The Importance of Disinfecting Tiles: Some Interesting Facts

Tiles can harbor germs and bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly. The bathroom is the area of the house with the highest bacteria accumulation due to its exposure. Places like the toilet, faucets, showerheads, or bathroom sinks can become reservoirs for microorganisms. Did you know that in 10 square meters of bathroom space, 42% of the walls and 40% of the floors have bacteria?

How to Clean Tile Grout

Baking soda and vinegar are not only excellent natural cleaners but also work great together to tackle grout dirt between bathroom tiles.

✦ Baking Soda: Sprinkle the grout with baking soda. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush dipped in hot water.

✦ Vinegar: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, then pour the solution into a spray bottle. Apply directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. If needed, scrub gently with a brush. Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to help remove stains and dirt from bathroom and kitchen grout.

✦ Cleaning Products: You can use Cif Gel with Ultra White Bleach. Just apply the product directly to the grout and scrub with a toothbrush. We also recommend Cif Trigger 2-in-1, which removes allergens and mites while killing 99.9% of bacteria.

Cleaning Bathroom Tiles with Steam

An effective way to clean bathroom tiles is by using steam. This method is excellent for removing dirt and mold. High-temperature steam penetrates tile pores and cracks, loosening dirt and disinfecting at the same time. Here are some steam cleaning tips:

✦ Initial Tip: Run hot water from the shower for a couple of minutes before starting the cleaning process. This will help soften the dirt and make the job easier.

✦ Steam Cleaner: If using a steam cleaner, it opens the pores on the surface, loosening even the toughest grime. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with a clean cloth to remove any residue, which could otherwise cause new stains.

Bathroom tiles are easier to clean than you might think. Now that you know how to steam clean bathroom tiles, maintaining a fresh and sanitized bathroom, regardless of its age, is simple. Discover more tips for thorough bathroom cleaning.

Cleaning Kitchen Tiles

Kitchen tiles often get stained by splashes of oil and grease. Don’t worry—you can continue cooking and eating without fear. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning kitchen tiles and making them look like new:

1. Apply a cleaning product directly to the surface. We recommend Cif Trigger Anti-Grease, which helps remove even burnt grease.

2. Wipe with a soft cloth. You can use Cif Ballerina Multi-Use to remove excess product and gently polish for a shine.

Avoiding Dangerous Combinations

Tile paint on bathroom ceramics can be sensitive. It’s crucial to use appropriate methods for tiles with this type of paint, as some cleaning products are more abrasive than others. Each cleaning product is designed for specific tasks, but it’s important to avoid mixing certain products at home.

✦ Never mix baking soda with vinegar. Combining these substances generates gases that can harm the skin, throat, eyes, and respiratory system.

✦ Mixing these ingredients in closed containers, such as a bottle, can cause an explosion. The reaction forms a salt that is ineffective for cleaning.

✦ Vinegar should not be mixed with hydrogen peroxide, as it creates peracetic acid, which is also explosive, nor with bleach, as the combination produces toxic fumes. Learn more about dangerous mixtures.

✦ Using bleach is essential for eliminating as many microorganisms as possible because bacteria can survive on surfaces for days. Shigella and Escherichia coli can survive for 3 to 5 days; Salmonella for 12 days, and Enterococci for more than 12 days.

✦ It’s also necessary to use disinfectants, as bacteria like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, and Pseudomonas can grow significantly in toilet water and aerosolize when the flush is used.

Now that you know how to clean your kitchen and bathroom tiles, you can keep your home looking fresh. With this guide, you’re equipped to tackle tile grime. Learn all the tips for cleaning tiles and removing stains from bathroom and kitchen tiles. Discover more tricks for removing mold and mildew stains.