Keep your kitchen space sparkling by cleaning kitchen tiles with these top techniques. Check them out
Dirt and grime can easily build up in a busy kitchen, and regularly cleaning kitchen tiles will create a more attractive environment for cooking, socializing and entertaining.
Cleaning kitchen tiles not only ensures that your cooking area is aesthetically pleasing, but is also part of a kitchen cleaning and maintenance regime that will allow them to last longer.
"You can maximize the longevity of your tile by implementing a proper cleaning and maintenance regime," says David Talbot, head of specification at Craven Dunnill.
'Tiles are used on walls and floors in a variety of ways, and the cleaning regime should be adapted to the type of tile. It is always advisable to initially test any cleaning material or process on discreet areas. We therefore advise never using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, metal scourers or steam cleaners on ceramic tiles.'
CLEANING KITCHEN TILES
Although different types of kitchen tiles may require specific cleaning points, there is a basic cleaning guide that you can follow, says Jelina Saliu, innovation director at Safely. Kris Jenner's home care and cleaning brand. You won't be surprised to learn that cleaning like this with baking soda has features.
You will need :
- A general-purpose cleaner
- Sodium bicarbonate
- A cleaning/scrubbing brush
- A mop (for floors)
- Reusable paper towel or damp cloth
1. SPRAY THE CLEANER AND ADD BAKING SODA
Spray your backsplash and tiles generously with your all-purpose cleaner.
Sprinkle a little baking soda on top of the cleaner like this.
2. WORK THE MIXTURE TOGETHER
Use a non-abrasive brush to work the mixture together.
Leave the mixture to rest for about 30 minutes.
3. REMOVE THE MIXTURE
Remove the mixture with water and a reusable paper towel or use a mop to make it easier on the floors.
CLEANING KITCHEN FLOORS
Whether it's the children's feet tapping, the family's daily meals or a dinner party, the kitchen is the highest-traffic area in any home. That's why it's essential to take care of your tiles to keep them looking great.
First of all, what should you avoid? "For floors, cleaning products or degreasing agents that contain wax, sodium silicate or others that leave sticky deposits should be avoided. They will create a 'key' of dirt on the floor," says David Talbot of Craven Dunnill.
"The regular use of excessively acidic or alkaline cleaning agents should also be avoided for floors and tiles.
Fortunately, he adds, it's easy to establish a regular cleaning routine.
He explains: 'The tiles are easily kept clean by regular brushing and then scrubbing with warm water. To which a neutral or almost neutral sulphate detergent is added.
'As a general guide, the cleaning solution should remain on the floor for five to 15 minutes to allow it to emulsify dirt.
'Afterwards, the solution must be removed with mob and clean water. It is this 'rinsing' operation that removes the dirt, so the use of clean water is essential.
'After rinsing, the floor must be completely dry using suitable methods (e.g. paper towels).'
CLEANING KITCHEN TILES
"Routine cleaning of kitchen tiles should be carried out after removing any loose dirt or sand," says David Talbot.
Lightly wipe off the dirt with a dry cloth and then rinse with warm water, adding a neutral sulphate-based detergent.
'After a final rinse with clean water to remove any residue, it should be wiped and polished with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
David adds: 'Occasionally, foreign materials can mark the tiles, if the marks cannot be removed with the normal routine cleaning method. Other cleaning products should be considered; whatever is chosen, abrasive cleaners should not be used.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN KITCHEN TILES
"For a general maintenance routine, make sure you remove any dust or dirt before using cleaning products on your tiles. So use clean materials such as cloths and sponges," says Amanda Telford, marketing manager at CTD Tiles.
'For high-traffic areas, mop the damp floor at least once a week to reduce wear and tear and sand and soil erosion.
"We recommend cleaning tiles and grouting regularly, as this will prevent stains," continues Amanda. "Always use cleaners that are suitable for your tiles and test before applying, this ensures that the solution doesn't damage the tiles.
She adds: 'For an extra layer of protection, invest in protective pads under heavy furniture to create an extra layer between the floor and the tiles.
HOW TO CLEAN DIFFERENT TYPES
The finish of the tile and the cleaning task at hand can therefore affect how the tiles need to be cleaned.
Amanda says: 'Alkaline solutions are commonly used on ceramics and porcelain tiles, with mild acids being used on porcelain for difficult stains such as oil.
WHAT HOMEMADE MIXTURE CAN I USE TO CLEAN MY KITCHEN TILES?
"According to Jelina Saliu from Safely, baking soda can thus be applied on top of your usual cleaning spray before being washed off with a brush and water for effective cleaning.
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