How To Make Dull Ceramic Tile Shine? Solutions For Shiny Tile Floors

Most often, the bathroom and kitchen floors are tiled with a material such as a tile. It is essential to care for tile flooring properly to maintain its original shine and appearance. In addition, it is worth worrying not only about the brightness but also that the tile’s surface does not have minor mechanical damage. To that end, consider the most proper ways to care for tile flooring at different points in your home.

Making Dull Ceramic Tiles Shine Again: Solutions

Tile flooring has many advantages that have won the hearts of many consumers. These virtues include:

• Long life span; 
• Ease of maintenance;
• A high level of durability;
• A variety of designs and colors.

It is necessary to care for tile properly to keep these qualities for a long time. Otherwise, a white stain on the tiled floor hides all the original shine, and the connecting joints can appear quite dangerous – black mold. Regular and proper care of the coating will help to avoid such troubles.

1. Household Chemicals Solution To Shine Tile Floors

Specialized stores that sell various hygiene products and household chemicals have several options for the shine of tile floors. It is best if the choice favors a liquid or gel-type product. Cleaning powders have in their composition small abrasive particles that can damage the tile surface.

If the tile condition has reached the point that white scum has formed or corrosion has appeared, you can use a means for cleaning based on chlorine. Another advantage of this means is the disinfecting effect.

If there is a desire to put in order a tiled floor but do not have a special agent, and a trip to the store was not planned, you can make the tile floors shine with the help of a product for cleaning glass. Such products contain ammonia, which can return the tiles to their lost luster.

2. Soap Solution To Shine Tile Floors

Trends in the modern world aim to reduce household chemicals’ use in the home. It is due to the negative impact of chemistry on the environment and ecology. In addition, susceptible people may have various allergic reactions to the composition of cleaning products, so their use is contraindicated.

But, there is still a solution. A soapy solution is an easiest and safest option for cleaning a tile floor to shine. You can use ordinary laundry soap to clean the tile. 

Cleaning technique:

1. Laundry soap is grated on a grater and lightly diluted with water until you get a thick porridge;
2. The ready product is applied to the floor and, after a while, rinse with clean water.

This method is suitable for the care of tiles that are in good condition (no heavy dirt and white limescale).

3. Vinegar Solution To Shine Tile Floors

In cases where tiles have not received regular care, and white plaque has formed on their surface or corrosion has appeared, the remedy should be made more powerful, and the ingredients to create it can be found in every home.

You can make tile floors shine with vinegar, and it is better to perform the procedure with a sprayer.

Cleaning technique:

1. It is necessary to pour ordinary table vinegar into a spray bottle;
2. Spray vinegar on the surface of the tiles and clean with a brush. The brush should be naturally colored and soft;
3. For deeper penetration of vinegar and splitting of plaque, it is recommended to leave the moistened surface for some time;
4. Afterward, the tiles should be washed with clean and warm water and wiped with a dry cloth; Microfiber rags are best for this purpose; you can buy them in a hardware store.

You can shine the tile floor using 6% vinegar. It is better not to use vinegar essence. Suppose only an 80% vinegar solution is available. In that case, vinegar must dilute it with clean water at a ratio of 1:11. It is also necessary to remember to protect exposed skin when working with acidic solutions.

The main advantage of this method of cleaning tiles is its detrimental effect on mold. But this method is not suitable for those sensitive to strong odors.

4. Citric Acid Solution To Shine Tile Floors

Citric acid is an excellent substitute for vinegar and an effective remedy that removes even stubborn stains.

Cleaning technique:

1. Take a small amount of citric acid and dilute it with water to form a pulp;
2. You should apply the ready product to the tiles with a damp sponge;
3. Rub the tiles well with the sponge and rinse off with water;
4. Voila! Your tile floor is shiny, like new again.

If you don’t have citric acid at home, you may well substitute it with natural lemon.

Cleaning technique:

1. First, the fruit is cut into two parts and rub it on the problem areas;
2. You can also squeeze a small amount of juice, dilute it with water and apply it to the floor with a sprayer;
3. Ten minutes later, the product is washed off, and you enjoy the shine of the tiled floor.

5. Alcohol Solution To Shine Tile Floors

Another method that is great for cleaning tile is alcohol. There are at least two ways to make tile floors shine using alcohol.

The first cleaning technique is to:

1. Take 125 milliliters of ammonia and 4 liters of water;
2. Dilute the alcohol in water and treat the tiles;
3. Then rinse the tiles with clean water without any additives.

Second cleaning technique is to:

1. Dissolve 1 tbsp of ammonia in 2 liters of water and pour it into a container with a sprayer;
2. Spread the product on the tile, and wait 5 minutes;
3. Remove the remnants of ammonia with clean, warm water.

Do not get carried away with this method of cleaning. Frequent use of such techniques will lead to the destruction of inter-tile joints.

6. Baking Soda Solution To Shine Tile Floors

Baking soda is an effective cleaner for shining tile floors. It will be especially effective for stubborn dirt, grout, and stains that make tile floors look dull. It is a great natural alternative to using wax to restore the shine of tile floors.

Cleaning techniques:

1. Make a paste consisting of two to three cups of baking soda, warm water, and ½ cup of liquid dishwashing detergent;
2. Apply it to the tiles and leave it on for at least 10 minutes;
3. Rub the dull tiles with a sponge or an old toothbrush to remove the stains;
4. Moisten a rag with lemon juice and wipe the cleaned tile with it;
5. Rinse with warm water and dry the surface to remove any excess moisture.

Bottom Line

Yes, you can shine dull ceramic tile and make it look new. The best way to do this is to use household chemicals specifically designed for the job. Otherwise, you may also use alcohol, baking soda, citric acid, vinegar, and soap solutions. This solutions will remove any build-up on your tile and leave behind a protective shine that will make it look new again.

FAQ