KEEPING your tiles sparkling clean seems to be easier said than done sometimes.
But according to one cleaning expert you can stop damage, prevent mould and have tiles that anyone would envy without breaking the bank.
Mystudenthalls.com has teamed up with Molly Woodward-Moor at Stone Superstore to provide their top cleaning tips, here’s what you need to know.
Molly explained that abrasive cleaners can do more harm than good, so certain products are to be avoided.
She advised to avoid bleach or acidic cleaners on natural stone tiles like limestone, marble, travertine, or terracotta. These materials are porous and can be easily damaged.
You should also never use harsh chemicals or acids such as bleach or lemon when cleaning tiles, as this can remove the sealant and cause damage to your tiles and grout.
Not only that but abrasive materials such as scouring sponges or stiff bristle brushes can scratch tiles and other surfaces and ruin their overall finish.
Even the most durable of tile materials, such as ceramic and porcelain, should be treated with mild detergent and a microfiber cloth.”
Mould forms for many different reasons, but cleaning it doesn’t have to be such a chore.
“For most tile materials, a pH-neutral alkaline cleaner is ideal. Always conduct a patch test on an inconspicuous area to ensure the cleaner is safe,” Molly said.
You can use a solution of warm water and washing-up as a handy alternative to bleach, according to the pro – simply “dilute it well and rinse thoroughly with warm water and a microfiber cloth.”
Similarly to tiles, Molly advised to avoid bleach and cleaners containing ammonia “as they are corrosive, meaning they could weaken the grout, reducing its durability and leading to cracks.
“Whilst grout is notorious for a build-up of mould and mildew, a couple of cupboard essentials will do the trick.
“You can make your own grout cleaner with two parts baking soda and one part vinegar, if you haven’t already got these to hand, you can get them both for as little as £2,” she advised.
A soft bristle toothbrush can be used to lightly scrub before rinsing the mixture away with clean water.
Previosuly, on cleaning fan took to the B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving and More Facebook group to share their mould conundrum.
They said: “In my bathroom there is this black stuff on the tiles.
“It’s horrid, does anyone know what I can use to get rid of it please?”
The post was flooded with helpful responses from Facebook users, with many suggesting the same £1 product.
One person said: ” I use Astonish £1 mould remover.
“Spray it and leave it for half hour, depending on how bad the tiles are.
“No scrubbing needed, just rinse it off with the shower. Brilliant stuff.”
Another person said: “Use Astonish Mould and Mildew Remover.
“Spray it on and leave it for 20 minutes.”
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
