Tiles are extremely popular in the bathroom or kitchen because they are very insensitive and easy to clean. We have tips on how to deal with dirt and limescale.
- Tiles are usually found in the bathroom, kitchen or on the balcony.
- They are popular because they are easy to clean.
- However, there are a few things to consider.
Whether on the floor or on the wall: Tiles are a popular solution when you need an easy-to-clean surface. In the bathroom, for example, the walls are exposed to moisture and lime, while in the kitchen there is a risk of grease splashes. Thanks to their insensitive and robust surfaces, tiles cannot be too badly affected during cleaning. We have tips for you.
How often do tiles need to be cleaned?
Generally, tiles should be cleaned immediately after laying and grouting . This will prevent construction dirt or cement veil from sticking permanently to the tiles. A hardened cement veil can only be removed later by acidic special cleaners, which attack the joints, as the Industrieverband Keramische Fliesen + Platten eV writes.
Otherwise, it does no harm to clean the tiles regularly - once a week is a good measure . However, it is better not to use cleaning agents with active ingredients: "These can even be problematic in the long run because they build up a sticky layer of grease, wax or plastic that negatively affects the appearance, hygiene, sure-footedness and ease of cleaning of ceramic surfaces," reports the association.
Bring floor tiles back to high gloss
Before you wipe floor tiles wet, you should first sweep up dust, lint and dirt with a broom or remove them with a vacuum cleaner . It is best to use the brush attachment for hard floors. Then fill a bucket with water and add either detergent, a floor cleaner or a neutral cleaner . Then wipe the floor with the cleaning water and a mop. Finally, the tiles are dried with a microfiber cloth.
If there are limescale deposits on the floor tiles, you need acidic agents. A simple glance into the pantry is enough: wipe the stains with lemon or orange peels and soon they should be history.
Cleaning bathroom tiles: These agents help you against dirt and lime
The tiles in the bathroom in particular are quickly affected by regular showers. Stains and lime residues are the result. In order to clean the bathroom tiles, a commercially available glass cleaner or an all-purpose cleaner usually helps . Put a small shot of it in lukewarm water and wipe the surface with a rag. Then the tiles are dried with a microfiber cloth. Rinse aid has also proven itself in cleaning.
Often a lot of limescale builds up on the bathroom tiles, which are not so easy to remove. The best remedy for lime is acidic cleaners , such as vinegar *. If you use such an agent, however, you should water the joints first. They are sensitive to acid and can start to crumble over time. So try to only come into contact with the tiles themselves if possible and do not let acidic cleaners act for longer than five minutes. Then rinse everything with clear tap water.
What also helps with shiny tiles: as soon as you have attached your limescale cleaner and it has had some time to soak in, you can carefully scrape off the deposits with a ceramic hob scraper . It works much faster than wiping with a rag or sponge.
Please also note that ceramic, stoneware and porcelain stoneware tiles can cope with acids, but natural stone tiles are sensitive to them. Better use soft soap for cleaning here.
Fittingly : This simple trick makes your joints bright white again.
How to clean kitchen tiles
Everyone knows when cooking fat or sauces splashing out of the pan and soiling the tiles on the wall. Sometimes you only notice how sticky they are when you touch the tiles. Then it is high time to use detergent and lukewarm water and tackle the stains on the collar. Soak stubborn stains first with soap and then remove the dirt with a rag.
Clean tiles on the balcony
A steam cleaner is suitable for cleaning the balcony tiles * . It removes even the most stubborn dirt quickly and effectively. You should be more careful with a pressure washer: it can make the surface of the tiles rougher so that dust and dirt have an easy job. Therefore, you should only use it with a splash guard or special washing brushes.
In addition, you should base your selection of cleaning agents on the material of the tiles. While ceramic, stoneware and porcelain stoneware tiles tolerate a treatment with vinegar, you should keep it away from natural stone : you should rather clean the acid-sensitive material with soft soap. It is best to find out from a specialist how your balcony tiles need to be cleaned.
Read also : Easy cleaning of terrace tiles - with simple household remedies.
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