| Cleaning tiles is not as easy as you think. Tiles used in | | | | also more expensive. Remember not to use scouring |
| the home are set in a thin plaster-like substance | | | | powders or other abrasives that can scratch the |
| called grout. The best and easiest way to clean a | | | | finish. To clean ceramic tile, mix vinegar, ammonia, |
| ceramic tile floor is to scrub it with an electric floor | | | | baking soda and warm water. Store the solution in a |
| washer or polisher-scrubber. The thorough cleaning | | | | spray bottle for easy bathroom cleaning. Cleaning |
| action should brighten the tile and joints. You can use | | | | stains out of grout can test your patience. The |
| a solution of detergent, washing soda or tri-sodium | | | | porous nature of grout lets liquid cleaners seep right |
| phosphate or commercial floor cleaning powder in one | | | | through. If the stain refuses to budge, soak a |
| gallon of water.When further treatment is needed, | | | | heavy-duty paper towel with straight peroxide laying |
| particularly for the grout, apply a solution of water | | | | the towel on top of the stain. Cover the towel with |
| and chlorine bleach (liquid or powdered). There still | | | | plastic wrap to prevent the peroxide from drying out |
| may be white or gray dust tracks over both the | | | | quickly.If that doesn't work, mix a paste of straight |
| surface and in carpeted floor areas even if the tiles | | | | peroxide and baking soda. Allow the bubbling to |
| have been sealed. The whitish dust is from the grout | | | | subside. Apply to the stain and let it set. Shaving |
| used in laying the floor. You may use muriatic acid to | | | | cream sprayed on stains also does a good job |
| clean up floor surfaces. Most tile installers use a | | | | removing them. |
| commercial product that is easier to wash off, but | | | | |