Regular and careful cleaning is key to making your ceramic tile last. Over time, dust and dirt will collect in the grout between tiles. When you don’t clean this buildup away, it could cause your floors to be more slippery than usual and make them look worn.
Cleaning tile floors with ammonia is a great way to keep your ceramic tile looking new and they are much better for both the tile and you than harsh chemicals in commercial cleaners.
Not only will these homemade cleaners disinfect your ceramic tiles, but they’ll also extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
Ammonia is an affordable, effective way to clean ceramic tile floors. So let’s help you understand why ammonia works so well on tiles and how to best use it when cleaning your floors.
Cleaning Tile Floors with Ammonia
What You Need
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready. For this task, you will need a bucket of warm water, a mop or sponge, and some household ammonia.
It’s important to keep in mind that many store-bought cleaners contain ammonia, so read the label before using them on your tiles.
Step 1: Sweeping & Mopping
Begin by thoroughly mopping your floor with warm water and a mop or sponge. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies so that all dirt and debris are removed.
Leave the floor to dry until it is completely dry, then open windows or bring in fans for circulation to speed up the drying process.
Step 2: Applying the Ammonia Solution
Once your floor is completely dry, mix one cup of household ammonia into a bucket of warm water. Take care not to overfill the bucket; it should be just large enough to fit your mop or sponge comfortably.
Depending on the size of your floor, you might need to mix more or less ammonia into the water. If you are uncertain, start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Step 3: Wear Some PPE
To prevent any skin damage, put on gloves. You might also want to cover your face with a mask to avoid inhaling the ammonia fumes.
Using your sponge or mop, gently scrub the floor with your ammonia solution. Pay special attention to the grout between tiles, which is where dirt and grime often collect.
Only apply enough solution to wet the tile surface; there is no need to soak the floor.
Step 4: Agitate With a Brush
Use a brush with soft bristles to remove any dirt or debris that your mop might have missed. You might need to use some elbow grease to really remove the grime from deep within the cracks of your tiles.
Step 5: Rinse and Wipe Dry
Rinse and repeat as needed. In order to make sure you don’t leave any lingering smells or residues, use a damp rag to wipe the floor clean.
Once you are finished cleaning your ceramic tile floor, make sure to leave the windows open for a while so that your room can air out.
Also, make sure to dispose of any remaining ammonia solution properly.
Why Ammonia Works Best on Tile Floors
Ammonia is a natural cleaner that contains powerful disinfecting properties. It’s also highly alkaline which makes it great at breaking up grease and dirt on tile surfaces.
Ammonia also evaporates quickly, so it won’t leave streaks or sticky film on your floor. This makes cleaning up after using ammonia a much easier task compared to many other floor-cleaning products.
Ammonia is also non-corrosive so you don’t have to worry about damaging your floor tiles. Plus, it is affordable and readily available in most households, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to clean their tile floor without toxic chemicals.
So if you’re looking for a simple and effective way to clean your ceramic tile floors, ammonia is definitely an option that is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning tile floors with ammonia can be a big job, but it’s well worth the effort. With its powerful cleaning properties, ammonia does an excellent job at breaking up grease and dirt from tiles surfaces.
Its alkaline nature also helps keep them disinfected and sparklingly clean without leaving behind any residues or streaks.
You just need to make sure you take all necessary safety precautions before getting started.
If you choose to work with a concentrated form of ammonia, take proper precautions by wearing gloves and making sure that children and pets are not present in the area. It is always best to use diluted ammonia when cleaning tile floors in order to avoid any accidents or spills.
Overall, cleaning tile floors with ammonia can be a quick and easy way to maintain a clean and sparkling floor, as long as you take the necessary precautions and follow best practices.
