A Complete Guide to Tile Floor Maintenance
Tile floors are durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance. Yet, while they don’t require rigorous work to maintain, like any aspect of your home, you’ll want to care for them properly to extend their lifespan. From regular upkeep to more thorough cleanings, here are the best practices tile flooring contractors recommend for keeping your floors in excellent shape.
Remove Dirt & Dust Regularly
Once or twice a week, remove dirt, pet hair, and other debris from your floors. A soft-bristle broom will work just fine. You could also use a vacuum with a brush attachment to tackle any lingering dust. Just be sure to keep rough brooms off of natural stone tile, as they could create scratches.
Address Spills Promptly
While most types of tile can stand up to spills, the quicker you can wipe them up, the easier they’ll be to remove. Combat stains by promptly wiping up spills with a damp microfiber cloth immediately after they occur.
Do Occasional Deep Cleanings
The tips above will keep your tile clean on a regular basis. Yet, you may also want to perform a deeper clean to wipe away grime every so often. Follow the tips outlined by experts for the different types of tiles below:
- Porcelain: If your porcelain tile floors or unglazed or unpolished, apply a mixture of vinegar and warm water using a soft bristle brush. Let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse using hot water. Dry the floors thoroughly with a towel.
For polished or glazed tile, use a bristle brush to scrub away stains using just hot water. Follow up with a tile cleaner mixed with equal parts water. Rinse with hot water and dry with a clean towel.
- Ceramic: Create your own cleaner by mixing together warm water and mild dish soap. Wash the floor using a clean flat mop or soft cloth by hand, adding new water frequently to avoid putting dirty water back on the floors. Repeat this method, going one section at a time. Avoid using a sponge mop, as it can push dirty water into the grout.
- Marble: Granite and marble floors can be cleaned using warm water and a solution specially designed for natural stone flooring. Use a soft cloth to apply the cleaner, then follow up with another clean, soft cloth to dry.
- Slate: Clean slate floors using a few drops of mild dish soap mixed into warm water and a nonabrasive cloth. Be especially mindful of avoiding acidic cleaners with ingredients like lemon or vinegar, which could damage the slate.
Finally, keep your grout clean by applying a baking soda and water mixture with a grout brush (a toothbrush will work in a pinch). Rinse, then allow the grout to air dry. If stubborn stains persist, try removing them using a white pencil eraser.
While tile floor maintenance can go a long way, there may come a time when your floors become damaged or outdated and it’s simply time for an upgrade. When you’re ready to transform your space, turn to Denver’s trusted tile flooring contractors at Select Home Solutions. To get started on your project, request a quote here.