Are you looking for how to clean an old tile floor? If yes, then you are in the right place as we are going to write different tips. You know a tile floor is usually one of the most expensive, and high-maintenance surfaces in your home. They require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best, but even when you do this they can still be difficult to maintain.
If you have an old tile floor in your home, then you know just how difficult it is to maintain. It’s true that most people would prefer a new or newer tile floor for their home because they require less upkeep and are easier to clean. However, there may be times when the cost of replacement simply isn’t feasible. If so, don’t worry! Cleaning an old tile floor can be a difficult task. But with the right tools and products, it’s easy to get your tiles looking clean again
Fortunately, there are still ways that you can make your old tile look like new again. There are some general rules to follow for cleaning an old tile floor. In today’s article, we’ll give share some tips on how to clean an old tile floor.
Read More:
- Type of Mop to Use on Tile Floors
- The Best Shark Steam Mop For Tile Floors
- Do Steam Mops Damage Tile Floors?
- Are Steam Cleaners Good For Tile Floors?
- How To Clean Floor Grout Without Scrubbing
How To Clean An Old Tile Floor? Step By Step Process
Material Require to clean old tile floors:
For this job, you will need:
- A scrubbing brush (for the poor condition tiles) or a scraper for grout and ceramic/porcelain tiles (for newer tiles)
- Bucket of water & Scrubber sponge or microfiber cloths
- Mop -Water & Vinegar (to clean grout) or Tilex (for the filthy tiles) with a microfiber cloth (or scrubber sponge)
- Extra Water and Vinegar or Tilex for rinsing
- Cleaner for sealed grout lines
- Carpet Pad cleaner
Follow these steps to clean an old tile floor:
1. Prepare: If you have grout lines, use the Tilex on your microfiber cloth or scrubber sponge to get rid of the mold and mildew. Use a damp mop and water to clean off any dirt from the surface of the tiles. In extreme cases, remove loose dirt with a broom or sweep and then vacuum. Be sure to remove all signs of dirt before moving on to the next step.
2. Scrub: If you have old tiles that are fairly dirty, you can use a scrubbing brush or scraper if you have one handy. You’ll want to get rid of any leftover mold or mildew and also make sure to clean the tile adhesive. If you have newer tiles with lots of grout (ceramic or porcelain), you can use a scrubber sponge.
It’s important to be careful when using a scrubbing brush or scraper because the tiles are fragile and easy to break if you accidentally drop something on them. Use steady even pressure for cleaning an old tile floor.
3. Rinsing: After you’ve scrubbed your old tile floor, rinse all the cleaning solution off with water and a mop or sponge. Rinse until the water runs clear, and any cleaner has been removed from the surface of the tiles. Once you’re done, let the floor dry completely.
4. Seal Grout Lines: Some stores sell a special cleaner designed specifically for cleaning sealed grout lines. Most store cleaners will work just fine. First, use soap and water on the grout line, then apply the grout cleaner and use a microfiber cloth to scrub it into the grout. You can repeat this process if it’s still not working.
5. Mop/Vacuum: Make sure to mop up any standing water on the tile floor with a dry mop or sponge before moving on to the next step.
6. Polish: Once you’ve rinsed your floor thoroughly, you can polish with a microfiber cloth or a scrubber sponge for older tiles. You can also use an old toothbrush and a bowl of water if neither is handy or even just a damp rag.
Once you’ve polished, use clean water on your mop or sponge to rinse off the polish, then dry with a towel or microfiber cloth.
7. Buff: Once you have the cleanest grout possible, buff it with a microfiber cloth until all the cleaner is gone from your grout lines and they’re nice and shiny again. Repeat these steps on any other areas that need cleaning as well. And you’re finished!
How to clean an old tile floor With bleach?
If you have filthy tiles or grout lines that won’t come clean using vinegar, you can use bleach to remove mold and mildew. For cleaning an old tile floor with bleach, follow steps 1 through 3 below.
Make sure the tiles and grout are thoroughly dry before proceeding to step 4 below.
Step 1: Make a bleach solution of 10-20% white vinegar by mixing in a bucket with water. The best mix is about 1/4 bleach to 3/4 water.
Apply the solution to your tile and grout lines with a scrubbing sponge or microfiber cloth. Use an old toothbrush for corners and crevices if needed. Let it sit on the surface for several minutes, then rinse well with water. For really dirty grout, you can leave it on longer and let the product work more effectively.
Step 2: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe up any residue once you’ve rinsed thoroughly in step 4 above.
Step 3: Polish with your favorite polish or microfiber cloth.
Step 4: Cleaning an old tile floor with bleach will also remove any mold and mildew from the grout.
If you have grout lines that have been sealed, make sure to follow step 5 and seal them after cleaning with bleach.
In a Summery, the best way to clean an old tile floor is by following all these steps in order. First, remove dirt and grime, rinse with water, clean grout lines, seal them if needed (if the tiles are new or haven’t been sealed), and polish and mop as usual.
How to clean an old tile floor without bleach?
If you have white tiles or grout lines that won’t come clean using vinegar, you can use a homemade natural cleaner.
For cleaning an old tile floor with no bleach, follow steps one through three above. Make sure the tiles and grout are thoroughly dry before proceeding to step four below.
Step 01: Mix a solution of white vinegar and water in a bucket, using about 50% white vinegar by volume.
Apply the mixture to your tile and grout lines with a scrubbing sponge or microfiber cloth. Use an old toothbrush for corners and crevices if needed.
Let it sit on the surface for five minutes, then rinse well with water. For really dirty grout, you can leave it on longer and let the product work more effectively.
Step 02: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe up any residue once you’ve rinsed thoroughly in step four above.
Step 03: Polish with your favorite polish or microfiber cloth.
How to clean an old tile floor with a steam mop?
If you have white old tiles or grout lines that won’t come clean using vinegar, you can use a steam cleaner.
For cleaning an old tile floor with a steam mop (or another steamer), follow steps one through three below. Make sure the tiles and grout are thoroughly dry before proceeding to step four below.
Step 01: Fill the water tank in your steam cleaner with clean, cool tap water only.
Step 02: Attach a microfiber cloth or pad (dry) to the bottom of the steamer head and turn on the machine for about 30 seconds.
Step 03: Wipe the cleaner over your tile and grout lines with a scrubbing sponge or microfiber cloth. Use an old toothbrush for corners and crevices if needed. Let it sit on the surface for five minutes, then rinse well with water. For really dirty grout, you can leave it on longer and let the product work more effectively.
Step 04: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe up any residue once you’ve rinsed thoroughly.
How to clean an old tile floor with baking soda?
If you have white tiles or grout lines that won’t come clean using vinegar, you can use baking soda to remove mildew. For cleaning an old tile floor with baking soda, follow steps one through three above. Make sure the tiles and grout are thoroughly dry before proceeding to step three below.
Step-01: Mix a solution of water and baking soda in a bucket using about 50% baking soda by volume.
Step 02: Apply the mixture to your tile and grout lines with a scrubbing sponge or microfiber cloth. Use an old toothbrush for corners and crevices if needed.
Let it sit on the surface for five minutes, then rinse well with water. For really dirty grout, you can leave it on longer and let the product work more effectively.
Step 03: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe up any residue once you’ve rinsed thoroughly.
Conclusion
In the end, we hope you got your answers How to clean an old tile floor. We have written many methods to clean old tile floors. This will remove any dirt, grime, or other substances from your tile floor in no time at all. What do you think? Have you tried this method before? If not, you should try this at your home and let us know your feedback in our comment box.
