For really old tiles, you should avoid harsh acids (like vinegar or lemon juice) or abrasive scouring pads, as these can etch the glaze or permanently damage the material. Instead, start by deep cleaning with a neutral pH tile cleaner or mild dish soap, and use a stiff-bristle (non-wire) brush.
(for abrasion), scrub the floor aggressively with a coarse Scotch-Bright pad. This is mechanical cleaning and will not scratch unglazed porcelain or harm the grout. If the area is large enough a floor machine with a course pad can be used.
Steps:
To restore your tile, start by deep cleaning with warm water and a neutral pH cleaner. Scrub stained grout using a baking soda paste. If the tiles are chipped, replace them individually. Finally, apply a penetrating sealer to protect the surface and bring back its original shine.
For unpolished or unglazed porcelain tile floors, use a soft bristle brush and scrub a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Allow the floor to stay wet for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse with hot water and wipe dry with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
What Are the Chemicals That Can Ruin Your Tiles?
To quickly tell the ceramic and porcelain apart, flip the tile over. Ceramic typically has a red or brown clay body on the back, while porcelain has a denser, white or light gray clay body. Additionally, porcelain is heavier, smoother, and absorbs significantly less water than porous ceramic.
Transforming old, worn-out floor tiles doesn't require a costly or dusty demolition. You can make them look new again by deep-cleaning and brightening the grout, updating the color with a specialized tile paint or epoxy kit, or simply covering the existing floor with peel-and-stick vinyl tiles.
Method 3: Dawn Dish Soap and Water
Step 1: Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the tile floors clean. Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution by combining warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Step 3: Generously spray the cleaning solution all over the tile floor, then use a flathead mop to wipe it up.
A light coat of WD-40 on a cloth can help remove soap scum from bathroom tiles and prevent mould and mildew. It can also be used to clean grout. Whilst WD-40 can be used effectively, we recommend using a dedicated tile cleaner such as LTP Multipurpose spray.
Yes, vinegar is generally bad for tile grout if used frequently or for routine cleaning. Because it is acidic, vinegar can etch, dissolve, and weaken the cement and calcium carbonate components in grout over time.
OxiClean is a highly effective, fume-free oxygen bleach for lifting grime and stains out of tile grout. Mix 2 cups of OxiClean powder per gallon of hot water (or make a thick paste with water for tough spots). Apply it, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
Just a few more important points: As the grout can absorb the soap as well as a stain, do not clean with oil or wax based cleaners (Murphy's Oil soap, Pine Sol, etc.). These products will leave a waxy or oily film in the grout. Even good alkaline cleaners, if not properly rinsed, will leave a sticky soap film.
Use a mild detergent, baking soda or a specially formulated cleaner and warm water to mop the floor. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the tiles. For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristle brush and gently scrub the affected area.
Yes, you can use Murphy’s Oil Soap on tile floors. It is a gentle, natural-ingredient cleaner that safely lifts dirt and grime without damaging the ceramic or porcelain tiles.
For general maintenance of old tile, use a pH-neutral cleaner like Black Diamond Stoneworks Marble & Tile Floor Cleaner or diluted Blue Dawn dish soap. For deep cleaning heavily soiled, old tiles, heavy-duty degreasers like Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser paired with a scrub brush are highly effective.
The ultimate lazy shower hack is the "Shower and Soak" method. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and original blue Dawn dish soap in a soap-dispensing dish brush. Keep it in your shower, and while your hair conditioner sits, give the walls a quick scrub. Rinse as you shower for a perpetually clean bathroom.
Simple, safe, and seriously effective: Just mix: 💧 Warm water 🧴 A splash of Dawn dish soap 🧪 A little hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar Spray it on, let it sit, and wipe clean — your tile will thank you. Perfect for keeping grout bright and surfaces gleaming without harsh chemicals.
Ceramic tile
Best cleaning practices: Use a steam mop, which uses heated demineralized water to clean and sanitize. Avoid: Abrasive tools that could scratch the glaze; acidic cleaners that might damage the glaze over time.
To restore your tile, start by deep cleaning with warm water and a neutral pH cleaner. Scrub stained grout using a baking soda paste. If the tiles are chipped, replace them individually. Finally, apply a penetrating sealer to protect the surface and bring back its original shine.
To clean extremely dirty tile floors, create a deep-cleaning solution of hot water mixed with heavy-duty cleaner or white vinegar (for ceramic/porcelain) and scrub with a stiff-bristled grout brush. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and Dawn dish soap works well to break down grime, followed by using a steam mop or a mop and bucket to remove residue.
To polish an old tile floor, thoroughly deep-clean the tiles and grout to remove built-up grime, let it dry, and apply a specialized stone or tile polish (or sealant) in small, circular motions with a microfiber mop. Buff to a shine once dry.
Classic colors like white, grey, beige, black, and natural stone-inspired tones ensure that your space remains elegant and relevant for years to come. These hues provide versatility, longevity, and a timeless aesthetic that can adapt to evolving trends and tastes.
A porcelain tile should feel denser than a similar ceramic one and have consistent color throughout the tile. A water penetration test is the best way to tell the difference. If a tile soaked in water absorbs five percent or less of the water, it is most likely porcelain.
Porcelain tile typically lasts 50 years or more, and in many cases can last a lifetime. Because it is fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain is denser, less porous, and far more durable than standard ceramic tile.