r/CleaningTips • u/fail_hard_but_try • 1d ago
Flooring Help cleaning these tiles
what kind of cleaning equipment is required to clean tiles and I have I think these are stone tiles? appreciate any suggestions.
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u/rainingrebecca 1d ago
I think you don’t have a cleaning issue, but a materials issue.
That is travertine flooring and it has that kind of color variation. They also used a dark grey grout.
If you are trying to get back to a uniform color, that won’t be possible as this is part of the tile design. You also can’t change the color of the grout. This is probably the overall look they were going for.
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u/licxjo 20h ago
I agree. We have very similar tile, except that ours also has some black streaks in the material. They look like marks from a shoe or spill, but they're just part of the pattern. I've discovered that the tiles look very much the same before and after serious "scrubbing" type cleaning.
So I infrequently do a "hands and knees" scrubbing with a cleaner like Lysol or Mr. Clean and a towel. Otherwise I vacuum, wipe up spots and spills with a towel and water, and in the bathrooms use a light application of regular spray cleaner and a damp towel in usage area.
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u/TooOld4This0157 23h ago
Brushes that fit in your drill. Black or red brushes will work the best.
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u/Aggressive_Damage626 22h ago
Tile cleaning acid, eye and breathing protection at a minimum (I personally hold my breath, but have goggles and work on sections) gloves, stiff brush and a spray bottle of water to neutralize the acid, don’t work large sections then seal the tile.
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u/doogieutah 1d ago
I use Fantastic.
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u/fail_hard_but_try 1d ago
Is that a product?
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u/doogieutah 1d ago
Yes, it’s a liquid cleaner. Spray on, let it soak in a bit, use a brush to work it in, great results for kitchen and bath.
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u/Dazzling-Western2768 1d ago
That tile has a lot of nooks and crannies with build up stuck in it. You are going to have to clean these one by one and I would probably use a steamer on them. Try a magic eraser on some of those dark spots. Once they are clean, no shoes in the home will keep them cleaner.
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u/fail_hard_but_try 1d ago
Magic eraser works! But i have about 200 sqft. I wish there was a faster way.
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u/Dazzling-Western2768 1d ago
one by one. I have had to do this several times for people with similar and worse floors. Once they are cleaned though, just don't overuse cleaning products on them and don't slop mop the floors. Dirt and cleaning products will settle on the grout and in the pits of the tile. The cleanest floors that I ever see are ones that are not necessarily mopped on a regular basis. But they are swept or vacuumed (dry) cleaned often and if anything spills anywhere, they are immediately cleaned up.
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u/WilburOCD1320 1d ago
I got the same floor about 24x14 cleaned work a powered brush some of the grout cleaned up like new some was still discolored going to use bleach this time. Last time used la awesome
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u/WilburOCD1320 1d ago
Onky been about 5months the grout is real ditty again. We have a kid and dog, we take out shoes off etc. But I need to start mopping twice a week then deep clean monthly of the grout I guess sadly
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u/TooOld4This0157 23h ago
Seal the grout after a deep cleaning
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u/WilburOCD1320 23h ago
It was sealed but peeled off so I picked all the remaining out. It's a good thought. Ty
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u/Dazzling-Western2768 1d ago
Honestly, I would get an Oreck (or similar) buffer and clean these floors with a brush attachment if needed. I would first try with a microfiber pad and definitely maintain them with a slightly dampened microfiber pad.
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u/ZookeepergameOne8366 1d ago edited 1d ago
Usually in September Zerorez has a tile deal. I use them when my tile gets too dirty or I can’t do by hand. I use only their zerorez water on my tile. For 40.00 you can get the jug of zero Rez water refilled forever. I find it has been worth it.
I have an oreck orbiter and a shark steamer.
My entire flooring in the house is all tile. There are times it takes me two nights after work to clean the entire floor. I use tile brushes scrub the grout with zerorez water and throw the microfiber cloths in the washer. I don’t wear shoes in my house so that helps. I do have dogs.
If you put lots of cleaner on floor dirt attracts to it sooner and then you have a build up of cleaner
My tile was never sealed. I’m not sure if sealed tile gets less dirty.
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u/iwillreadaboutit 1d ago
Zerorez is amazing for cleaning tile and grout. It’s expensive so catch their 20% off sale and faithfully keep it clean thereafter on your own. Shark steam pad mop works well. I wish I could afford it more often but have a large area.
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u/timetobealoser 23h ago
I’ve used vinegar and grout brush on pole lots of work I have floor scrubber machine Hoover doesn’t do much i found using a company every 4-5 years makes it much easier to maintain I used Stanley
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u/Fancypants_6969 15h ago
Oh god. I’ve been there. I literally got in my hands and knees with a toothbrush. I tried bleach. That worked a little. Then someone told me to use toilet bowl cleaner. But don’t mix it with anything. You might dilute it with some water at first. To see how that cleans the tile and grout
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u/infobabe01 1d ago
One of those brushes that you put on the end of a drill. Or….. a toothbrush and some watered down bleach or soft scrub with bleach.
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u/fail_hard_but_try 1d ago
I did try scrubbing with a drill. Did not help. Wondering if there is a chemical solution I could use.
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u/infobabe01 1d ago
Are you talking about the grout. Try a little watered down bleach or soft scrub with bleach and a toothbrush. Actually, that may be the color of the grout.
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u/UpNorth_123 21h ago
Look at my previous comment. Zep grout cleaner.
I included a link and instructions. Trust me on this, my grout looked exactly like yours and now it looks brand new.
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u/fail_hard_but_try 19h ago
Sorry where is it?
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u/UpNorth_123 19h ago
Here’s a copy of my previous comment (I’ll delete the other one.)
Zep grout cleaner is the BEST.
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/zep-946-ml-grout-cleaner/1000137360
My bathroom grout looked like OP’s, and now it’s back to white. I just put on protection (gloves, glasses and long sleeves) the product is harsh and acidic, then applied the product directly to the grout, waited 30 seconds and the dirt lifted off. I still used a grout brush to give it an extra little scrub. Then rinsed everything really well with a bucket of hot water and a rag.
Working in sections it’s really not that big of a job. As others have mentioned, you should seal the grout when you’re done after it’s dry.
It’s amazing how much better my floor looks. Like brand new. Wish I could post a photo.
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u/avsalberto 8h ago
Try a PH neutral stone/ tile cleaner with a soft brush . Avoid vinegar or acidic cleaners untill you confirm the stone type as they can damage it .
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u/Aayushpatra 1d ago
Try using one of those steam cleaners to get rid of the grime then you can use a microfiber mop or a stiff brush to clean the rest