Ceramic tiles are a common choice for walls and floors in homes and businesses. The ceramic tiles ensure you live in an enhanced hygienic environment since they do not stain with the simplest maintenance practices; you won’t have any challenge cleaning or disinfecting the floor. Besides, the ceramic tiles are waterproof, inhibit the development of bacteria on the floor, and do not deteriorate.
However, the tiles may seem dull and lose their luster over time due to foot traffic, spills, and cleaning agents. Fortunately, there are several techniques for restoring the shine of dull ceramic tiles.
In this post, we have examined some practical methods for maintaining ceramic tile’s best appearance and restoring its sheen.
Read through to learn how to make dull ceramic tile shine.
Also Read:
What is ceramic tile?
Ceramic tiles are formed from clays mined from the ground, shaped, colored, and fired in kilns and other all-natural materials. It can also result from other inorganic elements like stone or porcelain. Due to its strength, moisture resistance, and little care needs, it is a popular option for indoor and outdoor applications.
Clay is molded into square or rectangular shapes and fired at high temperatures to create ceramic tiles. This procedure gives the tiles their hardness and durability and creates various hues, designs, and textures.
Ceramic tiles come in two primary varieties: glazed and unglazed. A layer of liquid glass is poured on the surface of glazed tiles, increasing their resistance to stains and scratches and giving them a glossy sheen. Unglazed tiles are a fantastic option for outdoor or damp settings since they are more porous and have a natural, matte texture that can be slip-resistant.
Ceramic tiles can be used for various projects, including floors, walls, countertops, and backsplashes. They are available in several sizes, from little mosaic tiles to big format tiles.
How to Make Dull Ceramic Tile Shine
It is normal for your ceramic tile to get dull over time and lose its shine. However, several ways exist to regain the shine and recuperate its original aesthetic and value.
Before we get to the different methods of improving your ceramic tile’s shine, let’s examine why your ceramic tiles may go dull.
Why do your ceramic tiles go dull?
Your ceramic tile going dull over time is inevitable. The daily traffic on your tile floors exposes them to scratches, stains, and chops that can erode their surfaces, translating to a loss in shine. The foot traffic, furniture, and other household items that rub against the tiles over time can damage or make them scuffed through wear and tear.
In addition, the buildup of dirt and grime also makes ceramic tiles dull. If tiles are not cleaned frequently, dirt and grime may accumulate on their surface, giving the impression that they are dull.
The ceramic tile floors can also get damaged by hard water. If your home has hard water, the minerals in the water might create stains on your tiles, dulling their appearance. Also, using abrasive cleansers or harsh chemicals can harm the tiles and dull their luster.
Leaving your ceramic tiles outside for a long time before installation can also make them dull and discolored.
As a result, frequently cleaning your ceramic tiles with gentle cleaners rather than using abrasive or harsh chemicals will help keep them from becoming dull. Furthermore, shielding them from deterioration, hard water stains, and direct sunshine is critical.
That’s said. Let’s get down to some of the effective methods to make dull ceramic tiles shine:
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Use Vinegar Solution
A vinegar solution is one of the best ways to shine worn-out ceramic tiles. Perhaps, vinegar is the most popular cleaning method as it is an all-natural cleaning method that can work on different floor surfaces.
Start by combining one-part white vinegar with two parts warm water (1:2). Apply the solution to the tile surface with a mop or towel and let the solution rest for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with fresh water. This will assist in removing dirt, grime, and soap scum, leaving a shining, clean surface in their wake.
Finally, use a clean paper towel or cloth to dry the tiles and sit back to admire them while enjoying your newly polished tiles.
2. Use Baking Soda
The use of baking soda to restore the shine in your dull ceramic floor is the most straightforward and efficient method you can ever think of, owing to baking soda as a common household ingredient. Homeowners often use the baking powder as a stain remover and degreaser, making it an ideal choice to remove grime and dirt from your floor.
Using this trick, the first approach is making the baking soda paste. Combine baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the tile surface with a damp mop or sponge, then scrub it in a circular motion. You can also use a soft-bristle brush for this role. Let the paste sit on the floor for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it out.
To remove the baking soda residue, rinse the area with clean water and dry the floor with a clean cloth. Say goodbye to the dull and grimy tile floor with this simple trick.
3. Use Commercial Tile Cleaner.
Commercial cleaners are another practical method to clean dull ceramic floors. However, the technique is uncommon among homeowners as most people use baking powder or vinegar solution.
For this method, choose a cleaning product specifically made for ceramic tiles and follow the manufacturers as you apply it. For instance, when using a low-sudsing detergent or commercial floor cleaning powder such as trisodium phosphate, every 1-2 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate or ¼ cup of the low-sudsing detergent, use a gallon of hot water.
Apply the resultant solution on the tile floor, allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, and rinse the residue with clean water. After wiping out the residue, dry the floor with a clean cloth.
Note: A polishing agent is a component of some commercial tile cleaners that can help revive the luster of worn-out tiles.
4. Use Ammonia-Water Solution
The ammonia-water solution is another perfect combination to revive the lost shine in your ceramic tile floor. One advantage of this method is that it is inexpensive and easy to use but still will leave your tiles in their best and rejuvenated condition.
Mix water and ammonia in a small spray bottle in the same proportion (1:1). Ensure the two have fully mixed to form a uniform solution. Spray the resultant solution on your ceramic tiles, allowing it to sit on the surface for about 8 minutes.
If your floor surface seems dingy or is covered with much dirt, you may respray the solution after some minutes to ensure that the dirt and grime are dislodged from the floor surface.
Finally, rinse the floor with clean water and immediately dry the floor.
Note: Certain types of tile floors may discolor when you use ammonia solution on them. It is essential to confirm with the manufacturers or us whenever unsure of the impact the ammonia solution may have on your tile floor.
5. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Make a solution of hydrogen peroxide by combining 1:1 hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply the solution to the tiles, then wait a few minutes for it to dry. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub, then rinse with fresh water. Natural whitener and brightener hydrogen peroxide can help restore the luster of worn-out ceramic tiles.
However, with hydrogen peroxide, do not let it sit on the tile floor for a long time since it can act as a bleaching agent when used in high concentrations that can pull the colour out of your grout lines.
6. Steam Cleaners
Steam mopping or cleaning is an effective alternative to chemical solutions to restore your ceramic tile shine. Best steam mops for tile floors are available in online stores such as Amazon and effectively eliminate the difficult dirt and grime on your tile floors.
Use a steam cleaner to clean and polish ceramic tiles. The steam’s high temperature and pressure help the tiles look clean and bright by removing dirt and grime. Ensure you adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your particular steam cleaner.
The video below elaborates how you can make your dull ceramic tiles shine. Pay attention to the visual to improve your cleaning procedure.
How to Clean Clean Tile Grout
Tile grout cleaning can be challenging, but it can be completed successfully with the correct equipment and methods.
- Start by assembling cleaning materials, including a grout brush or an old toothbrush, broom, warm water in a bucket, grout cleaner or vinegar and baking soda solution, and a clean cloth or sponge.
- Use a broom or Hoover to remove visible dirt or debris. Once your floor is free of visible dirt materials, make the cleaning solution. Add warm water to a bucket, followed by a small amount of dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar, depending on your desired cleaner. Ensure the two have mixed to form a solution.
- Apply the cleaning solution: Scrub the grout lines with a grout cleanser or a vinegar-baking soda solution. Apply a paste-like mixture of baking soda and vinegar to the grout lines if you’re employing that method. Damp a clean cloth in the mixture and gently scrub the grout’s surface as you work in small sections while focusing on any dirty area.
- Next, allow the cleaning solution to sit. This will allow it to penetrate and remove the dirt and grime, and let the cleaning solution sit on the grout for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Scrape the grout. Working in small parts, scrape the grout lines with a grout brush or an old toothbrush. Agitate the grout by moving back and forth while concentrating on any particularly unclean spots.
- Rinse the grout: Use warm water to rinse any last traces of cleaning agent from the grout lines.
- Dry the area: To completely dry the area, use a clean rag or sponge. Make sure there is no moisture left behind.
Until the grout is clean, carry out these instructions again as necessary. After cleaning the grout, it’s a good idea to seal it to stop further discoloration and staining.
How To Revive Bathroom Tiles Without Replacing Them
Bathrooms experience heavy traffic daily, and the tiles, inevitably may lose their shine. However, you do not need to replace the bathroom tiles when this happens. Instead, you can replace the tiles in several ways without needing to be replaced.
Here are some recommendations:
Thoroughly clean them: Bathroom tiles can amass dirt, filth, and mildew over time. A thorough cleaning can significantly alter how they look. Scrub the tiles and grout lines using a tile cleanser and a firm brush. You might need a bleach solution or a professional grout cleaner for stubborn spots.
Paint them: You can paint your bathroom tiles using specialized tile paint if they are in good condition, but you don’t like the hue. Use paint made specifically for tiles, and carefully follow the directions.
Regrout them: You can regrout the tiles if the grout between them is discolored or cracked. They will appear bright and tidy as a result. You can purchase grout and grout removal equipment at a home improvement store.
Use a tile stencil: You may use a tile stencil to give your bathroom tiles a decorative touch. A design is painted onto the tiles using a stencil and tile paint. It’s a fantastic way to give your bathroom individuality without replacing the tiles.
Add a tile decal: A tile decal is a sticker you may apply directly to your tiles, much like a tile stencil. They are available in various hues and patterns, so you may pick one that matches your taste.
By employing these techniques, you may revitalize your bathroom tiles without incurring the cost and inconvenience of replacing them.
How to paint your bathroom tiles
Giving your bathroom a fresh look without spending a lot of money on new tiles is possible by painting existing bathroom tiles.
You can paint your bathroom tiles by following these steps:
Step 1: Remove the amount of Grout Possible
Your aim with restoring your bathroom tiles is to get the most polished finish possible. As such, start by removing a fair amount of grout from the tiles. Ensure you have the right tool for quick, easy, and efficient grout removal. As you execute this role, remember the more you remove the grout, the better the results.
Step 2: Tile Cleaning
You must clean thoroughly clean the tiles before painting. Use a powerful cleaning solution to completely clean the tiles of dirt, grime, or soap scum. Removing these substances from the floor’s surface encourages the paint to sit better, improves longevity, and appears more polished.
In fact, take as much time as possible to ensure that the floor’s surface is completely free from any dirt or grime for a long-lasting and neat finish. Also, make certain that the tiles are dry.
Step 3: Sand the Tiles
Lightly sand the tiles using fine-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface and improve the paint’s adhesion. Ensure you have cleaned all the resultant debris from the sanded surface, and clean dry the tile surface before you begin sanding.
Mask off any places you don’t want to be painted. Use masking tape to cover fixtures or places close to the tiles you don’t want to paint.
Step 4: Add Primer
Primers help chemically bond to the tile, establishing a surface you can effectively paint. With priming, you are preventing or reducing the peeling and flaking of the paints over time.
For bathroom tile painting, this process can be optional, though necessary. Apply a tile primer by choosing one that is appropriate for the kind of tiles you have. Apply a thin, equal layer of primer using a paintbrush or roller. Before continuing, let it dry thoroughly.
Apply the prime at the right time to allow them dry as instructed by the manufacturers. You may create an uneven finish if you do not adhere to the priming instructions.
Step 5: Apply the Paint
Use tile paint appropriate for your type of tile while applying the paint. Apply the paint in even, thin layers using a paintbrush or roller. Before applying the next layer, let the previous one completely dry. You might need to apply several coats for the correct color and finish. Normally, you can apply up to a third coat. An example of a great paint for tile floors is latex paint. You can use products such as Cocomfix Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit.
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Step 6: Apply Sealer
Apply a sealer to the tiles once the paint has dried to shield them from moisture and damage. Follow the application and drying time recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
Before using the bathroom or exposing the tiles to water, let them cure for a few days. By doing this, the paint and sealant will be certain to have dried and cured completely.
Step 7: Re-clean the Tiles
After allowing the sealer and the paint to dry, re-clean the tiles. The cleaning must be done once the tiles are completely dry to ensure you do not soak wet paints and sealers to reduce lifespan.
How To Clean Tiled Floors Naturally
An excellent approach to save money and lessen exposure to harmful chemicals is to clean tiled floors naturally. Natural tile floor cleaning substances are cheap but still do a marvellous job restoring your floor’s shine. Besides, like other common chemicals used in floor cleaning, the natural products are not corrosive and do not pose any danger to your floor.
Here are some recommendations for organically cleaning tiled floors:
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Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural cleaning solution that you can efficiently use on tile floors to remove dirt, grime, and mildew. Lemon juice effectively eliminates soap scum around the grout lines in a tile layout. The lemon juice has an acidic component, citrus, an organic acid that can break down bacteria and sanitizes the affected floor area.
Use the lemon juice as follows to clean your tile floor:
- Mix equal parts of water and lemon juice (1:1) in a spray bottle.
- Spray the resultant solution onto the tile floor and allow the mixture to sit on your tile floor for about 5 minutes before you sweep it out.
- Use a towel or mop to wipe the floor, paying close attention to any tough stains or grout lines.
- Dry the floor with a cloth or mop after rinsing it with clean water.
Note: Lemon juice’s acidic qualities might assist in removing stains and debris from your tile floor. However, the lemon juice’s acidity may harm some types of tile or grout, so it’s better to test a tiny, inconspicuous area before using it over the entire floor.
Lemon juice should also be kept away from marble and other natural stone surfaces since it might scratch and harm the surface.
Nevertheless, you can use the solution to clean your tiled bathroom curtains when mixed with hot water to remove stains.
2. Use Baking Soda or Salt Paste
The salt paste is another integral homemade natural substance to clean your tiled floor surface. Baking soda is a safe, natural cleaner.
To use the baking soda as a floor cleaner;
- Mix 2 gallons of warm water in a bucket with 1/2 cup of baking soda.
- Damp a mop or sponge into the mixture and wring it out.
- Clean the tile floor with a mop or sponge, paying close attention to any grout lines or stains that are difficult to remove.
- Dry the floor with a cloth or mop after rinsing it with clean water.
Due to its mild abrasive qualities, baking soda can help clean stains, filth, and grime off your tile floor without harming it. It also functions as a natural deodorizer, which means it can aid your floor smells.
It’s crucial to remember that baking soda can be abrasive on some varieties of tile or grout, so it’s advisable to test a small, discrete area before using it throughout the entire floor.
3. Use Steam Cleaner
Tile floors can be thoroughly cleaned using a steam cleaner without using chemicals.
Here’s how to clean tile floors with a steam cleaner:
- Sweep or vacuum the tile floor to remove any dust or loose particles.
- As directed by the manufacturer, fill the steam cleaner with water.
- Wait for the steam cleaner to warm up before turning it on. Steam cleaners usually take a few minutes to reach the right temperature.
- By aiming the steam jet at the tile’s surface, you may start cleaning the tile floor. Work in small portions and carefully over the tile surface with the steam cleaner.
- Pay close attention to any difficult spots or grout lines, and focus the steam jet there for a few seconds.
- Use a microfiber cloth or mop to clean the tile floor’s surface of loose debris or grime.
- Repeat the procedure until the entire tile floor is clean,
Your tile floors can be thoroughly cleaned using a steam cleaner, but you must carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions to avoid damaging the tiles or grout.
Wear safety goggles and gloves when using a steam cleaner because the steam can be extremely hot and result in burns.
Conclusion: How to Make Dull Ceramic Tiles Shine
When your ceramic tiles become dull, do not replace them. You can revive that original shine through simple and cheaper options such as using a commercial tile shine product, a vinegar and water solution, a baking soda and water solution, a light detergent, a specialized tile cleaner, or hiring a professional tile cleaner to make dull ceramic tile shine.
However, before attempting to restore the tile’s sheen, ensure it is thoroughly clean. You should also carefully read the instructions for any products or techniques you employ. Using the appropriate strategy, you can give your ceramic tile a new luster or shine and give your room a clean, modern appearance.
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