Cleaning Tiles After Construction
Initial Cleanup
After construction, clean tiles by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on surfaces with cement dust. Let it sit for 2 minutes before wiping with a soft cloth. Wipe tiles with a damp cloth, allow to dry completely, and repeat as needed. Gently run a damp cloth over walls to clean away the dust.
Removing Tough Stains
To clean tiles after construction:
- Remove large debris like wood scraps from the tile surface.
- Use a pH-neutral tile cleaner to avoid damaging tiles.
- Apply the cleaner and scrub with a soft cloth or brush.
- For extra-tough stains, use a specialized tile and grout cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove residue.
- Wait 24-48 hours after grouting before cleaning haze off tiles.
Special Cases and Maintenance
- For cement on ceramic tiles: Soak a cloth with white vinegar, scrub the tiles, and let the vinegar solution sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
- For tiles with grout haze: Use a solution of four parts water to one part white vinegar, then buff the tiles clean with a cotton or microfiber towel or a nylon scrub pad for textured tiles.
- After grouting: Use commercial grout haze remover or a homemade vinegar and warm water solution. Regular cleaning is important for high-gloss tiles to maintain their appearance.
- Always ensure the grout is completely hardened before cleaning tiles. Start haze cleaning as early as 24 hours after the grout has dried but no later than 10 days after.