Tried And True Methods For Cleaning Garage Floor Tiles

Garage floor tiles are great for giving your garage a facelift, and they offer practical benefits. High-quality products resist wear when you drive on them. The textured surface of some tiles helps you keep your footing. Cleaning your garage tiles regularly is a good idea, but the frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use your garage and what you use it for — anywhere from monthly to twice a year can be appropriate. Using the correct supplies and methods to clean your garage tiles prolongs the life of the floor and keeps it in the best possible condition.

The first step is removing loose, dry debris. You can do this with many tools, including a push broom, vacuum, or leaf blower, depending on the type of tile you have. You can also utilize a soft-bristled brush to loosen pieces that are stuck. Choose the appropriate cleaner for your garage floor. A multipurpose cleaner or mild soap works well on most tile types. For other tile types, use cleaners specific to the material, such as porcelain cleaner for porcelain tile garage floors. Skip bleach and other harsh chemicals, which can damage many types of garage tiles.

Mop your floor with a damp but not sopping wet mop, as too much moisture could leak below the tiled surface and cause water damage, mold growth, or buckling tiles. Change your water as it gets dirty, and go over the floor with clean water to remove residue.

Hard garage floor tiles are often made of nonporous materials, preventing oil drips and other garage messes from soaking into the floor. This means deep stains aren't likely, which is a benefit that makes using tile on a garage floor a good idea. However, you may end up with greasy or sticky substances on your flooring. Even if those liquids don't soak into the surface, you still need to clean them up to prevent other debris from sticking on top.

Degreasing cleaners usually do the trick. These products can have harsh fumes, so make sure your garage door is open and the space is well-ventilated when you use them. Always read the instructions and warnings on the specific products you choose, and do a test spot to make sure it doesn't discolor your tiles. You typically apply the degreaser generously to cover the dirty area completely and give it time to work without letting it dry on the tiles. Then, scrub it gently with a soft-bristled brush. Wire brushes and other harsh scrubbing tools could damage the tiles. Rinse the area well to remove any residual degreaser.

With softer materials, like PVC tiles, liquids can soak in and stain the material. Wipe spills immediately when possible to prevent staining. Blotting with a soft cloth helps absorb some of the liquids. Scrub the floor with a mild soap and water solution to remove the rest of the stain.