Keep Ceramic Tile Looking Good
Tile cleaning recommendations
Soft Water: Use an all purpose cleaner on the tile such as Soft Scrub, Mr. Clean, Top Job, Fantastic, Ajax Liquid, Liquid Comet or Lentil. Allow cleaner to stand for about five minutes before lightly scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse well.
Hard Water Stains: Commercial tile cleaners such as Tile It are available at supermarkets, or use a solution of white vinegar and water, mixed in equal amounts. Test this method in a small area first to be sure the vinegar does not etch your tile or erode the grout. Vinegar can damage some tile glazes.
| TYPE OF STAIN |
STAIN REMOVAL AGENT |
| Blood |
Hydrogen peroxide or household bleach |
| Coffee, tea, food, fruit juices, lipstick |
Popular household cleanser in hot water followed by hydrogen peroxide or household bleach. Rinse, then dry. |
| Fingernail polish |
Dissolve with polish remover. If stain remains, apply liquid household bleach. Rinse, then dry. |
| Grease and fats |
Club soda and water, or, Spic & Span and warm water |
| Inks and colored dyes |
Apply household bleach, let stand until stain disappears keeping the surface wet continuously. Rinse, then dry. |
| Iodine |
Scrub with ammonia. Rinse, then dry. |
| Mercurochrome |
Liquid household bleach |
| Mildew |
Use Tilex cleaner or ammonia on tile. Scrub grout with scouring powder. Wash with bleach if needed. Rinse, then dry. |
| Chewing gum, wax, tar |
Use a wood blade (tongue depressor or similar implement) to scrape away bulk of material. Chill material first with ice cube to reduce smears and spreading. Remove remaining light residue with non-flammable paint stripper following precautions on label. Rinse, then dry. |
Caution: Ammonia and household bleaches should not be mixed together.
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