different options available for cleaning tiles throughout your home. Natural cleaning solutions are just as effective as well as being non-toxic and will put your mind at ease if you have pets and small children at home. Remember to pay attention to the material of your tiles before you start cleaning and a little hoovering goes a long way in prolonging the lifespan of your tiled flooring.