Although tiles are durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear, stubborn stains can be difficult to remove.
Maybe you’ve been trying to get rid of that stubborn grease mark on your kitchen tiles, or the hard water stains in your bathroom are proving impossible to banish.
In this article, you’ll learn how to restore your tiles’ former glory, regardless of their material—sleek porcelain or classic marble.
Now, let’s get those tiles shining like new!
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Understanding Different Types of Tiles
Each tile has a distinct personality. Whether they’re the glossy guardians of your kitchen or the marble monarchs of your bathroom, grasping their traits is critical to choosing the proper stain-fighting arsenal.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles can handle a lot. They are tough and don’t get scratched up easily. But if you get tough stains like blood or grease, making them look new again can be challenging.
You need the right way to clean these tiles so they stay shiny and not get ruined.
Use gentle cleaners for ceramic or porcelain tiles that won’t harm the surface. Baking soda mixed with water is a good paste for scrubbing away stains without scratching your tiles.
If you have ink or dye stains, rub alcohol on a cloth and dab at the spot until it fades away.
Marble or Natural Stone Tiles
Marble and natural stone tiles add beauty to your home but need special care. Harsh cleaners can damage these types of tiles. Choose products that don’t scratch or damage the stone for safe cleaning.
Use a soft cloth and gentle soap to wipe away dirt without harming the surface.
If you find tough stains on these tiles, mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply this paste to the stain and gently rub it with a soft brush. Give it time to sit, then rinse it off with water.
Always test an unseen part before you clean all over to ensure your tile looks great!
Vinyl or Linoleum Tiles
Vinyl and linoleum tiles add a nice touch to your home, but you need the proper care to keep it clean. These floors can get rough stains that seem hard to beat. Use hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach for these tough spots.
Pour it on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse well with water after you’re done. Always test cleaners in a small hidden area first to ensure they won’t harm your floor.
Mop vinyl and linoleum with warm water and dish soap to keep them shiny. This will help remove daily dirt and keep the floors looking their best without harsh chemicals.
How to Remove Stains from Tiles
Tiles are no strangers to accidents and spills, which can leave behind various stubborn marks.
Removing Blood Stains
Blood can leave tough marks on your tiles. If you see blood on your floor, act fast! Use cold water and a soft cloth to dab the stain away. Warm water might set the stain, so it’s best to avoid it.
Try not to rub the area too hard, which could push the blood deeper into the tile.
Mix some water with baking soda to make a paste for stubborn blood stains. Spread this over the mark and wait for it to dry. Once dry, rinse it with more cool water and gently wipe away any leftover paste.
Always do a spot test in a hidden place first to ensure this cleaner won’t harm your beautiful tiles!
Removing Coffee, Tea, Juice, or Wine Stains
After tackling blood stains, you might deal with another common problem: spills from your morning coffee or drops of red wine from a dinner party. These can leave behind colorful marks on your tiles.
You’ll want to act fast to get rid of them. First, blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth. Don’t rub it in – this can make the stain worse.
Next, mix water with a bit of dish soap and gently scrub the spot. If that doesn’t work, use white vinegar diluted with water for these tough stains. It’s good at breaking down the color left by drinks.
Pour some onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a soft cloth or sponge. You might need to repeat this process for deeper stains that don’t come out immediately until they’re gone completely.
Remember not to use vinegar on marble or natural stone tiles because it can harm them! Always test cleaners in an area that’s not easy to see before putting them all over your floor or wall tiles.
Removing Grease or Fat-based Stains
Grease or fat-based stains often appear on kitchen tiles. You might see them near the stove or on the floor where food is prepared. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste to tackle these stubborn spots.
Spread it over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub gently with a brush and rinse off with water.
If that doesn’t work, try using vinegar mixed with water. Spray it on the grease mark and wait a little while before wiping it clean. You can also use a commercial degreaser for very tough stains.
Test any cleaner on a small, hidden part of your tile first to ensure it won’t harm the surface. Don’t use rough cleaners, especially on stone tiles, because they could scratch or damage them.
Regularly cleaning your tiles will help stop grease and fat from building up too much.
Removing Stains from Grout
Grout is tricky to clean because it’s porous and catches stains. For tough grout stains, mix household cleaners like hydrogen peroxide with water. Use a toothbrush to scrub this mixture gently into the stained grout lines.
If you have natural stone tiles, use cleaners that are safe for stone. Harsh chemicals can damage these surfaces.
Sometimes, natural solutions work well, too. Mix some borax with water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to the grout and let it sit before scrubbing off. Vinegar mixed with baking soda also helps lift hard water stains from grout lines.
Soft water can prevent new stains on bathroom tiles—consider installing a water softener. Remember not to use vinegar on marble or natural stone, as it can etch the surface!
Cleaners to Use in Removing Stains
Using Household Cleaners
You can tackle most tile stains with cleaners you already have at home. For glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles, which are tough and durable, use an all-purpose cleaner to scrub away spills.
Be sure to get one that’s safe for your type of tile. Mixing water and mild dish soap is also a good cleaning solution. It’s gentle but still gets the job done.
Vinegar can be your best friend when dealing with hard water marks on your tiles or glass. Mix it with some baking soda until it becomes a paste, then rub it onto the stain using a soft cloth or sponge.
This mixture won’t scratch the surface but will help lift those stubborn spots away. Rinse well after cleaning to ensure no residue remains that could attract more dirt.
Trying Natural Solutions
If household cleaners don’t work, it’s time to turn to gentler natural solutions for your tiles. Lemon juice works wonders for lightening stains; its natural acidity quickly breaks down dirt.
Mix equal parts lemon juice with water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush. For stubborn rust stains that won’t budge, grab white vinegar from your pantry.
Soak a cloth in vinegar and place it over the stain. Leave it for about an hour, then rinse it with clean water. If you’re dealing with hard water marks on ceramic tiles or glass around your washbasin or showerhead, create a paste using baking soda and vinegar.
Spread this mixture onto the spots, and after letting it work its magic for a while, wipe it away with a microfiber cloth for clear results without scratching up your beautiful tiles!
The Bottom Line
Tiles get dirty. Different tiles can be cleaned in unique ways. Use simple stuff like vinegar or fancy cleaners for tough spots. Keep your grout looking good with the right tools. Remember, testing a small spot first saves you from big mistakes.
Let’s make those tiles shine again!
Additional reading: How To Clean Walls Without Damaging Your Paint
