The popularity of tile floors stems from their simple
maintenance and high resistance to water. Nevertheless, if you want to keep your
tile floors looking fresh, attractive, and beautiful, it’s important to
properly maintain them.
Furthermore, by thoroughly cleaning your tile floors, they
can last even longer. Learn more about how to keep your tile floors in tip-top
shape by reading the tips below. Enjoy!
The Basics
-
Sweep or vacuum your tile floors to get rid of
any dust, dirt, or debris prior to using any cleaning products.
-
Damp-mop the floors at least once a week to
prevent grit or soil from damaging the surface. (Focus more on areas that
experience more traffic.)
Cleaning Grout
It is often said that dirty grout is the number one cause of
unhealthy-looking tile floors – which, to me, is a true statement. Cleaning
your grout is a great way of preserving your tile floors’ overall appearance. Besides,
grout absorbs stains because of its permeability.
To clean grout:
-
Make a paste of baking soda and water.
-
Gently rub the paste onto the stain, then let it
sit overnight.
-
When day breaks, scrub the stain with a sturdy
nylon brush.
-
Repeat steps, if necessary.
Getting Rid of Residue
After wiping your tile floors, the soapy water may leave
residue behind which usually causes the tiles to look
foggy.
To remove the
residue:
-
Use a non-caustic cleaner to get rid of the
film.
NOTE: Lemon juice
can be used on ceramic tiles, but not on
marble tiles!
-
Rinse well with clean water.
-
Buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or rag.
-
Slide your foot over the floor with a towel to
dry the tiles.
Protecting Your Tile Floors
-
Never use dirty water to rinse your tile floors.
Doing this might lead the dirt back into the grout lines.
-
Perform a sealants test on a small section of
the floor before using it on the larger area.
Caution!
Avoid:
-
Wax-based cleaners and oil-based detergents. Sealants
should only be used on grout lines.
-
Using cleaners with bleach or acidic compounds
for routine cleaning.
-
Steel wool, scouring pads, or any other harsh
cleaning equipment.
Verdict
Tiles floors are a popular flooring option for many
homeowners. Their high resistance to water and easy maintenance sets them apart
from many other flooring types such as carpets.
Cleaning tile floors is very easy. Regular cleaning allows
them to look better and last longer. Your visitors will have no other choice
but to praise you for maintaining such fresh and beautiful floors!
Start your cleaning routine by following the tips above.
Enjoy!