Tile Floors
Vacuuming will remove most dirt from interior tile floors. Occasional damp mopping with clear water will remove most dirt that is tracked in. A neutral cleaner will break down grease and oil but should only be used if needed. All excess residue should be removed and rinsed with clear water. One of the most common problems people have is using a cleaner but not removing the cleaning solution from the floor.
Glazed tiles and most porcelain tiles will not absorb anything. Paint, nail polish and even most glue can be removed with the appropriate solvent without harming the tile-just clean off the solvent residue.
Some tiles can be damaged with acids. Shiny tiles, and occasionally other finishes, can be affected with mild acids such as lemon juice. Blues and greens are the colors most commonly affected by acids but most tiles are resistant to most acids. For counter use, it's always good to verify that the particular tile you are considering is acid resistant. If a supplier can't tell you whether or not a certain tile is resistant to acid, put a spot of vinegar or lemon juice on it and let it sit overnight. If the spot washes off, the glaze is acid resistant; if it leaves a dull spot, the glaze has been etched and is not suitable for counter use.
Cement-based grout will deteriorate from exposure to acids and some cleaners contain enough acid to damage grout with repeated use. Any cleaner that promises to remove mineral spots or even soap scum without scrubbing probably contains acid and will damage grout with repeated usage. If it does not say "acid-free", use with caution.
A few tiles are very rough, usually to give them increased slip resistance. Even though these tiles cannot be stained, dirt can get trapped in crevices and be difficult to remove by vacuuming or damp mopping. In these cases, a brush can be used with a neutral cleaner and water to loosen the dirt, which should then be removed with a sponge mop or wet/dry vacuum. Outdoors, these tiles can be hosed or even power washed and kept clean with minimal effort, but the rougher the surface the harder it will be to keep clean, especially indoors.