• Ceramic tiles are a cinch to keep clean.carrelage image by pucci raf from Fotolia.com
  
  It must be the blistering heat of the kiln that brings out the cool beauty of ceramic tiles. They can be a showstopper addition to any living area, and will give you untold years of radiance and service if cared for properly. Fortunately, ceramic tiles don't require an arsenal of special formulas to keep them stunning. Daily sweeping and a few basic essentials are all it takes.
  
  

Water

• It doesn't get any easier than this. Water should be your number one go-to product for keeping your ceramic tiles clean. Glazed and unglazed tiles will benefit greatly if mopped or wiped frequently with plain, clear water. In between washings, wipe up any spills immediately. Unglazed tiles are especially susceptible to staining. When mopping, don't allow the water to become murky or it will leave streaks on your tiles.
  
  

Mild Detergent

• Sometimes certain spills or mishaps will encourage you to "sanitize" and water alone isn't enough for your peace of mind. Squirt a bit of mild dish detergent in your water, but not too much. Soaps and detergents need to be rinsed well from ceramic or they'll leave a sticky residue behind attracting footprints and dirt.
  
  

White Vinegar

• One cup of white vinegar added to a gallon of clean water is an excellent choice for cleaning ceramic tiles. Vinegar will dig through grease, grime and mold. It will also rinse away any residual soap that may have built up from overzealous cleaning.
  
  

Tip

• The grout between tiles may need a little extra care. When mopping, don't overwhelm your floor with water. It tends to run off the tiles and into the grout like canals through Venice. You shouldn't see little gondolas floating between your tiles, even if they are Venetian. If the grout has become dull and gray, run a little white vinegar over it and let it sit a few minutes before adding some baking soda. Once the fizzing stops, brush gently and rinse.
  
  

Warning

• Bleach and ammonia-based products are not good choices for cleaning ceramic tiles as they may discolor them. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on tiles, which may scratch the surface of tiles.