Clean your tile surfaces regularly. Sweep, vacuum, or use a dust mop to remove surface debris. If your tile is heavily soiled, use an alkaline or acidic cleaner targeting grout or ceramic tiles. If you choose a bleach product, follow all proper safety precautions. For more information visit Carpet Cleaning Bentonville AR.
A gentle cleaning solution is sufficient to remove light stains from textured porcelain. This can be a commercial or home cleaning product without bleach, ammonia, or dye. These can stain the grout and change the color of the floor. Similarly, it’s best to avoid oil-based cleaners as they can leave a sticky residue.

Rough-textured porcelain is a great option for high-traffic areas because it has good nonslip properties. But if not cleaned properly, it can create dust and dirt buildup that could cause a slip hazard. The best way to prevent this is by sweeping and vacuuming regularly. This can be done daily or weekly, depending on foot traffic and the activities that occur in the room. A broom with soft bristles rather than a wire brush is recommended to avoid scratching the tile surface. It’s also a good idea to place mats at entrances and under furniture legs to keep the tiles free from damage.
For regular cleaning, the first step is to saturate the tiles with a mild cleaning solution diluted with hot water. Then, sweep the tiles again, concentrating on the low points and areas with dust and dirt. Scrub the tiles with a soft nylon brush or old toothbrush if necessary. After the solution dwells on the tiles for about ten minutes, wipe them with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Opening the windows and using a fan to speed up the drying process is also recommended.
In the case of major stains, they may need to be treated with a stronger chemical that contains bleach, ammonia, or dye. In addition, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety when working with these chemicals. Wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection when applying them.
To maintain your textured porcelain tile, it’s best to use a pH-neutral cleaning solution for daily cleaning and a specialist alkaline deep cleaner when needed. The latter can be used to renovate the tile if it has not been cleaned well for some time and will help return it to its original condition.
Nonslip tile is common in facility entranceways, baths and showers, gyms, swimming pools, and commercial kitchens. Unlike smooth tiles, nonslip tile has a rough or grippy surface that creates friction between the shoe and the floor when people walk on it. However, one of the challenges with these tiles is that they need to be cleaned.
Sweep or vacuum your nonslip tiles weekly to remove dirt and grit that can dull the tiles’ finish and scratch or damage the grout. After sweeping or vacuuming, dampen the tile floor with a mild detergent mixed in hot water. Then, mop the floor using a chamois or cloth mop rather than a sponge mop, which pushes dirty water into the grout lines. Ensure you change your mop water often to prevent it from becoming cloudy with dirt and grime that can trap soil on the tile’s surface.
You can use a stronger cleaner containing an alkaline or acidic component for particularly heavy soiling. However, you should test any cleaner on a small area of your tile and grout before applying it to the floor. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the ratio of water to chemicals for the best results.
If you’re working with a cleaning company to perform professional tile and grout cleaning, clear out the space before they arrive (or do it yourself if that’s included in your contract). Remove furniture that can’t be moved or covered with felt pads and any rugs, plants, trash cans, or other equipment on the floors.
To keep the nonslip tile looking and performing its best, applying GripTreat to the tiles regularly is a good idea. Apply the solution evenly with an applicator, soft brush, or low-pressure sprayer. Ensure it’s fully absorbed and allow it to react for 10 minutes before mopping. The GripTreat will bond with the tiles to form an invisible layer that helps the grippy texture to stay clean longer. This will help reduce the dirt in the textured pores and make them slippery.
Natural stone surfaces like granite, limestone, marble, slate, and travertine are beautiful additions to your home. They come in various colors and textures and can be arranged in many ways. They make great counters, backsplashes, and floors. They are also a green choice as they are not bonded with petroleum-based resins or created in a factory. However, they are porous and require regular maintenance to prevent staining.
Many issues that can damage ceramic tile also affect natural stone. General household cleaners can be too abrasive for some stone types or may cause the sealant to break down, leaving the surface vulnerable to etching and staining. Excessive scrubbing can also wear down soft stones, creating scratches and dents that dull their appearance.
To clean and protect your natural stone surfaces:
- Start with a dust mop to remove as much dirt as possible.
- Mop the floors regularly with a non-abrasive or neutral cleaning product.
- Never use acidic or alkaline cleaners, as these will eat away the stone and cause damage to the sealant.
- Rinse and dry the area well after cleaning to prevent water stains and streaks.
Once the floor is clean, you will need to apply a penetrating sealant on a routine basis. You can purchase these at any hardware or flooring store, but you should always read the labels carefully to ensure the product is safe for your specific stone type. A good quality sealant will help your stone look new for years and reduce the time spent on regular scrubbing.
Some common mistakes people make when cleaning their stone surfaces are using general household cleaners, scrubbing too hard, and not sealing the stone correctly. Most importantly, always test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area to ensure it is safe for your surface.
Though incredibly durable and beautiful, ceramic and porcelain tiles need occasional special care; start with a sweep or vacuuming a couple of times a week to remove dirt and dust that would otherwise scratch the tile surface. To mop, use a microfiber or spray-mopping system. This reduces the amount of dirty water spread onto the floor, which would otherwise stain or dull the grout. It’s important to change your cleaning bucket often, too, because a dirty mop pushes dirty water into the grout and soils it more.
Sweeping also helps remove grease and oil from glazed and unglazed tile. Use a mild cleaner with a neutral pH if these stubborn spots and spills persist. Avoid abrasive scrub pads or steel wool, which can damage your glazed tile. Using floor mats and proper shoe storage can also prevent debris from collecting on the surface.
Textured tile, nonslip porcelain, and ceramic floors require special attention to maintain their anti-slip properties. This includes sweeping and vacuuming frequently, using nonslip floor mats, avoiding abrasive cleaners on these surfaces, and ensuring sufficient airflow in rooms with these floors.
Both natural and artificial stone tiles are incredibly durable but can still be susceptible to staining, particularly if the grout is acidic or uses harsh cleaning chemicals. To prevent stains, seal your tile every one to three years. Use a quality product that’s specially formulated for your type of stone.
For example, if you have marble or slate tile with dark grout, use a darker sealer to keep out the sun, which can fade the stone’s color. The same goes for limestone, travertine, and granite.
Porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles are fairly durable but less impervious to water than those fired at higher temperatures. It is important to dry tile quickly if it becomes wet.