Stained or dull tiles not only reduce a home’s visual appeal but may also harbor bacteria and grime, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. According to Tạp Chí Đời Sống, there’s a simple, inexpensive DIY mixture—using common household ingredients—that can restore gloss to your ceramic tiles without spending a fortune. (Tap Chí Đời Sống) tapchinuocmy.com

Below is the original method, enriched with explanations of why it works, safety tips, and alternatives backed by cleaning science.

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What the Article Recommends: Recipe & Steps

Materials Required

• 500 ml bottled water (use the cap to measure subsequent ingredients)

• 1 cap of laundry detergent powder

• 2 caps of white vinegar

• 3 caps of white (clear) liquor (rice wine or similar)

• ½ cap of wheat flour

• 1 spray bottle

Method

1. Dissolve the laundry detergent in ~250 ml of water, mixing until fully dissolved.

2. Add the vinegar and white liquor to the detergent solution, stir well.

3. Add the wheat flour, stir into the mixture until smooth, and transfer the blend into a spray bottle.

4. Spray the solution on tile stains or dirty patches, then wipe with paper towels or cloth. For stubborn spots, spray and wipe multiple times until the grime lifts.

5. For flat tile walls, lightly spray and wipe in sections, always working on clean cloths or paper towels.

The article says this mixture is very budget-friendly, easy to make, and restores tiles to a bright, clean finish without harsh chemicals. (Tap Chí Đời Sống) tapchinuocmy.com

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Why This Method Works — Scientific Reasoning

Each ingredient has a role, and together they help loosen, dissolve, or lift grime without harshness.

• The detergent loosens grime, the vinegar dissolves mineral/alkaline deposits, and the alcohol helps with faster drying and breakdown of residues.

• The flour helps the mixture adhere to vertical surfaces, giving it time to act without running off.

This is consistent with principles of household cleaning chemistry: combining surfactants, mild acids, and solvents to break bonds between tile and stains. Similar approaches (vinegar + baking soda) are recommended in many credible cleaning guides (e.g. Good Housekeeping, This Old House).

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Additional Tips & Safety Precautions

• Always test in a small, inconspicuous area first, especially if tiles are old, porous, or have decorative glaze.

• Don’t leave the solution on too long—especially near grout lines or silicone joints—because prolonged acidity may degrade grout or sealant.

• Avoid mixing with strong bleach or chlorine-containing products (vinegar + bleach produces toxic chlorine gas).

• Use gloves to protect hands, and ensure proper ventilation.

• After wiping, rinse with clean water and buff dry to prevent streaking or film.

• For really tough grout stains, you might follow up with a baking soda scrub or a specialized grout cleaner.