How do I clean existing dirty tile floors?
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I learned how to clean my from a tile installer. I use 1:10 ratio of vinegar:water. Use a deck brush to lightly scrub it into the floor, then mop it up with a warm water rinse. The acidity in the vinegar will work to get the tile clean. It might take a few times to get the worst off if it's really dirty, but it will clean right up over a few times.
Be sparing with the cleaners you use and just a good scrub brush and a lot of water will likely clean it well. Mop up the excess water with a cotton mop of large rag. Repeat, if necessary.
I agree, that's how I clean my floors, warm water and vinegar. Some people recommend bleach, but that will yellow your grout. I've also used a steamer and that works well, too....
Yes vinegar helps. You can use a drop of grease cutting dish soap but very little. Then rinse the floors well.
You can also add some baking soda to the water which helps to dissolve any real dirt and grease spots. For the grout, I now use Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner as I had tried many other remedies and they did not work. Put the grout the corner of four tiles and then move along the grout lines with a toothbrush. Let sit for ten minutes, brush again and then rinse with a cloth or sponge rinsed in vinegar water. The vinegar kills the soap suds. After that, wipe the floor again with a damp mop in a mix of vinegar and warm water. Be sure to dry up as much water as you can or your floor will dry streaky.
I found that sudsy ammonia mixed with hot water did the job in record time. As I watched, the dirt and old wax finish lifted from the crevices in the ceramic tile edges, and what I thought was a pattern around the edges was actually dirt. The tiles came up pure white and have a lovely gloss look finish. The grout I cleaned with some Clorox using a toothbrush; it was worth the effort.