7 Damage-Free Ways to Clean Tiles with a DIY Vinegar Solution

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If you’re looking for an all-natural, environmentally-friendly tile cleaner, you probably already have one in your pantry: vinegar. Vinegar kills germs, dissolves soap scum and mineral deposits, and leaves tiles sparkling clean. But before you go soaking your tiles with it, there are a few precautions you’ll want to take to make sure they don't get damaged. Don’t worry—we’ve put together some tips to help you use vinegar on your tiles safely so you can get brilliantly clean tiles without the use of any chemicals.

1

Use vinegar to clean porcelain and ceramic tiles.

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    Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is an effective all-natural cleaner that can be used on all kinds of different surfaces around the home. [1] Vinegar that contains 5% acetic acid, like white vinegar, can kill germs and remove soap scum and mineral deposits on surfaces. [2] However, since vinegar is acidic, it’s not safe to use on all surfaces. The only types of tile you’ll want to clean with vinegar are porcelain and ceramic. [3]
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2

Skip the vinegar for cement and natural stone tiles.

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    Cement and natural stone tiles are beautiful, but they’re also more delicate. Vinegar and other acidic cleaners can stain them, etch the surface, and end up ruining their appearance, so steer clear of vinegar when you’re cleaning them. This goes for all tiles made from cement or natural stone, including quartz, travertine, granite, marble, limestone, and slate tiles. [4]
    • Use a pH-neutral cleanser, like dish soap, to clean cement and natural stone tiles without damaging them.
3

Dilute the vinegar with water first.

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    Vinegar diluted with water will be less harsh on surfaces. Mix vinegar with an equal amount of water whenever you’re using it to clean surfaces around your home, including tile. [5] Dilute the vinegar in a spray bottle for cleaning small areas of tile, like the tile in your shower, or in a bucket if you’re cleaning tile floors. [6]
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4

Don’t mix vinegar with bleach.

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    Chlorine gas exposure can cause irritation, breathing problems, and in extreme cases, death. [7] Plus, bleach can actually damage and discolor the grout between tiles over time. [8] If you’re cleaning with vinegar, leave the bleach under the sink.
5

Avoid abrasive cleaning tools.

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    The last thing you want after cleaning your tiles is to end up with noticeable scratch marks in the finish. [9] The best way to avoid that is to use a soft, gentle cleaning tool, like a non-scratch scrub pad. [10] You can also use a clean cloth or chamois mop (a mop works great when you’re cleaning tile floors). [11]
    • Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, scouring pads, and any other tools with tough, abrasive surfaces. Your tiles will thank you for it!
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6

Sweep tile floors before cleaning them with vinegar.

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    Dirt and debris can actually scratch tile floors, so you don’t want to be scrubbing any particles into the tiles as you’re cleaning them with vinegar. [12] The best way to avoid that is to give your tile floors a good sweeping before you clean them. [13] Once your floors are cleared off, you’re ready to go in with the vinegar.
    • A vacuum will work too, but make sure it has a soft-bristle attachment so it doesn’t scratch the floors. [14]
7

Apply the vinegar to your tiles, then wipe or mop it away.

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    If you’re cleaning a small tile surface, like the tiles in your shower, spray your diluted vinegar mixture on the tiles and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, wipe the vinegar away from top to bottom in an S-pattern. [15] If you’re cleaning tile floors, use a clean cloth or chamois mop to work the vinegar mixture into the tiles. Then, immediately use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe up all of the vinegar. [16]
    • Clean your tiles once every 1-2 weeks to keep them looking their best. [17]
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      Tips

      • The best types of vinegar for cleaning are white vinegar and cleaning vinegar. Both will work, although cleaning vinegar has 6% acetic acid instead of 5% like white vinegar, so it’s stronger and more effective. Never clean with industrial vinegar—it’s too strong to be used for indoor cleaning. [18]
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      Warnings

      • Never mix vinegar with bleach. Mixing the two creates chlorine gas, a toxic gas that can cause irritation, breathing problems, and even death. [19]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_g/G304/welcome.html
      2. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/vinegar/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-5qjyzxOs&t=107s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-5qjyzxOs&t=162s
      5. ↑ https://www.nsf.org/blog/consumer/reliable-scientific-tips-cleaning-with-vinegar
      6. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/HealthyHome/Contaminants/BleachMixingDangers
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/here-are-all-the-ways-you-re-accidentally-ruining-your-tile-52791
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=111&v=tH-5qjyzxOs&feature=youtu.be
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-5qjyzxOs&t=307s
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-tile-floors/
      3. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-polish-fix-amp-maintain-tile-floors-190635
      4. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/3-things-mistakes-you-re-making-when-mopping-floor-how-t107109
      5. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-tile-floors/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH-5qjyzxOs&t=277s
      7. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-tile-floors-36804321
      8. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-tile-floors/
      9. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-vinegar
      10. ↑ https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/HealthyHome/Contaminants/BleachMixingDangers

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Shanaaz Abrahams

        Jan 19, 2022

        "Thank you, I used vinegar and liquid dish-soap for my tiles and still do. It is amazing, try it, wow!"
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