You can safely use vinegar to clean ceramic or porcelain tiles, whether they are glazed or unglazed.
While vinegar is safe to use on laminate, vinyl, porcelain, and ceramic tile, it is best to use it sparingly since the acid in the vinegar can dissolve the finish on your floor. Therefore, when you are using it on tiled floors, you want to make sure you cut it with water or rinse it completely with water.
Over time, vinegar will deteriorate the condition of the grout by etching or wearing it away. If, however, you have sealed your grout on a regular basis, the vinegar won't be an issue. Check your grout yearly to see if it is time to seal the tile again, and use a recommended tile cleaner.
To care for the tiles properly, always avoid: harsh chemicals, such as bleach and acid, including lemon and vinegar, for routine cleaning; these can cause damage to the tiles and grout if used regularly and are also health hazards as well as posing danger to other property near the tiles.
Even though many people rely on vinegar to clean, we highly recommend you do not use it to clean your tile and grout, because it will end up discoloring your floors.
Generally, ceramic tile cleaning is straightforward. You can use most cleaning sprays to clean the surface. Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm soapy water in a bucket, then mop up the grime. Make sure to change the water frequently as to prevent dirty water re-soiling the clean tile.
For safety and prevent serious tile damage, try to avoid using oil-based, abrasive, and ammonia or bleach-based cleaners. If you have been using these harmful cleaners on your tile floors and have caused damage, call a tile cleaning Orlando company like us to see how we can help you.
Vinegar Solution
Because of its acidity, vinegar makes an excellent natural tile cleaner. A vinegar cleaning solution will eat away at grime caught in the cracks and prevent bacteria build up. This cleaning solution is easy to make, completely natural, and will leave your tile floor streak-free and shiny.
Use vinegar in porcelain and ceramic shower tiles
Vinegar is perfect for cleaning shower tile and grout! It can dissolve soap scum and hard water stains and work as a mild mold remover and disinfectant! However, every material reacts in a different way to vinegar.
If you clean your item then lightly sponge wipe it down with the vinegar/water mixture, it will roughen up those slick hard spots (which are often hard to see) and thereby give you a better surface once fired for painting.
Vinegar and baking soda produce that oh-so-familiar chemical reaction that powers through buildup and loosens tough stains. While it might seem like it's chewing its way through grime, it's not powerful enough to damage the porcelain finish of the toilet bowl.
The time that white vinegar should sit on the tile before cleaning depends on the severity of the stains or buildup you are trying to remove. In general, it is recommended to let the white vinegar solution sit for at least five to ten minutes to penetrate and dissolve any dirt, grime, or soap scum on the tile surface.
One of the best ways to tackle tiles is to mix ½ cup of white (distilled) vinegar together with a litre of warm water. Then, use the solution on a soft cloth and scrub well. Not only will it leave your tiles looking as good as new, but it will also keep your bathroom smelling fresh.
You can also use the vinegar and water solution in a spray mop. Air dry. There's no need to rinse your vinegar-mopping solution from your floors.
Cleaning Other Types of Tile Flooring
Slate tile floors can be cleaned with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent such as dish soap. Avoid cleaning products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acidic substances. Do not use vinegar or chemicals on granite or marble tile floors.
You should not apply cleaners with bleach or ammonia to tile, as it can discolor the grout over time. A mild all-purpose cleaner should do the job nicely. Or, use a cleaner recommended by your tile manufacturer.
Steam Cleaning – for the steam cleaning process, you'll need a high-powered steam cleaner. Try to find a steam cleaning tool with a crevice attachment tool. Start in a small area and gradually work around the creases of your tiles. Doing so ensures that all of the dirt in between cracks is removed.
Mopping with warm water and using a manufacturer-recommended cleaning product also enhances your tile's gloss, shine, and color. One of the best floor cleaning products, though, is one that is readily available in your home. Water is effective in keeping your tile floor looking great.
The most common and effective homemade grout cleaner is a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. Cream or tartar and lemon juice is the best all-natural solution for whitening. Avoid using highly-acidic solutions like vinegar because they can corrode grout.
Try mopping your tile floor using this DIY cleaning recipe: ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, ¼ cup baking soda, and 2 gallons of very warm water. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a fresh scent!
Hydrogen peroxide won't damage normal tiles or colored grout. However, you shouldn't use it on polished marble. Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is a great way to remove stubborn stains from your grout.