Many homeowners love tile floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways since they’re sturdy and water doesn’t damage them. But it can be tricky keeping those tile floors looking squeaky clean and shiny.
As time passes, grease, dirt, grime, and hard water stains can make tile look dull and dirty. But how can homeowners deal with these stains? Here, vinegar is often recommended as a natural, non-toxic cleaning solution for various household surfaces. But can you use apple cider vinegar to clean tile floors effectively?
Let’s take a look at this article
How Apple Cider Vinegar Cleans Tile
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used as a household cleaning agent for centuries. Made from fermented apples, ACV contains acetic acid which gives it antibacterial and antifungal properties. When used for cleaning, ACV helps dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and grime.
The acidic nature of ACV also helps kill germs and bacteria. This makes it an ideal ingredient for an all-purpose cleaner. Here’s a look at some of the ways apple cider vinegar cleans tile floors:
Removes Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains
The acetic acid in ACV breaks down soap scum and hard water stains on tile. These stains can build up in bathrooms around sinks, showers, and tubs. Spraying ACV directly on soap scum helps dissolve it so it can be wiped away easily.
For hard water stains, combine equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle. Spritz directly onto the stains, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. The vinegar will help dissolve the minerals left behind from hard water so they can be removed.
Cuts Through Grease and Oil
In the kitchen, grease and oil build up on tile floors near cooking areas. Because grease and oil don’t dissolve in water, they can be tricky to remove.
Apple cider vinegar is highly effective at breaking down grease and oil deposits on tile. The acetic acid works to cut through the grease, allowing it to be cleaned off the tile.
To clean a greasy tile floor with ACV, mix 1 cup ACV with 1 gallon of warm water. Mop this solution onto the tile and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the grease. Then scrub with a brush or sponge before rinsing.
Disinfects and Deodorizes
With its highly acidic nature and antimicrobial compounds, apple cider vinegar naturally kills bacteria, viruses and mold. This makes it great for disinfecting tile floors in kitchens and bathrooms.
ACV can also help eliminate odors that get trapped in tile grout. Bacteria growth between tiles can cause unpleasant smells. Mopping tile with an ACV cleaning solution helps sanitize the floors and eliminate odors by killing bacteria.
Brightens and Shines Tile
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting tile, apple cider vinegar leaves floors looking polished and shiny.
After scouring away dirt, grime, and soap scum with ACV, use a dry microfiber mop to buff the tile. This will enhance the shine and prevent streaks and water spots as the floors dry.
Read: Can You Use Ammonia To Clean Tile Floors?
Making an Apple Cider Vinegar Tile Floor Cleaner
It’s quick and easy to mix up your own all-natural tile floor cleaner using ACV. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle or bucket
- Microfiber mop (optional)
- Old toothbrush or scrub brush
Use pure, undiluted apple cider vinegar for the most effective cleaning power. Choose raw, unfiltered ACV with “the mother” to get the full benefits of the enzymes and probiotics. Keep a spray bottle filled with ACV to tackle soap scum and hard water stains as they appear.
However, for an all-purpose tile floor cleaning solution:
- Combine 1 part ACV with 1 part water in a bucket or spray bottle
- For heavier soil, increase ACV to 2 parts
- For maintenance cleaning, dilute to 1 part ACV to 3 parts water
To clean tile floors:
- Sweep or vacuum floor to remove loose dirt and debris
- Apply ACV solution and allow to sit for several minutes
- Scrub with a brush or mop
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Use a microfiber mop to dry floors and buff to shine
For periodic deep cleaning, combine 1⁄4 cup baking soda with ACV solution for extra scrubbing power. Also, use grout brushes or old toothbrushes to scrub grime out of grout lines. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning the grout to prevent discoloration.
Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar on Tile Floors
From the kitchen to the bathroom, apple cider vinegar offers a chemical-free way to clean tile floors throughout your home. Here are some of the top benefits of using ACV as a tile floor cleaner:
All-Natural
Made from apples, apple cider vinegar provides a non-toxic cleaning option. The antimicrobial power of ACV allows it to kill germs and bacteria without harsh chemicals.
Removes Grease
The highly acidic nature of ACV dissolves grease and oils that soap and water alone can’t tackle. This makes it ideal for cleaning kitchen tile.
Shines Tile
Apple cider vinegar helps remove soap scum and hard water stains that dull tile floors. Use it to reveal the original shine and brightness of your tile floors.
Sanitizes
ACV solutions sanitize as they clean, killing mold, bacteria and microbes on contact. This reduces odors and helps prevent future buildup.
Sustainable
Apple cider vinegar is biodegradable and helps reduce plastic bottle waste from commercial cleaners. It’s also very affordable compared to cleaner brands.
Easy To Use
Simply mix ACV with water to create a powerful tile cleaner. No need for gloves or masks required with harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar if your tile floors have lost their luster from dirt, grease, and grime. With its all-natural cleaning power, antimicrobial properties, and shine-enhancing abilities, ACV makes a great non-toxic floor cleaner.
Just be sure to spot test first, dilute ACV properly, rinse thoroughly, and take care around natural stone.
