Alkaline, acidic, and neutral are the three categories of cleaners. Alkaline means that the pH is higher than 7, acidic is less than 7, and neutral pH is 7.

Alkaline Cleaners

Alkaline cleaners have a high pH of at least 12, which is very caustic. Use this type of cleaner when you need to remove stubborn grease or other substances that will not come off with water alone. With a pH of 12, bleach is an example of an alkaline cleaner and should not be used on tile and grout on a regular basis.
While alkaline cleaners will not harm tile or grout when used occasionally, they can strip away sealant from the grout over time and you may need to eventually rejuvenate your sealant. Alkaline cleaners may also chemically burn your skin so wear gloves and avoid splashing. Thoroughly rinse any cleaner from the surface and do not allow residue to dry on the tile and grout.

Acidic Cleaners

Acidic cleaners are corrosive, but in a different way than alkaline cleaners. The acid reacts with the alkaline cement in grout, dissolving a thin top layer and exposing the clean grout below. While these cleaners may appear to clean well, most manufacturers do not recommend them because of the eroding effect. Acidic tile and grout cleaners should only be used by professionals when removing and replacing grout.

Neutral Cleaners

Neutral cleaners with a pH of 7 (just like water) are the most gentle for tile and grout. Consider cleaners made specifically for tile and grout first when water isn’t enough, or turn to a mildly alkaline detergent (i.e., Mr. Clean, Spic and Span). Note that neutral cleaners are the only cleaners recommended for colored grout.

So, now you know that water is king when it comes to cleaning tile. But what if the grout has mildew or other stains despite your diligence? Scrubbers made of nylon or plastic do a great job of removing stains from grout.
If your grout has mildew stains that you cannot scrub out, water may have gotten into the grout, perhaps because the sealant has worn down. In cases like this, you can rent a steam cleaner that will bring the stains to the surface of the grout, where you can clean them off. The last resort is to remove and replace the grout, but consider consulting with an expert beforehand to determine the best course of action.

Unlike many other surface materials, ceramic tile won’t fade or dull from harsher cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, should you need to use them occasionally. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of registered cleaning disinfectants you can consult. Should you not have any of these registered products, some common household products—including simple soap and water—can also be effective disinfectants. Each cleaning agent may be more or less effective towards a particular virus or bacteria.

For maintenance and cleaning, it is recommended to use a soft, clean cloth with warm water or with a non-abrasive cleaner formulated for use with glass. Do not use any cleaners with abrasive agent as these could scratch the tile surface.

Glass tile should not be installed in floor applications because it can fracture when exposed to extreme weights and is very susceptible to scratching.

Unlike many other surface materials, ceramic tile won’t fade or dull from harsher cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, should you need to use them occasionally. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of registered cleaning disinfectants you can consult. Should you not have any of these registered products, some common household products—including simple soap and water—can also be effective disinfectants. Each cleaning agent may be more or less effective towards a particular virus or bacteria.