The health and beauty of a home's space greatly depend on its cleanliness, and ceramic floorings play a significant role in this beauty. Given the daily foot traffic and usage of floorings, keeping them clean can be somewhat challenging. In this article, we will introduce the best methods for cleaning new home ceramics.
Key Points to Keep Ceramics Clean
To maintain the beauty and shine of ceramic floorings, it's essential to observe the following points:
- - Regular Cleaning : Ceramic floors should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris from their surfaces. This prevents scratches on the ceramic surfaces.
- - Immediate Stain Removal : It is advisable to clean any stains immediately to avoid the cleaning becoming more difficult over time.
- - Regular Washing : Regular washing of ceramics with homemade cleaning solutions or warm water helps remove surface dirt and keeps the surface shiny.
- - Avoiding Abrasive Materials : Except in specific cases, abrasive cleaners and brushes that can damage the ceramic surface should not be used for cleaning new home ceramics.
- - Drying After Cleaning : After each cleaning, use a dry and clean cloth or towel to thoroughly dry the surfaces to prevent water and mineral stains.
Best Methods for Cleaning Home Ceramics
There are various methods for cleaning new home ceramics. We will introduce some of the most important ones:
White Vinegar and Warm Water
Using white vinegar and warm water is a simple and effective method for cleaning home ceramics. Prepare a bucket of warm water first. The water temperature should be warm enough to dissolve fats and dirt. Then, add half a cup (about 120 ml) of white vinegar to the water.
White vinegar, besides its antibacterial properties, can eliminate unpleasant odors and effectively clean grease and stains. Apply the solution to the ceramics using a mop or sponge. Pay special attention to corners and the joints between ceramic tiles, where dirt typically accumulates.
After cleaning, wash the surfaces with water to remove any vinegar and dirt residue. Finally, use a clean, dry cloth or towel to dry the surface to prevent staining and slipping.
Baking Soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate acts as a strong and non-toxic cleaner for cleaning new home ceramics. First, make a relatively thick paste by adding water to baking soda. Apply the prepared paste directly to the ceramic surfaces or joints that need cleaning.
Gently brush the paste with a hand brush, sponge, or cloth to clean the dirt and stains. After brushing, rinse off the paste and any lifted dirt using water. Warm water can be more effective in removing dirt.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Fill a clean spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide. This concentration is safe and sufficient for household use and is commonly used for its disinfecting and whitening properties.
For cleaning new home ceramics, spray hydrogen peroxide on the ceramics and joints. For tougher stains and dirt, you can allow the solution to sit on the surface for a while, usually a few minutes. Gently clean the surface with a sponge or brush. For joints and gaps between tiles, you can use an old toothbrush for thorough cleaning.
After scrubbing, wash the surface with clean water. It may be necessary to do this several times to ensure no cleaning residue is left. To prevent water stains or mold regrowth, dry the surfaces.
Note: Avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with other cleaners, especially vinegar or bleach, as it can produce dangerous gases.
Sea Salt
Sea salt, obtained from evaporating seawater, contains natural minerals and rare elements that can be useful for removing surface stains and small cuts and scratches. Sprinkle sea salt on the dampened stain. After 24 hours, brush it off and then rinse with water. For better effectiveness, you can repeat this several times.
Coconut Husk
Due to its abrasive texture, coconut husk can be used to clean new home ceramics with tough and resistant stains. Sprinkle grated coconut on the stain surfaces and gently rub with a damp sponge. After scrubbing the stains, wash the surface thoroughly with water to remove all coconut husk residues.
Hydrochloric Acid or HCl Cleaner
Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sometimes known as muriatic acid, is a strong chemical that can be used to clean new home ceramics by removing many plaster and cement stains.
Before using HCl, it is necessary to wear rubber gloves and a face mask to prevent inhaling acidic vapors. The dilution ratio should be done exactly according to the cleaner's instructions. Apply the solution with a small brush on the ceramics and after a few moments, clean it with a soft plastic brush. Then wash the surfaces well with water.
Using Strong Cleaning Liquids
Using strong cleaning liquids can be useful for removing tough and resistant dirt and stains but should be done carefully to avoid damaging surfaces and causing health problems.
Follow the product label instructions for the necessary dilution ratio of the cleaning
liquid. To prevent inhaling dangerous chemical vapors, use the cleaner only in well-ventilated areas.
After cleaning the new home ceramics with strong detergents, wash them thoroughly with water to remove any detergent residue. Never mix different cleaners unless explicitly advised, as some combinations can produce toxic gases.
It is recommended to use strong cleaners only once, and in subsequent times, use warm water or homemade cleaners.
Deep Cleaning Tiles and Ceramics
Using a steam cleaner for deep cleaning of wall or floor porcelain ceramics can be very effective. Steam cleaners, using heat and water vapor pressure, can remove dirt, grease, and microbes from ceramic surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals.
Cleaning Grout from Ceramics
Cleaning grout from tiles and ceramics can be somewhat challenging, as grout is usually hard and resistant. However, you can do this using ready-made cleaning sprays.
You can also use mild bleach solutions for grouts that are very dirty or stained. These products can remove tougher stains. After applying the cleaner or solution, use an old toothbrush, hand brush, or special tool to scrub the grouts and then rinse the area with water.
Another method for removing tougher stains is to use a paste made from a mixture of water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain surfaces. After 24 hours, you can wash it off with a nylon brush.
