How to Clean Tile Floor with Vinegar in an Effective Way

For environmental reasons, you may choose to install tile floors and use vinegar as a natural cleaner for floor cleaning. However, since vinegar is acidic, using it directly on tile floors may have adverse effects on the tiles and grout. Therefore, to strike a balance between using vinegar and preserving your floors, it's essential to know the correct cleaning method with vinegar and select the appropriate cleaning tools for tile floors. Today's blog will primarily guide you on cleaning floor tiles with vinegar in an appropriate way to ensure the most effective results. Now, let's get started.

What You'll Need for Cleaning Tile Floor with Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic and has a strong odor, which may not be the most effective choice for directly cleaning tile floors. Therefore, it's important to prepare all the necessary cleaning tools, dilute vinegar with water before cleaning, and promptly remove any excess moisture after cleaning. And here's a compiled list of items you'll need for the cleaning process.

• Vacuum Cleaner and Brush: Robot vacuum for tile floors can remove debris on the ground before using vinegar to wipe them. In addition, a brush can bring efficient help to clear tile floor grout for you.
• Vinegar and Water: Mix vinegar with warm water (It's better not to exceed 40°C/104°F) to create a cleaning solution. If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar is also a good option.
• Spray Bottle or Bucket: Use a bucket to mix water and vinegar, and fill a bottle with this cleaning solution for easy application on stains during cleaning. Also, a bucket can be used to wash the mops and rags used for cleaning floor tiles.
• Baking Soda: For stubborn stains cleanup, you also need to prepare baking soda that can loosen up dirt and deliver a thorough cleaning.
• Mop or Rag: A mop or rag can wipe the stubborn dirt and stains on the ground, or dry the wet floors after completing cleanup to prevent slipping.
• Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands from getting stimulatedby mixing vinegar solutions and baking soda.

Step-by-Step Tutorial on Cleaning Floor Tiles with Vinegar

After you have prepared all the required cleaning tools, you are ready to process cleaning tile floors with vinegar. Now, simply follow the step-by-step guide below and do it properly.

Step 1. Dust Tile Floor Using a Vacuum Cleaner

Before cleaning floor tiles with vinegar, you are recommended to sweep or vacuum the floors to remove all debris, ensuring a clean surface to avoid any hard debris left scratching the floor during the cleanup.

To boost more efficient and effortless cleaning outcomes, you can turn to a washing robot like eufy S1 Pro. This robot vacuum provides a suction power of 2*2000 Pa specifically designed for intelligent cleaning of tile floors, not only improving efficiency but also freeing up your hands. 

Step 2. Mop Tile Floor with DIY Vinegar Cleanser

When you have kept the tile floor surface clean now, move on to DIY vinegar cleanser and mop the floor to clear stubborn dirt and stains completely.

DIY Vinegar Cleanser

Step 1. You need to fill a bucket with warm water (It's better not to exceed 40°C/104°F), approximately one or two gallons. Because the warm water can soften stubborn grime or stains on tile floors. However, be careful not to use water that is too hot, as it can cause the vinegar to evaporate and reduce the cleaning effectiveness.

Step 2. The recommended ratio of water to vinegar is ten to one. So, once you have prepared the water, add one-tenth of a gallon of white or apple vinegar for every gallon of water. Then gently shake the bucket to thoroughly mix them, and your cleanser is ready.

Mop Tile Floor

Step 1. Now, mop your tile floors with the well-mixed vinegar cleanser. Remember to spread the cleanser widely and evenly over the entire surface of the floor. Simply mop from side to side to ensure the cleanser covers the entire tile floor surface.

Step 2. Don't wait too long, and you'll need to rinse tile floors with fresh water then. This will help remove loose stains and any remaining vinegar efficiently. Next, use a mop or rags to soak up excess water, especially in the floor joints. Finally, simply wait for the air to dry the floor completely.

Step 3. Deep-Clean Tile Floor with Vinegar and Baking Soda

It is actually not a difficult task to clean up the surface of tile floors. However, when the tile floor joints become dirty and grime gets hidden, it can be challenging to remove them from the surface. In such cases, you should mix vinegar and baking soda for a deep cleaning.

First, you will need a spray bottle to combine warm water with both vinegar and baking soda. This combination will cause a mild chemical reaction, creating fizzy foam to effectively loosen tough stains.

Second, spray the tile floor seams and wait until the foam completely dissolves the dirt.

Finally, use a stiff-bristled brush to work along the edges and thoroughly clean the tiles.

Bonus: How to Maintain Tile Floor and Keep it Shining

Cleaning floor tiles with vinegar is only a basic step to keep floors clean. To ensure they always remain in the best condition, you also need to perform proper maintenance for tile floors. In this part, we would like to recommend three tips for tile floors upkeep to ensure their longevity and good condition.

• Regular Tile Floor Cleaning:Always remember that the best way to maintain tile floors in good condition is through regular cleaning. For frequent tile floor cleaning, you can use a robot vacuum with a mapping to automate the cleaning process, saving you time and effort.
• Prompt Spill and Mess Cleanup:Never leave spills and mess on tile floors, as they will gradually become stubborn stains as time goes time. So when you discover any dirt or food particles on tile floors, sweep them and clean the area instantly.
• Steer Clear of Chemical Cleaners:Stop using harsh chemical cleaners as they can potentially damage the surface of tile floors after just a few uses. Therefore, it's better to replace them with environmentally-friendly solutions like vinegar and baking soda.

Conclusion

By mixing the cleanser with the right formula and using it properly, cleaning floor tiles with vinegar ensures a thorough cleaning outcome in an eco-friendly manner. Additionally, vinegar can help eliminate germs from the floor surface and effectively maintain the tile floors. So, start learning this vinegar cleaning method on your tile floors and keep them as good as new.