Notes on Deep Cleaning Tiles
For those concerned about chemicals, rest assured that the products we recommend are non-toxic. However, their pH levels differ from standard household cleaners you’d find at Coles or Woolworths. This is why commercial-grade products are necessary for deeper, more effective cleaning. Let’s take a moment for a quick educational insight about floor cleaners and the pH scale.
Understanding the pH Scale
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is:
- Acidic: Low readings (1-2)
- Alkaline: High readings (12-14)
- Neutral: A balanced pH of 7.5, which matches the pH of human skin.
When cleaning floors, the goal is to leave them at a neutral pH level. Residues of alkaline cleaning solutions can increase the risk of slips and falls due to leftover chemical films. These residues not only attract dirt more quickly, but they can also be harsh on your skin. To ensure safety and cleanliness, always wear appropriate PPE (like rubber gloves) when handling cleaning chemicals.
Is This Suitable for My Tiles?The majority of floor tiles—around 80%—are glazed ceramic or porcelain, with the remainder being stone, engineered surfaces, or other materials. Alkaline cleaners are generally safe for most tile types and won’t damage them the way acidic solutions might. However, to achieve the best results:
- Use alkaline cleaners for deep cleaning.
- Avoid letting the chemicals dry on the surface to prevent streaks or residue.
By following these steps, you can maintain clean, safe, and beautiful floors every time.
Steps to Clean Your Floor
- Sweep or Vacuum: Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove loose debris.
- Eliminate Breeze: Close doors to prevent airflow at floor level. This ensures the cleaner doesn’t dry out on the surface during application.
- Safety First:
- Put on goggles and gloves.
- Safety Advice: If the chemical comes into contact with eyes or skin, flush with plenty of clean water and seek medical help if necessary.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
- Mix 1 part Tile and Concrete Cleaner with 5 parts water. This is the strongest dilution recommended. For gentler cleaning, you can use up to a 1:1 ratio but never apply the chemical neat—water is essential for activation.
- Example: Use 2 liters of chemical for a full mop bucket (16 liters).
- Slush Mop:
- Dip your mop into the solution and lift it out without wringing. This will flood the immediate area, so use caution.
- Spread and Work in Sections:
- Spread the solution over a manageable area of approximately 20m².
- Scrub the Tiles:
- Let the solution sit for 3 minutes.
- Use a soft indoor broom to scrub the tile surface in circular motions. Avoid hard-bristle brooms to prevent flicking onto painted walls.
- Clean the Grout:
- Use a grout brush to scrub the grout lines, dislodging dirt and grime.
- For thick dirt in the grout, reapply the solution and repeat until clean.
- Remove the Sludge:
- Mop up the sludgy mess, changing the water frequently.
- For larger areas, use a commercial wet and dry vacuum cleaner for more efficiency.
- Final Mop with Acidic Solution:
- Mix 3 cups of white vinegar into your mop water. This neutralizes any alkaline residue.
- Important: Do not use this step on marble, stone, granite, travertine, or similar tiles, as acidic solutions will damage them.
11. Alternative for Sensitive Tiles:
- For marble, stone, or other sensitive tiles, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for regular use.
12. Store Chemicals Safely:
- Keep unused chemicals securely stored and well out of reach of children.* This content belongs to cleaningshop.com.au and maybe restricted under copyright laws.