Tiles are no longer just for kitchens and bathrooms. Many homeowners nowadays like the sophisticated look and durability of tile in many rooms of the house.
By taking good care of your tiles, you will protect your investment, keep your floors looking beautiful, and safeguard the health of your family as well. This is why if tiles are a primary material in your home, you need to keep in mind a few key facts about tile maintenance.
1. No Heavy Bleaches or Disinfectants
Tiles are porous and can absorb the chemicals in harsh cleaning products. Bleach and acid can diminish the color of tiles and even cause them to crumble over time.
If you have installed a tile floor in your home, you have made an important investment. You need to make sure that it lasts and stays looking nice, both for your own enjoyment and for the home’s future owner as well.
Cleaning experts recommend sticking with natural products. Mopping with a mixture of hot water and vinegar is all you need to do for effective tile maintenance. Avoid wax or oil-based detergents, and make sure you always rinse the floor clear of any cleaning product after you mop.
2. Clean Often
Clean tiles make your house sparkle, but they also serve an important hygienic purpose: Tiles can absorb spilled food or dirt tracked in from outside, and without proper tile maintenance, this can lead to germs and bacteria.
To keep your family healthy, you need to wipe down or mop your tile floors at least once per day. There is no need to scrub. In fact, scrubbing your tile floors too vigorously and too frequently might cause damage. Stick with gentle products and cleaning processes to maintain your floors for a long time.
If daily cleaning is difficult, you might consider a vinyl tile. Luxury vinyl tiles mimic expensive materials like slate and porcelain, but they are easier to take care of. With this durable option, all you need to do is sweep up the dirt and occasionally mop with a non-abrasive product.
3. Pay Attention to Grout
Grout is a magnet for dirt, and dirty grout can make the rest of your tile floor look dingy and old. Sometimes grout takes a little more effort to keep clean than the rest of your floor but ignoring it will bring unwanted results.
Most experts recommend natural cleaning products like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Baking powder added to water like a paste can create a natural bleaching agent for grout without being too abrasive.
For extra protection, you can also use coating sealer on grout to keep it looking fresh and new.
If you really want to keep your grout in tip-top shape, a toothbrush will get out the most stubborn dirt. An electric toothbrush works, too, and will save you a little elbow grease.
Tile Maintenance Protects Your Family and Your Investment
Keeping your tile floors sparkling clean makes your home more welcoming and appealing to friends, family, and prospective buyers. Just a little effort at tile maintenance will pay off in a happy, healthy home for you now and in the future.
For more information on keeping your tile floors in perfect condition, contact us.
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