The best way to clean floor tiles

In this article, we take you through the best way to clean floor tiles and wall tiles, cleaning different types of materials and the best tile cleaner.

It’s important to clean and maintain bathroom tiles and kitchen tiles properly, not only for good hygiene but also to keep them in good condition, avoiding any damage or wear over time.

For more helpful hints and tips on cleaning your tiles, you can also read our general cleaning guide for the best way to clean floor tiles or our guide on how to clean LVT flooring.

What Is The Best Tile Cleaner?

For the most effective deep cleaning, always use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for tiled surfaces. We recommend the Fila Multi Surface Cleaner, which is safe to use on a wide range of materials and ideal for maintaining everyday hygiene.

The best tile cleaner for both bathroom and kitchen tiles depends on what type of tile you have and your stance on eco-friendly products.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles both have very different cleaning requirements to natural stone for example, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job.

How To Clean Bathroom Wall Tiles

To clean bathroom wall tiles effectively avoid using harsh chemicals and consider using natural ingredient cleaners where possible. Most porcelain and ceramic tiles are pre-sealed during manufacturing which makes them easier to maintain, simply use a PH neutral cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth to wipe clean the surface.

How To Clean Bathroom Tiles Naturally

Regular tile cleaning will make using natural products easier as sometimes they’re not as tough as chemical or solvent based products. A good way to clean bathroom tiles is with vinegar. Simply create a 50:50 diluted solution with white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray directly onto the surface. It can be used to clean soap scum from any surface including glass and tiles. All you have to do is buff it dry to avoid any streaks.

For tiles with a glossy glaze you should dust the surface of the tiles once every month, clean the surface with a non-abrasive cleaner and a microfibre cloth and then, for a streak-free finish, buff the tiles with a clean, dry cloth. If you’ve used a glass mosaic in your bathroom, make sure you buff them dry too to avoid unsightly water marks.

If you have chosen a textured tile, try using a clean, wet toothbrush to clean away grime and limescale in tight spaces. Cleaning textured bathroom tiles with baking soda is a great cleaning solution as it behaves like a paste, just mix 3 cups of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water and mix together. You can also use this mixture to scrub the grout.

How To Clean Grout Between Bathroom Tiles

For tips on cleaning grout, whether on the wall or floor, in a bathroom or kitchen, see our grout cleaning article.

How To Clean Kitchen Tiles

If you’re cleaning a tiled splashback behind the cooker in the kitchen then you need to know how to clean grease off kitchen tiles as it will slowly build up over time. A degreasing agent is probably required to first remove any built-up cooking grease and oils. Follow the degreasing agent’s manufacturers guidelines and then follow with a clean, wet cloth and buff with a dry cloth.

Cleaning kitchen tiles with vinegar is possible but we’d advise diluting the solution with at least 50% water as acid can ruin the surface of some tiles. If you have stubborn stains, use the vinegar but then wash the tiles down immediately with fresh clean water to reduce the acidity levels.

A brilliant cleaning product for tackling grease is the FILA Multi Surface Cleaner. Just dilute one part cleaner to five parts water, apply to the surface, leave for 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush. It’s quick to use, dries fast and won’t leave streaks behind.

The best way to clean floor tiles is to invest in a good steam mop, it’s how to clean kitchen floor tiles efficiently and quickly. Most steam mops are water only but some can be used in conjunction with cleaning fluids and you can add in a few drops of vinegar for a natural cleaning agent if you wish. The steam mop sterilises any germs whilst also cleaning off surface grim. The best part are the removable pads, you simply put them in the washing machine so your mop stays hygienically clean much longer than a regular damp mop with minimal effort.

To help future cleaning, your choice of tile grout can also make a big difference. If it’s being used for a kitchen splashback or a bathroom shower, a darker grout will show less stains and discolouration over a longer period of time.

Also, once dried, you can apply a topical grout protector which is usually a spray that dries in a few minutes, this will help stop the build-up of dirt, oil and grime and helps prolong the life of your grout. Using a steam mop is a great way to clean your grout without compromising this protective sealer, most mops are equipped with different attachments to suit the different areas of your home.

How To Clean Natural Stone

Natural stone is naturally absorbent so when choosing any type of stone it’s important to consider the end use. All natural stone needs to be sealed before use to ensure it doesn’t absorb moisture or dirt and avoids staining, the sealing requirements differ between materials.

There are different types of sealant depending on the type of stone and its finish, for example unpolished versus polished, so it’s important to purchase the correct sealer with your tiles. Once your tiles are sealed you need to regularly maintain the sealant on the surface as it will wear away over time, it’s especially important to prolong the life of your sealer by using the correct cleaning products. Always use a PH neutral cleaner and a damp cloth or on floor tiles, a steam mop.

Replacing your sealer depends on the stone chosen and the wear and tear it goes through, is it used in a particularly wet area or a busy hallway with constant dirty footprints? It’s advised to reseal any type of stone every six months to ensure the avoidance of staining but it’s always best to seek the advice of a specialist on the upkeep of your tiles, our in-store colleagues are always happy to help.

And you don’t have to worry when topping up your sealant every six months, the Fila care and maintenance range is 100% solvent free and eco-friendly as it is water based.

See more on caring for natural stone in our dedicated stone cleaning guide.

Maintaining Your Trims

Most likely to get dusty, to maintain your trims use a dry duster to clean and buff a metallic trim. If you’re using an uncoated metal, like brass, regular waxing of the surface will keep it looking new, particularly if used in wet areas.

If left untouched, uncoated metal will form a patina on the surface and begin to discolour over time, usually by getting darker or developing black marks. Using a wax and buffing it into the surface will create a barrier and slow down the oxidisation process.