How to Make Porcelain Tile Look New
- 1). Mix 1/2 cup chlorine bleach with 1 gallon water. Dip a mop in the solution and apply generously to the floor. Wait 20 minutes and mop again with clean water to rinse. The chlorine bleach lightens grout stains, but use it cautiously on colored grout, as it may also permanently lighten the grout.
- 2). Rent an electric floor polisher from a local hardware store or rental outlet. Follow all manufacturer's directions for safe use.
- 3). Mix a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup household detergent, 2 tbsp. trisodium phosphate and 1 gallon warm water. Pour the cleaning solution into the solution chamber (if the machine has one) or apply a small amount directly to the floor.
- 4). Clean and polish the floor, starting in one corner and working slowly across the surface, using a circular back-and-forth motion.
- 1). Rent a steam cleaner at a local hardware store or rental outlet. Several new models are also available for home use.
- 2). Fill the water chamber, as indicated by the manufacturer's directions. Plug in the machine and allow it to heat until the indicator light shows it is hot.
- 3). Set the steam sprayer to low pressure and apply the stream of hot water directly to the tile at a low angle. The steam blasts away hardened dirt and debris, leaving clean, fresh tile and grout. This method is also usable on floors and is especially effective for cleaning in tight corners.
