Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Tile Floors?

Are you sick of dirty floors? Let Steam Smart Pro Carpet Duct & Tile Cleaning help by calling (520) 502-7683.

Most homes in America have tile flooring somewhere in their house, but they require different cleaning methods than carpet and wood flooring. If you're wondering, "Can you use a carpet cleaner on tile floors?" keep reading.

As the tile cleaning experts in Tucson, AZ, Steam Smart Pro Carpet Duct & Tile Cleaning believes everyone deserves clean floors. Whether it's carpet, wood, vinyl, or tile, we clean it all to keep your home safe and enjoyable. 

The Danger of Using Carpet Cleaners on Tile Floors

To understand if you can use a carpet cleaner on tile floors, you should first know how they work. The major way in which carpet cleaners differ from regular vacuums is that they have spinning bristles and metal pieces underneath to deep clean the base of the carpet. 

Tiles don't need this deep cleaning action, so the coarse bristles and metal pieces can actually damage the tile. At best, the deep cleaners spread the dirt around. At worst, they leave scratches across your entire tiled floor.

Some cleaning solutions and water temperatures can also damage the tile or fail to properly clean it. But while traditional carpet cleaners eventually ruin your tile, there's still hope.

What to Use on Your Tile Instead of Traditional Carpet Cleaners

If you have a carpet cleaner that has metal pieces underneath or harsh bristles, don't use it on your tile. Instead, use one of the following options.

Wet-Dry Vacuum

Whereas designers created carpet cleaners for use solely on the carpet, they developed wet-dry vacuums with tile and wood floors in mind. They don't have any metal pieces, and the bristles are softer to prevent scratching. Two wet-dry vacuums stand out, but if you don't like the following, you can find another:

• Bissel offers a carpet cleaner without metal parts, and the bristles don't damage the tile. For additional assurance, they sell a dry floor attachment to enhance both safety and effectiveness.
• The Hoover carpet cleaner uses safe bristles combined with a powerful yet non-corrosive cleaning solution to effectively clean both your carpet and tile.

Steam Mops

Steam mops heat water to almost-boiling temperatures and transfer the steam to the mop head for powerful cleaning capability. The heat penetrates deep into the tile to lift the dirt and grime and easily clears it away. Unlike a traditional mop, it doesn't require occasional wringing.

Steam mops are fast, effective, and have the additional benefit of sanitizing your floor while you clean. Sweep your floor before mopping to prevent the dirt from spreading, and confirm you have sealing on your tiles to avoid damage.

Manual Cleaning

If you don't want to spend money on a tile-cleaning tool, you can clean your floors the traditional way. You'll need a:

• Broom and dustpan or a vacuum
• Mop
• Bucket (preferably two gallons)
• Baking soda and distilled vinegar
• Essential oil (orange or lemon)
• Mild dish soap
• Commercial tile cleaner or your own home solution

Once you've gathered all the materials, use the following steps to effectively clean your floor:

1. Clear the dirt: Without sweeping or vacuuming first, your mop just spreads the dirt around, turning it into mud that's harder to remove. To avoid tracking dirt over an area you've already cleaned, start at the corner farthest from the room's entrance and work your way toward the door.
2. Mix the cleaning solution: In the bucket, mix a quarter cup each of baking soda and distilled vinegar, several drops of essential oils, and one tablespoon of mild dish soap. Fill the bucket with two gallons of warm water. In another bowl, mix one cup baking soda and three tablespoons vinegar, using a spoon, until it forms a thin paste.
3. Clean the grout: Using a bristle brush, apply the vinegar and baking soda paste to any stained grout between the tiles. Allow the solution to soak for five to 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step. 
4. Mop the floor: Mop the floor using the cleaning solution in the two-gallon bucket. Check if the baking soda solution removed stains and note any stubborn areas that might require a second treatment.
5. Rinse: Empty your two-gallon bucket and refill it with plain warm water. Mop your floors again to clear the vinegar and baking soda and remove any remaining dirt. Allow the floor to air dry.

Maintaining Your Tile Floors

If you're wondering, "Can you use a carpet cleaner on tile floors?" you should also know other ways to maintain your tile floors. Use the following tips to keep your tiles in good condition:

• Sweep the floors every day.
• Wash the floor at least once a week.
• Clean stains or spills immediately.
• Avoid using cleaners with harsh chemicals like ammonia or acids.
• After cleaning, let your tiles dry before walking on them.
• Avoid using ink and dye on your tile.
• If your flooring is old, replace the grout.

Frequently Asked Questions Cleaning Tile Floors

Here are the most common questions about tile floors and their answers.

Should I Seal My Tile Floors?

You should seal your tile floor because it provides numerous benefits and protections. Sealed floors are easier to clean, reduce slipping, protect against staining and damage, and extend the life expectancy of your grout.

How Can I Protect My Tile?

You can protect your tile by sealing it and practicing proper maintenance. For extra protection, lay a rug over the areas that see the most traffic, such as in front of the stove or sink.

Should I Hire Professional Cleaners for My Tile?

Hiring a professional cleaner means you guarantee your tile floors become clean as possible without damaging them.

Contact Steam Smart Pro Carpet Duct & Tile Cleaning for All Your Floor Cleaning Needs

So, can you use a carpet cleaner on tile floors? It depends on what type of cleaner you have. No matter what type of flooring you have, Steam Smart Pro Carpet Duct & Tile Cleaning cleans it effectively and promptly. 

When you need to remove rust stains from tile floors, Steam Smart Pro Carpet Duct & Tile Cleaning can help. To schedule an appointment, call (520) 502-7683.