Tile floors provide a beautiful surface for the floors in our home and they’re some of the longest lasting flooring products on the market today. If you want them to look as good as they did the day they were installed, you need to keep up with the maintenance that comes with them.
• Sweep or vacuum the floor before you clean it to remove dust and debris.
• Test any cleaning agents your planning to use on a small hidden area before doing the entire floor.
• Use a sealer on the grout joints after installation and use products that are compatible when cleaning the joints.
• When you’re finished cleaning rinse the whole area with clear water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
• Never use cleaners that contain acid or bleach for regular maintenance.
• Do not use wax based cleaners, oil-based detergents or sealants when it comes to maintain your tile floors. Sealants can be used on grout joints though.
• Don’t use steel wool pads or any scouring pads that contain metal on your tile floors.
• Unless you have unglazed tile, don’t use cleaning agents that contain color.
Depending on the type of tile you have there are different cleaning agents that can be used. Glazed tiles need an all-purpose, non-oil-based household cleaner that can also be used on the grout joint. Cleaners designed for everyday use will remove soap scum, hard water deposits and mildew for tiles in the bathroom in baths and showers. Unglazed tile should be cleaned with concentrated tile cleaners that have a pH for regular use that is safe. These work better to remove grease, oils and normal spills from unglazed finishes. If you have glass tile then you should only use a non-abrasive cleaning compound that is recommended for glass or tile. Tile floors need to be mopped at least once a week, more for high traffic areas and you need to wait at least 72 hours after installation before mopping or cleaning. The floors need to be completely dry before doing so. This decreases the wear and abrasion from grit and soil and remember not to use any detergents, soaps or any of the chemicals listed above. Make sure you don’t flood the floor when mopping. Too much water will seep deeply into the porous surfaces and can lead to mold and mildew. Damp mopping is best. Cleanup spills right away. Leaving them too long will allow stains to soak in and can be harder to remove. Using high-quality floor mats at entrances and exits are a great way to reduce wear on your tile. These mats are great at collecting and trapping corrosive substances that come into your home from outside, including sand, dirt, oil, grit and asphalt. Areas with constant pressure, like in front of vanities or kitchen sinks, also benefit from floor mats. Pads for furniture can be made of felt or a similar material and can be attached to the legs of your furniture.
Tile floors can last for decades if they’re taken care of the right way. It’s a great idea to have a regular annual or bi-annual professional tile cleaning by Ameribest Carpet Cleaning to keep your floors looking like new and feeling smooth instead of tacky and grimy. Give us a call today!