Your kitchen or bathroom isn’t spotless until you’vescrubbed the floors.

A hazy film or dirty grout are indicators that your floors need more than cursory sweeping.

This guide explains how to clean tile floors no matter what the material.

Floor cleaning supplies

Credit:Grant Webster

The same concept applies to your tile.

While tile floors are incredibly durable, specific tile needs special care.

Harsh substances in traditional cleaners can damage the surface of these materials.

Cleaning floors with microfiber cloth

Credit:Grant Webster

Instead, this is how to clean tile floors made with natural stone using cleaners specifically for these surfaces.

They aren’t designed to stand up to extreme heat or excess moisture.

How to Clean Tile Grout

The real secret to a great-looking tile floor isclean grout.

Cleaning marble tile floor

Credit:Grant Webster

Because grout is porous and absorbs grease and other stains, it can be tricky to keep clean.

Frequent use could also increase your risk of damage.

Porcelain tiles are smooth with a fine-grained finish.

Cleaning linoleum floor

Credit:Grant Webster

Ceramic tiles are bumpier and more coarse.

If the tile is glazed, check the underside of an uninstalled piece.

If a tile absorbs any water (turning darker in the process) it is likely stone or terra-cotta.

Scrubbing tile grout

Credit:Grant Webster

The likely cause for dirty-looking tiles is not using clean enough water while cleaning the floor.

The water in your bucket must be changed frequently to clean the floors.