For Better-Looking Tile Floors, Mop With This One Common Household Staple

Sometimes, it feels like no matter how well you clean, some things have a knack for holding onto grime. Tiles and grout are prime examples. No matter how regularly you clean, if you are not getting down and scrubbing it, it may slowly build up grime without you even noticing. Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability or time for a regular deep clean. 

If you want a spotless home but don't always have the time to make it spick and span, there are some tricks to make life a little easier for you. For example, with just one product you may already have on hand — borax — you can get beautifully clean tiles. This ingredient can make a world of difference when it comes to breaking down grime and tough spots on your tile and grout, and you don't have to do much scrubbing to make it look right. 

A lot of people prefer borax over bleach because it doesn't smell and is gentler. Having borax in your home is never a bad idea. Not only is it great to clean tile, but there are so many other genius ways to use borax at home. They can keep pests away, remove rust, and even be used to freshen up your carpet.

For regular maintenance mopping, you really just need 2 tablespoons in your mop water. If you have a tough area that is dirty or your grout is impossible to clean, you can also make a thick paste using just hot water and borax. Then, take a scrub brush and scrub the areas really well. However, you need to be careful so you don't ruin the seal on your tile or your grout.

If the borax is helping but you need a little extra cleaning power, it is vinegar's best friend when it comes to cleaning your kitchen and bathroom tile. If you add a quarter cup of white vinegar to 2 teaspoons of borax, 3½ cups of hot water, and a quarter cup of liquid soap, you can create an even stronger cleaning solution.

Borax is a natural compound with properties that make it excellent for breaking down oils and fats — something a normal mopping session just can't do on its own without a lot of elbow grease on your part. Though borax has some risks, it can be a safer option than aggressive solutions like bleach while still being just as effective. Additionally, as long as you don't scrub aggressively and follow the correct ratios, there is little danger of the borax breaking through the protective sealant on your grout and tile.

Because of the dangers of ingesting borax, it is best to do another round of mopping on your floors with water, just to make sure that you get it all up off the floor. At these concentrations, it may not be a danger, but it is a good idea to go back over it just to be safe. On that note, also be sure to keep the powder out of children's and pets' reach, considering ingesting it can be harmful.

Though this is a great way to clean tile, borax is not an all-purpose floor solution. For example, it should never be used on wooden flooring, as it can ruin the finish. In fact, there are a few things in your home you should never clean with borax, including many fabrics, children's toys, and natural stone countertops.

Another problem with using borax is that it is an irritant. If you are scrubbing or will be near the mixture, it may be best to wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling or touching irritants. Not so sure about this product? Sprinkling your floor with a bit of baking soda and vinegar can create a reaction that loosens grit and grime and breaks down oils to make mopping easier.