Food stains on your tiles making you lose your mind? These tips will help you get rid of them and make your tiles shiny and bright!
When we talk about cleaning spaces, there are different levels of cleaning. Some may need super deep cleaning, which can be arduous, while some require quick cleaning.
When we talk about regular cleaning, the most common practice followed by literally every Indian household would be that of brooming/ vacuuming and mopping. Most mornings begin with our maids trotting around each corner of our homes doing their jhadu-pocha.
While cleaning the floors is easy but, sometimes tough stains become challenging that won’t budge, no matter how hard we try with all that scrubbing and wet wiping.
Have you also wondered why the grout lines begin to appear more prominently over time? It is because of the accumulation of dust and other particles that get stuck between those grout lines and, thus, make them appear bolder and darker with the passing of time.
Here’s a comprehensive look at how to combat these tough food stains on tile flooring, along with some solutions to keep those tiles clean and sparkling fresh!
Tip 1: Understand Your Tiles
As you know, tiles are available in different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, marble, granite, and other natural stones. Each one comes with its own set of wash and clean guidelines that are very important to bear in mind before going rogue on them.
If you are not fully aware of the care instructions, it is best to ask your seller about the same before you start. Most man-made tiles like ceramic and porcelain are durable and will withstand their clean quotient even with basic cleaning techniques.
On the other hand, natural stones should be treated with extra care and knowledge about the use of cleaning surfactants, their effect on the stones and so on.
Tip 2: Take it Slow
Most households opt for the commercially viable floor cleaners available in the markets. Some homes also use phenyls. In homes with kids, we see them using antiseptic liquids to mop the floors. Whilst most of these traditional cleaners may not harm the tiles significantly, there could be a consequential effect of these surfactants on natural stone flooring over time.
You may observe the stones getting worn out by losing texture, colour or their natural sheen. In the case of stone flooring, it is important to switch to non-abrasive floor cleaners that are made specifically for natural stone.
PRO TIP
Avoid using cleaners with acidic agents like vinegar, lemon or baking soda, as these components may react with the natural stone and cause depletion.
Also, whilst cleaning, keep in mind not to use harsh brushes or scrub too hard on the flooring, be it tiles or stone. This causes the surface to develop scratches and lose its finish and sheen, making them look dull and weary.
Tip 3: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
This may sound like you’re in for a lab experiment, but Hydrogen Peroxide works wonders for food stains that won’t budge with your normal cleaners.
Hydrogen Peroxide is available in many strength compositions, so it is important to choose the 3% Hydrogen Peroxide for floor cleaning.
There is no denying that Hydrogen Peroxide is a powerful cleaning chemical, so whenever you decide to use it, always dilute it in water and use small dabs to clean the stains away.
Because Hydrogen Peroxide is corrosive in nature, wipe off the cleaned surface immediately with tap water as soon as the stain has disappeared.
PRO TIP
If your stain is not budging even after the gentle dabbing, lay a small rag or piece of cloth soaked in the diluted solution over the stain. Let it sit for over 1-2 hours.
You may proceed with mild scrubbing to completely get rid of the stain. Please note that before doing this in a visible area, try to do a patch test in an unnoticeable spot to ensure you don’t damage the tiles. Hydrogen Peroxide is especially effective for coffee stains, nail polish or greasy stains on flooring. It is also a very useful to clear out those bold grout lines.
Another famous home cleaning chemical that we all know is bleach. Bleach, again, is a strong acid, and it is always advisable to dilute it in water. Clean the stained surface with the same dabbing technique and wash it immediately.
Before you use bleach on the surface, please ensure that the surface is wiped clean, as bleach is famous for reacting with other chemicals in a harsh way. Bleach is very effective on stains of ink, coffee, juice or any other stain that seems impossible to get rid of. It is likely that instead of removing the stains if bleach reacts with the other floor surface chemicals, it could sabotage the appearance of the tile.
Borax is a famous cleaning agent for clothes, but it is also effective in cleaning other areas of the house too. Diluted Borax with water is great for cleaning off stains from the tiles. Borax should be used preferably only for tiles because of its reactive properties. Borax, if used as a substitute for floor cleaners, is a great solution to keep those tiles sparkly and shiny and can help prevent stains in the first place.
Do you want your home flooring to be hassle-free and easy to clean and maintain? Select the best floor tiles for your homes!
Visit Orientbell.com to find the best tiles for your homes. Even better, try these tiles for your homes! Check out our Trialook feature to know more!
Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.
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