Tiling is a material that is very commonly found in homes, both on floors and walls. It is easy to maintain, but when you like to prepare your own products, you can sometimes find it complicated to obtain a mixture as effective as the chemical-based cleaners from the big box stores. It will now be possible with this simple, ecological and economical preparation which can do everything: clean without leaving a trace, degrease, remove stains, disinfect… It works on all types of tiles except the most porous (tiles for example) . Here’s how to prepare it for impeccable paving!
In case of very dirty tiles, here is another more scrubbing recipe.
What you need:
-70 cl of liquid black soap (preferably with linseed oil if you can find it)
-1 tablespoon of white vinegar
-A recycled container of one liter or more
Steps to perfectly clean your tiles:
1) First, pour the black soap into the can.
2) Then add the white vinegar.
3) Then close the container and shake it well to homogenize the preparation.
4) Add a capful to a 5 liter bucket of water.
5) Finally, mop the floor with this mixture as usual.
Do not hesitate to clean your tiles regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt and stains. Very effective, but gentle, this homemade vinegar-black soap cleaning product will preserve the appearance and durability of the paving.
Other tips for taking care of your floor or walls
Useful household products to know
To clean and shine your tiles in a natural way, you can use several common products that you probably already have at home. This is particularly the case with milk which makes the tiles shine effectively. However, there are others:
→ If you don’t yet have black soap, you can mix white vinegar with water in equal portions. It is very effective in removing stains and soap scum while leaving the tiles shining.
→ Otherwise, replace the vinegar with lemon juicean excellent natural cleaner and deodorizer that will restore shine to the floor. You can also rub half a lemon directly on stubborn stains, especially rust stains.
→ The baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove stains and whiten grout. Sprinkle it on the damp tiles, rub gently with a sponge or brush, then rinse with clean water.
→ Another idea: mix a few drops of linseed oil in lukewarm water and use this mixture as a cleaner to shine your tiles. This oil also brings a beautiful natural shine to the tiles.
→ Sometimes, simply clean your tiles with distilled water may be enough to make it shine, especially if it is already relatively clean. Plus, it prevents limescale stains!
Here are also the mistakes to avoid for sparkling tiles!
Avoid using abrasive cleaners which could scratch the surface of your tiles. For example, bleach can discolor certain types of tiles and damage the joints. It is therefore better to avoid using it here, especially pure. Furthermore, be careful not to use unsuitable cleaning tools. In particular, avoid using tools such as abrasive sponges which could scratch the tiles. It is also important to clean stains quickly to prevent them from becoming embedded in the tiles. It is therefore better not to let stains dry.
Finally, to avoid marks on the floor or wall, ban the use of hot watereven in your tile cleaner recipe. Water may dry faster than your detergents, which will leave marks and make the floor sticky!
To take care of your tiles, here are some last good tips!
On a daily basis, also use rugs or felt pads under furniture to avoid scratches and damage. Be careful not to drop heavy objects on your tiles, as this could cause cracks or breakage from impact. Finally, regularly check the condition of the seals and redo them if necessary to prevent water infiltration and underlying damage.
For perfect cleanliness, also remember to clean your tile joints using the right tips. Enough to keep these gaps clean and whiten them if necessary.