Vacuuming is a task that has to be carried out whether you like it or not, especially on hard surfaces such as tile floors. In general, vacuuming is recommended at least once a week, but different household needs mean that the frequency will vary depending on the home.
For tile floors, which are considered hard surfaces, vacuuming is the best thing you can do for your tile floors. Although tile floors need both dry and wet cleaning, a vacuum cleaner is best used for dry cleaning your tile.
However, you might be wondering why a vacuum cleaner for your tile floors? That has been tickled in this article highlighting the importance and benefits of using a vacuum cleaner for your tile flooring. Continue reading for more information.
In this post we will cover:
- Types of Vacuums that can be used on Tile Floors?
- Why A Vacuum Cleaner for Your Tile Floors?
- What methods can you apply to clean tile floors?
- What are the advantages of tile floors?
- How should you get paint off tile floors?
Types of Vacuums that can be used on Tile Floors?
There are various types of vacuum cleaners that are great for tile floors and they include the following:
Stick vacuums: the vacuums have strong suction with small motors and are easy to carry and hold. The units are versatile as they can be converted to handheld versions. Stick vacuums usually have a self-adjusting head or handy attachments for cleaning your tile floors.
The vacuums are cordless, meaning they do not need to be attached to a power source as they are battery powered, and they are also lightweight. The cons are that they usually cost more and some may require to be assembled before usage.
Upright vacuums: the vacuums have the widest cleaning path and the strongest suction. The vacuums provide more stability, which is better for your back since you have to stand straight to use them.
Upright vacuums work excellently on tile floors and they are affordable and stable. The drawbacks are that they are heavy and lack attachments.
Robot vacuums: most of these machines are designed to be multi-floor cleaners. Many of them have brushes that can automatically adjust to your tile floors.
Such vacuums can sense your tile floors and switch to a softer brush. The suction power of the vacuum will also be adjusted accordingly.
There are also robot vacuums with wet and dry capabilities, meaning that they can mop while vacuuming your floors at the same time.
The advantages of robot vacuums are that they are energy-efficient, independent, and they protect your tile floors. The disadvantage is their high prices and lack of versatility.
Canister vacuums: the vacuums work well on tile floors as long as the right attachments are used. However, not all canister vacuums are suited for hard floors. Therefore, ensure that the one you purchase has a soft brush.
The vacuums are handy because the entire unit does not have to be pushed while you are cleaning with it. The cleaning is done with a wand attached to the canister. The units come with attachments that make cleaning easier.
The downsides are that assembly is required and the machines have to be connected to a power source.
Backpack vacuums: these kinds of vacuums are usually used for commercial purposes. However, they are household variants that work excellently on tile floors.
The units are powerful machines intended to reduce fatigue and can handle heavy-duty work without any heavy lifting. The machine is carried on the back while in use.
Since they have to be carried on the back, they are lightweight, powerful, comfortable, and versatile. The downside is the high price and they are mostly intended for commercial use.
Why A Vacuum Cleaner for Your Tile Floors?
Most tiles are glazed, meaning that they have been coated with either enamel or liquid glass. That makes them waterproof, less dense, and durable. Unglazed tiles have an earthy look, but they absorb water and other liquids. That causes them to stain easily.
Investing in the right vacuum cleaner will make the dry cleaning of your tile floors using a vacuum cleaner more tolerable, enjoyable, and easier. The most effective vacuum for tile floors should be powerful enough to handle the cleaning.
Such a vacuum should be equipped with super-strong suction, great features such as smartphone apps, multiple attachments, and dust containers that automatically empty after cleaning. However, it must meet your cleaning preferences and needs.
When you use a vacuum cleaner on your tile floors, it will pull debris and dirt away from your tile floors and into the machine. A vacuum cleaner will use its suction to remove dirt and debris and contain it, making it easier to empty.
A vacuum cleaner works faster because its suction will pull dirt into the machine instead of pushing it. The dirt collected is sealed into the vacuum’s container or bag. Using the machine is easier because you only have to hold and aim the vacuum cleaner, which uses far less energy.
Choose a vacuum cleaner that is light in weight, since a lighter vacuum is more powerful and you will have to put little effort into the cleaning. When it comes to a vacuum cleaner for your tile floors, you are spoiled for choice because there are many models that function differently.
The vacuums have different unique features for various cleaning tasks, and you will be able to choose one that fits your cleaning needs, such as a multi-floor vacuum, a wet and dry machine, and many more.
A vacuum cleaner for your tile floor is advantageous since it has more versatility and will be able to diversify the kinds of cleaning you can do around the house with the machine. That is, you will be able to vacuum your curtains, couch, and mattress with the handheld version of the unit.
Vacuuming your tile floors is more effective because a vacuum cleaner cleans better and even gets rid of the dirt between your tile floors and the dust in corners. Some vacuums consist of filters that trap dirt, reducing the chances of it being released back into the air.
When you vacuum your tile floor correctly, you will enjoy the many cleaning advantages of a vacuum cleaner, including safety for individuals suffering from allergies or those sensitive to dust and other irritants.
However, you have to be cautious when using a vacuum cleaner to clean tile floors, since rough-bristled vacuums will ruin the coating of your tile floors. Over time, unsightly abrasions will begin to appear, which could be a breeding ground for more germs and dirt.
Conclusion
A vacuum cleaner is a tool that makes work easier for you, more so if the cleaning in your home has to be done more frequently. For tile floors, a vacuum cleaner is best used for dry cleaning to eliminate stubborn dust and dirt that a broom is unable to get rid of.
It is the best cleaning tool you can use on your tile floors to ensure their durability and protection. However, you have to use a vacuum cleaner that is compatible with the type of tile floors you have.
Some tile floors require a vacuum cleaner with powerful suction while others need a machine other less powerful suction.
FAQs
What should you consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner for your tile floors?
Before you decide on the vacuum cleaner that you are about to purchase, you should know the type that is well suited for your tile floors. Some of the things to take into account include the following:
The type of your tile: there is a diversity of tile flooring in terms of material, form, quality, and finish. While some need more care, others can stand harsh conditions. Glazed tiles are good at repelling dirt making them easier to clean.
If you have glazed tile floors, your vacuum cleaner does not need to have powerful suction or one that is multifunctional. Unglazed tile floors are more demanding since they soil easily, require wet cleaning, and strong suction to eliminate dirt from their surface.
If you have unglazed tile floors, get a wet/dry vacuum with powerful suction.
Brush roll on/off: a motorized brush is not needed for cleaning tile flooring. Therefore, purchase a vacuum that provides you with an on and off function for the brush roll.
That will give you the option of switching the brush off while vacuuming tile floors and on when cleaning other surfaces such as carpets.
Versatility: when you are looking for a vacuum cleaner for your tile floors, tile is not the only surface that requires vacuuming in your home. Ensure that you factor in the versatility, tools, and features of the vacuum so that it can be useful in other areas of your home.
Filtration: tile floors can harbor a lot of dust and allergens which cannot be eliminated by just sweeping. It is only a vacuum cleaner that can pick the allergens and dust from the floors.
Look for a vacuum with HEPA filters to get rid of the allergens stuck on the floor, since they retain 99 percent of the allergens. The vacuum should be sealed to prevent any air contamination.
Grout lines: when selecting a vacuum, make sure it has a powerful suction that can remove dirt from grout lines.
Bin capacity: make sure the vacuum cleaner’s dirtbag or dust can has a large enough capacity to hold enough dirt to avoid frequent emptying while cleaning.
What methods can you apply to clean tile floors?
Using a mop: any manual mop works well on tile floors. However, the soap and water used in cleaning will leave streaks and residue marks on your tile floors when they dry. In such a case, wipe the floors using a microfiber damp cloth to fix the problem.
Using a spray mop: the mop looks like a regular microfiber one, but it has a tank, spray, and trigger. Attach a microfiber cloth to its floorhead using elastic pockets, hooks, or Velcro. Start cleaning by pulling the trigger to release the solution and mop back and forth.
Using a steam mop: when using the mop, fill the tank of the steam mop with distilled water or use a product made specifically for steam mops. Attach a microfiber cloth to the head of the steam mop using elastic, latches, or hooks.
Plug the steamer into an outlet so that the water can heat up. Some steamers heat after 30 seconds while others can go up to two minutes.
Once it is ready, place the steamer on the floor and pump or squeeze the trigger to release team. Then clean it using back and forth motions.
Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda: vinegar deodorizes and disinfects your tile floors. It also adds shine to them. Add four ounces of the vinegar to a gallon of water and then use it to mop. You can add essential oils or lemon juice if you do not like the vinegar’s strong smell.
Avoid using vinegar on natural stone tiles since they will be damaged by the acid in the vinegar.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is great at eliminating tough stains from tile floors. You can add half a cup of baking soda to a gallon of water and use it to mop the tile floors.
Alternatively, you can combine 4 ounces of baking soda with a similar amount of vinegar and a tablespoon of dish soap in 2 gallons of water. Use it to mop your tile floors.
What are the advantages of tile floors?
Tile floors are resistant to allergens since you can easily spot any dirt, dust, or pollen that lands on the tile floors. That makes it easy to vacuum, sweep, or mop them.
Glazed tile floors are water-resistant and will not absorb any water, stains, and dirt. If you live in a humid area, they are great since they can withstand moisture. The tiles are also excellent in temperate regions since they are cooler.
Tile floors are durable because the tiles are difficult to crack and can last for a long time with good maintenance. However, if a tile breaks, it can be replaced without taking out the entire flooring.
Tile floors have design variations since they come in various designs, patterns, and colors. If you want customized tiles, you can find manufacturers who do customization.
How should you get paint off tile floors?
Getting paint out of tile floors will require you to have a paint stripper that is citrus-based, a utility knife, rubber gloves, plastic scraper, heat gun, safety google, and a clean rag. The procedure is as follows:
Method one: Scrape the paint carefully off the tile with the utility knife, holding it at an angle of 45 degrees. Do the scraping in gentle, firm, and short strokes.
When done, wipe the floor with a clean rag dampened with water. However, if you notice any glaze coming off or cracking, switch to the second method.
Method two: in this method, you will use a heat gun to loosen the dried paint and wear a mask to protect your lungs from the paint. Heat the tile floor while moving the gun consistently and continue working in small areas of one to two square feet at a time. Heat the paint until it feels soft.
Start working outside and when the paint loosens, carefully remove it with the plastic scraper held at an angle of 45 degrees. When done, wipe the surface with a clean rag dampened with water. Repeat the process until all paint is eliminated.
