Most of us have ceramic tile in our homes. The trouble is, whether it’s on the floor, a backsplash, or in the shower, it tends to get dirty really fast. If you want ceramic tile that really sparkles, here’s how to get it.
1. Sweep
I know, I know. Sweeping is pain, but you’ve got to get all the crumbs, hair, and dust off your tile floors before you clean them, or you’ll end up with junk practically glued to your tile. If you can’t bring yourself to sweep, vacuum. If you’re getting ready to clean a tile shower or backsplash, give it a good rinse or wipe.
2. Pick Your Detergent
For ceramic tile, just about any mild or all-purpose detergent will do. Mix it with hot water in a bucket following the directions on the label. To get rid of haze, you could also add a mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.
3. Don’t Use a Sponge Mop
You probably grew up seeing sponge mops around your house. But actually, they tend to push dirt into the grout instead of getting it out. Try a microfiber or chamois instead, and make sure to change your mopping water as soon as it’s dirty.
4. Buff Dry
You’ll get shinier results if you buff your floors dry instead of letting them air dry. Try a clean cloth on the end of a mop handle. You can even scoot your feet around on the floor with a towel.
5. Give Grout Some Love
If you want really clean grout, use a homemade or commercial grout cleaner, and apply directly on grout lines. Let it sit for a few minutes, the buff the stains away with a cloth or toothbrush.
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