If your stain is particularly hard to remove, lay a rag soaked with hydrogen peroxide over the stain. Let it set for 1-2 hours. Then, remove the rag and proceed with scrubbing the stain. Before you use this technique to clean a stain in a visible area, try it out in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t damage your tiles. Hydrogen peroxide is particularly effective for cleaning coffee stains, nail polish, and blood stains on ceramic or finished tile. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleach-like chemical, so before you use any other cleaning sprays or solutions in the kitchen, wipe down the tiles thoroughly with water to remove any remnants.
Bleach is especially effective with ink, coffee, juice, and blood stains — basically anything that has a hard time being cleaned normally will be wiped away by bleach. [1] X Research source Bleach is infamous for reacting with other cleaning solutions, especially ammonia-based solutions. Be absolutely certain that the bleach has been washed away, and let the area dry for a few hours before you use any other cleaning solutions near the tiles.
Scouring powder is effective at cleaning common floor stains such as grease stains, food stains, and water marks. If you need to try another stain removal method, completely dry and clean the area with water first, as some chemicals in the powder could react badly with other cleaners.
Only use Borax on finished tiles, such as ceramic, porcelain, or marble. Mix 2 tbsp (50 g) of Borax with 1 gallon (3. 8 L) of water to create a solution great for mopping the floor regularly, which can prevent stains in the first place. [3] X Research source
Marble tiles have a different structure and makeup to other tiles, and although bleach and hydrogen peroxide generally work, marble poultice is specially made to clean this material. Re-apply the poultice as necessary if the stain wasn’t absorbed, and leave it for more than 1 day if the stain is particularly deep-set.
Club soda is most effective for cleaning grease stains and fat-based stains, but you may find it effective in cleaning sugary stains and messes as well, such as from spilled soda. [5] X Research source
White vinegar is great for grout, but is also effective for cleaning household ceramics such as bathtubs, toilets, and sinks. It’s especially useful for removing hard water stains. Be sure to use full-strength vinegar to maximize its cleaning effectiveness. Look for full-strength vinegar in the cleaning section, as cooking vinegar isn’t as strong.
Baking soda and water is preferable for slate as it won’t leave any permanent marks that could be easily washed away on ceramic or other glazed tiles. Baking soda is good to use for small, sticky stains, but with some elbow grease can also be effective for larger stains. After you clean with baking soda, it’s normal to have a white glaze left on the surface you cleaned. To prevent this, rinse the area well and wipe it down 2-3 times with a clean rag.
Only use lemon juice on finished tiles, like ceramic and porcelain, and never on stone or slate tiles, as the acidity could cause unremovable stains in the material. [8] X Research source
This method only works on gummy stains, including tar, wax, and glue, as it hardens the material and makes it easier to chip away. Don’t try to freeze a liquid stain or you will be disappointed with its ineffectiveness. Liquid nitrogen has been shown to be effective in removing gummy stains, but it can be hard to control precisely and can cause damage to your tiles — avoid it.
Do not use a metal or ceramic stick as this will scratch your tile, creating another aesthetic problem — it’s the same reason why it’s best use a wooden spoon in a metal pot.
You can find paint thinner at any hobby store or hardware store. If the stain is persistent, apply the ice bag for another hour and try again, as the gum, wax, or tar may have warmed up and become sticky again.
