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.