Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500146
06/24/03
Brick, Tile Floors-Cleaning
Brick and tile may be purchased unsealed or sealed.
If it has been sealed, it will be much easier to keep
clean. Vacuum regularly, and occasionally damp mop with
plain water to remove soil. Occasionally for heavier soil
use a mild detergent solution, rinse well, and wipe dry
for more shine.
Brick or tile floors may be cleaned with a solution
of a moderately strong alkali such as washing soda or
trisodium phosphate (Or a cleaner containing TSP such as
"Spic-and-Span." Use about 1 tablespoon in a gallon of
warm water, stronger if needed.). Rinse well to remove
all solution.
If the bricks or tiles have been sealed there still
may be white or grey dust track over both that surface
and into carpeted floor areas. The whitish dust will be
from the grout used in laying the floor. A brick layer
may use muriatic acid to clean up floor surfaces when he
completes the floor. (Dilute the muriatic acid, 1 part
acid to 10 parts water.) If the floor is not flushed
thoroughly with water after clean-up, the muriatic acid
will continue to leach lime from the grout causing the
whitish dust. Most bricklayers today use a commercial
product which is easier to wash off, but also more
expensive.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia
Extension bulletin Buying and Caring for Smooth Surface
Flooring: Masonry.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .