Tile flooring is a versatile choice in commercial spaces, offering a durable, attractive surface that can withstand high foot traffic and moisture exposure. However, tile maintenance varies significantly by type and setting, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, schools, lobbies, and high-end public areas. Choosing the correct cleaning chemicals ensures tile floors remain pristine and safe for clients, employees, and visitors. As sustainability gains traction in commercial maintenance, green cleaning products provide eco-friendly options that reduce harmful chemical exposure. This guide covers effective chemicals and green alternatives for different types of commercial tile floors, following ISSA-recommended standards.
1. Ceramic Tile
Where it’s used: Bathrooms, kitchens, lobbies, and public areas
Recommended Chemicals:
Ceramic tile is widely used in commercial bathrooms, kitchens, and lobbies due to its affordability, water resistance, and durability. However, proper care is essential to avoid damaging its glazed surface.
- General Cleaning: A pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for ceramic tiles is ideal for daily use. Alkaline cleaners (with a pH of 8-10) can be useful for tougher grease and grime but should be used sparingly to avoid dulling the tile finish.
- Grout Cleaning: Grout often collects dirt and can harbor bacteria if not maintained properly. Oxygen bleach-based cleaners are effective for grout on ceramic tiles, avoiding harsh bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, which can wear down the glaze and compromise the tile’s durability.
Green Cleaning Alternatives:
For commercial facilities aiming to reduce chemical impact, eco-friendly, pH-neutral cleaners like Stearns® ONEPACKS GS Neutral Cleaner Concentrate work effectively on ceramic tiles. These products are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, making them safer for environments like schools and healthcare facilities. For grout cleaning, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners provide a green alternative to chlorine bleach, effectively removing stains and disinfecting without the risk of discoloration or residue.
2. Porcelain Tile
Where it’s used: Bathrooms, high-traffic public areas, kitchens, and schools
Recommended Chemicals:
Porcelain tile is denser and less porous than ceramic, making it highly durable and suitable for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas. It’s a popular choice in commercial bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor areas in schools.
- Daily Cleaning: Use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner suitable for porcelain tile. Acidic chemicals like vinegar should be avoided as they can damage the surface finish.
- Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal: For more challenging stains, an alkaline cleaner with a degreaser can effectively break down dirt and grime. Products like MaxxPro Blue HDC No-Rinse Cleaner work well, providing a deep clean without damaging the surface.
Green Cleaning Alternatives:
Green Seal-certified or EPA Safer Choice products, such as Stearns® ONE PACKS GS Neutral Cleaner Concentrate, offer effective eco-friendly options. These cleaners are safe for porcelain, reduce chemical exposure, and are often made from plant-based ingredients that align with green cleaning standards.
3. Quarry Tile
Where it’s used: Commercial kitchens, industrial facilities, and back-of-house areas
Recommended Chemicals:
Quarry tile is highly slip-resistant and durable, making it ideal for kitchens and industrial spaces. Its porous nature requires consistent maintenance to prevent grease buildup.
- Daily Degreasing: Quarry tiles in commercial kitchens require strong degreasers. An alkaline degreaser with a pH around 10-12 effectively breaks down grease without damaging the tile. NCL® Flexi-Clean Intensive RubberCleaner/Grease Remover is a commonly recommended option for these environments.
- Stain Removal: For deep-set stains, non-acidic solvent-based cleaners designed for quarry tile work best. Avoid acidic chemicals like muriatic acid, as they can erode the tile’s surface and weaken its durability over time.
Green Cleaning Alternatives:
Plant-based degreasers like ACS Freedom No Rinse Bio-Floor Cleaner offer powerful, environmentally friendly options that reduce chemical exposure. These green alternatives are effective for quarry tile and comply with ISSA’s sustainable cleaning guidelines, especially valuable in food preparation or heavily trafficked areas where health and safety are priorities.
4. Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Slate)
Where it’s used: High-end lobbies, executive suites, and upscale public areas
Recommended Chemicals:
Natural stone tiles, such as marble, granite, and slate, lend sophistication to commercial spaces but require specific care due to their porous and delicate nature.
- Routine Cleaning: Use pH-neutral stone cleaners formulated specifically for natural stone. Acidic or alkaline chemicals can cause etching and discoloration, especially on softer stones like marble. NCL® Stone Kleen™ Stone Cleaner is specially designed for natural stone surfaces and is commonly used in commercial settings.
- Polishing and Sealing: For periodic maintenance, sealers and polishes designed for stone floors help protect against staining and etching. It’s important to avoid waxes or harsh chemicals that could dull the natural finish of the stone or create slippery surfaces.
Green Cleaning Alternatives:
Eco-friendly, biodegradable stone cleaners like NCL® Stone Kleen™ Stone Cleaner provide effective, pH-neutral options for stone surfaces. These alternatives minimize the risk of chemical etching while reducing environmental impact, making them suitable for high-end areas where both aesthetics and sustainability are essential.
5. Terrazzo Tile
Where it’s used: Schools, hospitals, and high-traffic public areas
Recommended Chemicals:
Terrazzo tile, a composite of marble, glass, or quartz embedded in a cement or epoxy binder, is highly resilient and increasingly popular in public spaces like schools and hospitals. However, its binder materials can be sensitive to certain chemicals, so it’s essential to choose suitable products to maintain the floor’s integrity and appearance.
- Routine Cleaning: A pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for terrazzo is ideal for daily maintenance. Acidic or highly alkaline products should be avoided, as they can degrade the terrazzo’s binder over time. Diversey Stride Citrus Neutral Cleaner is an excellent choice for daily cleaning of terrazzo, offering effective removal of dirt and residue without damaging the tile’s finish.
- Deep Cleaning and Polishing: Periodic deep cleaning with a non-acidic cleaner helps maintain terrazzo’s appearance by removing embedded dirt without harming the surface. Applying a terrazzo-specific sealer and polish annually provides a protective layer and enhances the floor’s shine.
Green Cleaning Alternatives:
For green cleaning, plant-based, biodegradable products such as Diversey Stride Citrus Neutral Cleaner offer an eco-friendly approach for terrazzo tile maintenance. This cleaner is Green Seal-certified and works effectively on terrazzo without introducing harsh chemicals into the environment, making it ideal for healthcare and educational facilities where sustainability is a priority.
Best Practices for Grout Care in Commercial Spaces
Regardless of tile type, grout requires specific care to prevent discoloration, bacterial buildup, and mold, especially in high-traffic and moisture-exposed commercial settings. Clean, well-maintained grout lines can make a significant difference in overall floor cleanliness and appearance.
Recommended Chemicals:
- Grout Cleaner: Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) is recommended for grout cleaning in commercial spaces. These products effectively remove dirt and stains from grout without causing fading or discoloration.
- Grout Sealer: To protect grout from moisture and staining, use a water-based, low-VOC grout sealer. Sealing grout lines every 6-12 months significantly improves durability, especially in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This also reduces the frequency of deep cleaning, making routine maintenance more efficient.
Green Cleaning Alternatives:
Hydrogen peroxide-based grout cleaners are a greener choice that reduces exposure to harmful chemicals while effectively disinfecting and lifting stains. These alternatives align well with sustainable cleaning practices and are suitable for high-traffic commercial spaces like schools and hospitals.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining tile floors in commercial spaces requires using the correct cleaning products tailored to each type of tile. Following ISSA standards and choosing eco-friendly cleaning alternatives, when possible, helps to create a cleaner, healthier environment. By using suitable chemicals and green cleaning products, facility managers can keep tile floors in excellent condition, enhancing the appearance, durability, and safety of the facility. Moreover, adopting green cleaning methods reduces chemical impact on the environment and aligns with health-conscious initiatives, particularly in spaces like schools, hospitals, and other public areas where the well-being of occupants is paramount.
Selecting products like Stearns® ONEPACKS GS Neutral Cleaner Concentrate, NCL® Flexi-Clean Intensive RubberCleaner/Grease Remover, and Diversey Stride Citrus Neutral Cleaner ensures that facility managers have access to both effective and environmentally responsible options for their tile maintenance needs. These products are readily available for commercial use and provide the assurance of quality and compatibility with various tile surfaces.
By implementing these cleaning practices, businesses can maintain attractive, resilient tile floors that not only uphold a professional appearance but also contribute to a sustainable and safe environment for all occupants.