How to Clean Common Household Stains from Your Micro Structured Tiles
The new Micro Structured surface, as revealed on Niro Granite Nouvelle tiles, makes use of the latest in tile manufacturing technology to create striking tiles that not only look striking and unique, but also boast additional anti-slip and stain resistant properties. This combination of factors makes Micro Structured tiles perfect for outdoor and semi-outdoor applications, such as balconies, outdoor kitchens, car porches, and even gardens.
Although it has a grippy surface, Micro Structured tiles are in fact very easy to clean! For regular cleaning, common floor detergent and water would suffice. In other cases, a little more care – the same as any other flooring – might be needed to properly clean these beautiful tiles. Let’s explore some of the common household stains one might encounter:
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1. Food and Grease Stains
From cooking mishaps and spills to splattering sauces and dropped snacks, tiles in kitchens and dining areas often bear the brunt of culinary adventures. To clean food and grease stains, mix a mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Using a soft brush with gentle bristles, scrub the stain in the direction of the embossing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a microfibre cloth.
For stubborn stains, you can create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain before scrubbing. In truly difficult cases, you could also use a non-toxic alkaline cleaner, which is helpful for clearing up any oily stains.
2. Hard Water Stains
Areas with high mineral content in the water supply can leave behind telltale white or chalky deposits, which typically happens in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas when the tiles are hosed down. As standing water evaporates, minerals like calcium and magnesium are left behind to build up, leaving whitish stains that we call hard water stains.
For mild stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. For heavier stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely. For truly difficult cases, you can also use a commercial hard water stain remover following the product instructions.
3. Crayon and Marker Pen Lines
Let’s face it, tiny artists in the house can transform floors and walls into their canvas. Even little accidents and various stationery slipping from between one’s fingers may also cause accidental lines. For crayon lines, start with the gentlest approach first, rubbing with a clean, white eraser. If that doesn’t work, move on to a mild dish soap solution applied with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
To clean marker pen lines off your Micro Structured tiles, test a small area with plain rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) on a cotton swab. If no discoloration occurs, gently dab the marker lines with the alcohol-dipped swab. Avoid scrubbing, as this can spread the ink.
4. Rust Stains
Dripping faucets, rusty utensils, or even metal decorations placed near the tiles can contribute to unsightly rust stains. These brownish-orange marks are unmistakable where they appear, and require targeted cleaning to properly get rid of. To get rid of rust or other metallic stains, you should use an acidic cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions.
On a closing note, when dealing with large stains, always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives. Here’s to keeping your Micro Structured tiles pristine and stain-free for years to come!
