July 15, 2005, Newsletter Issue #111: Cleaning.Lifetips.com Brings Your Tip of the Week!

Tip of the Week

Cleaning Ceramic Tile and Grout

The newest technology for regular bathroom cleaning, most specifically ceramic tile and grout, uses peroxide and detergents to penetrate soiled areas, removing stains and deactivating odors. Simply spray a product such as Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the tile, and then allow it to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Rinse with clean water.Also for cleaning bathroom tile, baking soda can be sprinkled on a nylon scouring pad and used to scrub along with the Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate for a more abrasive action. Cleaning bathroom tiles regularly can also be done with detergent and water (1/8 cup mild detergent to 2 quarts water), then rinse. Other commercial household cleaners or bathroom cleaners can also be used. When cleaning bathroom tiles, do not use scouring powders or other abrasives which can scratch the finish of the tiles. For a more abrasive cleaning, you can use a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon warm water. Mix all in a bucket and stir until the baking soda dissolves. Scrub solution on tile with a brush, nylon scouring pad or sponge. Rinse with clean water. Remove soap scum from ceramic tile by wiping it with a fabric softener sheet. Rinse well with clean water. Remove mold and mildew from ceramic tile by cleaning with a dilute solution of chlorine bleach in water (one cup bleach to 3 cups water, increasing the bleach as necessary). Spray or sponge it on, wait a few minutes, then rinse well with clean water. Commercial mildew remover sprays can also be used. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and rinse the area well after cleaning. A less hazardous method is to use a peroxide based cleaner, such as Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate. Wet the area, spray Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the mildew, wait a few minutes then scrub with an old toothbrush. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you may want to use a stronger dilution of Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate. Mineral deposits from hard water (white residue) can be dissolved with white vinegar or a commercial product such as CLR (Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover) or Lime-A-Way. For heavy-duty stain removal on ceramic tile, use a solution of 1 part sodium citrate, Water, 6 parts glycerin and Whiting. Stir sodium citrate into the glycerin to dissolve. Add sufficient water to thin to a milk-like consistency. Mix in enough whiting to form a paste. Spread a thick coating on stains and let stand. Rinse with clean water.

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