scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,307 
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Post by scrappinghappy on Jul 31, 2014 2:35:14 GMT
I know there was a thread on this on the old site but...please help me  My tile floors are looking really gunky. Wet mopping doesn't seem to get them really clean, there looks like there is still a film on them, and the grout in the middle of the room is darker (dirtier?) then the grout on the edges. TIA |
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Post by anniefb on Jul 31, 2014 3:04:34 GMT
I just use a regular floor cleaner and mop but every so often I get down on my hands and knees and give the tiles and grout a good scrub with a brush. That seems to do the trick. I just googled and Better Homes & Gardens recommends a baking soda paste for grout. Or here's a suggestions to use a solution made from Dawn soap and vinegar. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 31, 2014 3:13:28 GMT
I have a Haan steam mop. It only us steam to clean, so there's no cloudiness. I'm not sure about the grout or removing buildup, as it's not an issue for this house.
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Post by 5peanutsnana on Jul 31, 2014 3:26:47 GMT
I recently cleaned the grout in my foyer, hallway, kitchen and dinette area. It was a tedious job and I spread it out over several days. I used Clorox Clean Up spray and sprinkled Barkeeper's Friend on it. I used a battery operated grout brush by Rubbermaid. I scrubbed a small area, (3 or 4 tiles) and let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes while I applied the cleaner to another section, then went back and scrubbed a bit more and rinsed it off with microfiber cloth and water. It did a great job.
There are many instructions if you google it and I tried a few. One was to use Baking Soda and pour peroxide on it. It supposedly required no scrubbing. Yeah, right. Didn't work of me.
I have used Soft Scrub Gel before and that works well, too.
There's always the option of having it professionally done but I'm too cheap for that. 
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Post by lorieann13 on Jul 31, 2014 3:33:10 GMT
I use the vinegar dawn mixture.
But I do not use the 1:1 mix and I do not use hot vinegar.
I fill my spray bottle almost all the way full and then add about a tablespoon of blue dawn.
I tried the 1:1 (equal parts) but the solution is bubbly and takes for-ev-er to clean off!
So I spray, scrub with a sponge, spray with water and then take a microfiber and dry off. Gets off hair spray, cooking oils, etc.
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Post by Flowergirl on Jul 31, 2014 3:40:06 GMT
I use diluted ammonia on the tile when it gets really gunky (like from hairspray etc). On the grout, I saw somewhere on the internet to use Resolve spray for carpets. It works so well. I spray it, leave it on for a while, then scrub with a grout brush.
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CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,894
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Post by CeeScraps on Jul 31, 2014 8:31:24 GMT
I use vinegar and water for the tiles. I haven't done a thing with the grout. Our grout is dark gray, thank heavens! I will never get light colored grout again. I did that in our former house and sealed it. Well, sealing is a nice gesture, the grout still changes color!
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Post by DinCA on Jul 31, 2014 9:39:28 GMT
I use diluted 409 and HOT water. I have a large amount of tile in my house, close to 2000sq feet. When I clean the grout, I use a stronger mix of 409 and it works really well. I also use a steam cleaner on it about four times a year.
I have used just about everything you can think of and this works best. Any vinegar solution leaves a white chalky buildup after repeated uses, unless you're really great about rinsing it off, especially if you have dark tile and/or grout.
I am barefoot in my house most of the time and tile that doesn't feel clean to my feet drives me crazy. Unless we have an accident, it stays clean for most of the week, and we have two little dogs as well.
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Post by whipea on Jul 31, 2014 12:40:01 GMT
Dogs.
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Post by anxiousmom on Jul 31, 2014 13:18:06 GMT
I have hardwood everywhere except the bathrooms, I don't seem to have trouble cleaning the floors any where but there. I hate, and by hate I mean loathe, the tile floor.
I have two two cats and long hair. And because of all the hardwood, dust is my ever present nemesis. I can not sweep enough, those swiffer cloths don't pick everything up, and vacuuming doesn't do a thing. I can't mop until all the stuff is swept away or it turns into cement.
I know I am doing something wrong, but dusty floors? How do you clean that with out it all ending up in the grout? I swear, I am 48 and a decent enough housekeeper that my house looks clean...but good heavens. These tile floors are hateful.
Any hints?
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