No matter how careful you are, your vitrified floor tiles will get stained at some point. It’s just a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to living with unsightly stains on your floor!
Luckily, we are always there to help you clean your vitrified floor tiles and make them look as good as new again. In today’s article, we will share some of the easiest methods to remove stains from vitrified tile floors.
But keep in mind that different methods work for different types of stains. So make sure you identify the type of stain before trying to clean it up!
However, let’s move forward to the methods and learn how to remove stains from tiles like a pro!
What are Vitrified Tiles?
Vitrified tiles are a type of ceramic tiles that are made by fusing silica and clay at extremely high temperatures. This process makes them more rigid and durable than other types of tiles.
And also make them shine like glass tiles even after using them for several years. They are a popular choice for flooring in high-traffic areas because of their durability and easy maintenance.
These tiles have become an alternative to marble or granite due to various colors, patterns, and styles. They have a low setting time, and that’s why they can be a perfect fit for home renovation projects. But due to the vitrification process of silica and clay, it costs a little bit more than ceramic tile.
Due to lower porosity, the vitrified tile floor is less likely to absorb water and other liquids. As a result, they are more resistant to staining. But nothing is perfect in this world. They can get stained if not cleaned correctly and on time.
Common Types of Stains on Vitrified Tiles
Different types of stains can appear on vitrified tile flooring. And the removal method also differs for each type of stain. Here, we have mentioned some of the most common types of stains along with their removal methods:
- Water Marks: You can clean these spots by mopping the floor with clean water or wiping it with a damp cloth. If they still don’t disappear, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice to remove them. It also works great to remove hard water stains.
- Mud and Blood Stains: These stains are easy to clean. You can take help of a damp clean cloth to wipe them off. If they are dried, you can use dish soap and a mop to remove them.
- Oil, and Fat-based Stains: These are the most difficult stains to remove from vitrified tiles. You can use a degreaser or detergent to clean them. But make sure you don’t damage the tiles in the process.
- Tea, Coffee, Juice Spills: You can clean these spills by mopping the floor with clean water or wiping it with a damp cloth. If they still don’t disappear, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice to remove them.
- Shoe Markings: By mopping the floors with a cloth soaked in one ounce per gallon of water, you can remove scuff marks from shoe heels and rubber burns caused by sneakers.
- Paint Stains: Remove old oil-based paint using a clean, damp towel soaked in turpentine or paint thinner. Use a wet cloth and a mild dishwashing liquid to remove water-based paint, rubbing with a soft bristle brush. These were some of the common stains and their easiest removal methods.
But what will you do if you face other types of stubborn stains? Well, we have solutions for that too! Below, you will find some other great methods for removing any tough stains from vitrified tiles.
Ways to Remove Tough Stains from Vitrified Tiles with Vinegar
In this part, we will show you the step-by-step method of how you can remove stains from vitrified surfaces. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the steps!
Step-1: Clean the Tiles
The first stage is cleaning vitrified tiles. In this stage, you have to sweep or vacuum the floor to remove surface dirt or dust particles. Then you have to use an all-purpose cleaner or dish soap and water as a cleaning solution. End cleaning stage by rinsing the area with warm water to completely clean it.
This stage is necessary to remove dirt from tiles to make the stain cleaning process more manageable.
Step-2: Remove Stains
Now, it’s time to remove stains from vitrified tile surfaces. For this, you need some white vinegar and plain water. We recommend using vinegar only because it alone can clean vitrified surfaces like new.
So, take one part of white vinegar and one part of water into a bowl and stir it properly to mix it. After that, apply it over the affected area and let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes until it fully saturates the spot.
Now, use a soft bristle brush to scrub the area until the stain disappears gently. Whatever stain you get, this method will work like magic.
Remember not to scrub the brush too harshly as it can cause scratches.
Step-3: Rinse the Surface
Finally, rinse the area with warm water. Using warm water will help you eradicate any pungent smell of vinegar. Then completely dry the area using a microfiber cloth. If you see any leftover stains or sticky areas, repeat the process.
How to Remove Tough Stains from Vitrified Tiles without Vinegar
If you face really tough stains or don’t have vinegar near your hands, you can try other cleaning products to treat vitrified tile stains. So, let’s learn about the stain removal methods and how to use them.
Use Lemon Juice and Salt
Lemon juice is a great household cleaning agent. Think of a stain that lemon is not capable of removing. So, for tiles stains, you can use them without any hesitation.
For tough stains, mix lemon juice and salt in a bowl. Then apply a generous amount of the paste directly onto the affected area and let it sit there for at least 5 minutes. But remember not to let the paste dry.
Then scrub carefully using an old toothbrush to remove all the stains. Finally, rinse the area with warm water and a soft cloth.
Try High-Quality Tile Cleaner
Though people use tile cleaner for regular cleaning most of the time, some cleaners can remove unwanted stains. So, you can look for such cleaners online or in the hardware store and use them following the manufacturer’s directions to get rid of the stains forever.
Bleach is a Great Option
Using bleach to clean tile floors is always a great idea, though it’s not safe for all types of tiles. But you can use it for your vitrified tile areas. Just remember to use a diluted solution of bleach and water. Also, don’t forget to rinse the floor with clean water after using bleach.
For example – if you use Clorox, you have to mix 1/3 cup of it into 1 gallon of water. You have to mop the stained floor and let it sit for at least 5-6 minutes. After that, rinse the area thoroughly. [Source]
Resort to Intensive Cleaner
We recommend using this type of cleaner only for stubborn stains. And also, this type of cleaner is not recommended for all tiles. But you can use it on vitrified surfaces.
If you use an intensive cleaner like Lithofin, then mix one part of it with three parts of water.
Now, pour it into the stained area and scrub using a sponge. You will see that the stains are gone in no time. But don’t forget to clean the floor thoroughly after using an intensive cleaner as they mostly contain harsh chemicals.
But for other cleaners, all you need to do is follow the pack’s instructions and see how quickly it works like a charm.
Important
It’s always better to test any method on an inconspicuous spot before applying it to the main stain. Avoid any harsh chemicals and scrubber for vitrified tiles as they can cause permanent scratches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between vitrified and ceramic tiles?
The main difference between vitrified and ceramic tile is that vitrified tile is made of a mixture of clay and silica. In contrast, ceramic tile is made from natural clay.
Vitrified tiles are scratch-resistant compared to ceramic tiles. But they are more expensive than ceramic tiles. They may also require more care and maintenance.
Though ceramic tile is easier to install, vitrified ones take less setting time and are more durable. [2]
How can you make vitrified tiles shine?
Using wax is an excellent way to make vitrified tiles shine. But some people find it an expensive way to shine up floors.
So, you can choose a high gloss tile sealer to bring back the shine. It will make the tiles shine and protect them from stains and dirt.
We recommend using a tile conditioner after every time you clean the tile floors. It’ll help you to maintain the shine.
Can acid be used to clean vitrified tiles?
Yes, acid can be used to clean vitrified tiles. It is mainly used to remove scum, hard water stains or other tough stains. Most professional tile cleaners use muriatic acid for cleaning particularly tough stains.
Don’t dare to use acid directly on the tiles! For using acid to clean tiles, mix one part of muriatic acid with five parts of water. [3]
Can you polish vitrified tiles easily?
Polishing is essential for those who suffer from dust-related allergies. You can polish vitrified tile floors when necessary. It helps you to lessen household dirts. It removes the dirt and dust and gives a new lease of life to the tiles. You can either use a power buffer or a floor machine for polishing.
But make sure you don’t overdo it as it may damage the tile’s surface.
Wrap Up
Vitrified tiles are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. But they need proper care and maintenance to keep them looking new for years. Today’s article has mentioned some of the easiest methods to remove different types of stains from vitrified floor tiles.
So, if you have these floor tiles in your home, make sure you follow these tips to keep them clean and stain-free. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful to you. Cheers!
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