How to Clean Stubborn Stains from Tiles Like a Pro

Although tiles are durable and resistant to daily wear and tear, stubborn stains that cling to tiled floors and walls—especially grease marks—can be difficult to remove. The following cleaning guide explains in detail how to clean tiles from tough stains using professional techniques. Accuracy is key for the best results.

Removing Stubborn Stains from Tiles

Common stubborn stains that can mar the beauty of tiles include blood, coffee, tea, juice, and grease. Below are effective ways to tackle each type, but always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won’t damage the surface.

1. Removing Blood Stains

Use cold water and a soft cloth to wipe the stain—avoid scrubbing too hard as this may push the blood deeper into the tile.

Next, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply it to the stain, let it dry completely, then rinse with cold water and gently wipe away any residue.

2. Removing Coffee, Tea, or Juice Stains

Blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean cloth—do not rub, as this spreads the stain.

Then, mix warm water and dish soap, and gently scrub the affected area.

If the stain persists, use white vinegar diluted with water. Pour a small amount of the vinegar solution over the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a soft cloth or sponge.

You may need to repeat this process for deeper stains until they disappear completely.

3. Removing Grease or Oil Stains

Grease stains are especially common in kitchens. Mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste and apply it to the stain. Leave it for a few minutes, scrub gently with a brush, and rinse with water.

If needed, try a vinegar-and-water solution—spray it onto the grease, wait briefly, and wipe clean.

For very tough spots, use a commercial degreaser. Regular cleaning helps prevent excessive grease buildup.

How to Clean Old, Darkened Tiles

To restore old or darkened tiles, first remove any furniture or obstacles to reach all areas.

Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris—this prevents particles from sticking to your cleaning solution later.

Always test any cleaner on a hidden corner before wide use to avoid damage.

Then, prepare a simple homemade cleaner:

Fill a bucket with 1 liter of warm water.
Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and mix well.
Pour some of the mixture over the darkened areas and gently scrub with a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

This mixture effectively removes grime and restores the shine of old tiles.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Tiles

For rust stains—especially on porous tiles like cement or marble—avoid harsh or acidic cleaners. Instead, use natural options such as lemon juice, salt, or vinegar.

Alternatively, mix warm water with dish soap and gently scrub the affected area. This method removes rust effectively without damaging the tile.

1. Lemon Juice and Rock Salt

Lemon juice, rich in citric acid, is a powerful natural cleaner.

Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice directly onto each rust spot, then add a pinch of rock salt.

Leave the mixture for 10 minutes (or up to an hour for tougher stains).

Use a soft toothbrush or sponge to gently scrub the area without scratching the surface. The rust will gradually disappear.

If you don’t have rock salt, mix baking soda and lemon juice into a paste, apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean.

2. White Vinegar

Thanks to its mild acidity, vinegar is excellent for removing rust from non-porous tiles.

Pour 2–3 tablespoons of vinegar over the affected area and let it sit for 3–5 minutes.

Then, wipe clean with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.

3. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a gentle yet surprisingly effective cleaner for rust stains.

Apply a thin layer directly to the rust, and use a soft brush to scrub gently in circular motions.

Rinse with water to remove both the rust and the paste residue.