Tile Floors: Care and Maintenance
Ceramic and porcelain tile floors can be beautiful and durable, but they do require proper care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Here’s a guide to help you with caring for and maintaining tile flooring, including sealing and cleaning the grout:
Table of Contents
Daily Maintenance
Sweep or Vacuum
Regularly remove dust, dirt, and debris. This prevents scratches from grit and keeps the floor looking clean.
Spot Clean
Promptly clean up spills to prevent staining. Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild cleanser for ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Periodic Cleaning
Mopping
Use warm water and a mild detergent suitable for tile floors. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Avoid vinegar
While vinegar is often recommended for cleaning, it can damage the grout over time, so it’s best to use cleaners specifically designed for tile.
Our friends at Custom Building Products have an extensive product line of various grout and tile cleaners specific to a wide variety of applications. Checkout their website here: Tile & Grout Cleaning Products.
Grout Cleaning
Regular Maintenance
Grout can accumulate dirt and grime. Clean it regularly using a grout brush and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners as these can weaken grout over time.
Deep cleaning
For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grout lines, and scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly.
Custom Building Products have an extensive product line of various grout sealants specific to a wide variety of applications. Checkout their website here: Grout Sealants & Their Applications
Sealing
Seal Grout Lines
Apply a grout sealer after installation and periodically thereafter (usually every 1-3 years, depending on use). This helps prevent stains and makes cleaning and maintaining tile floors easier.
Seal tiles (optional)
Some porcelain tiles do not require grout sealing due to their low porosity, but it can add an extra layer of protection. Follow manufacturer recommendations.
For a demonstration of just how easy and effective this step can be, check out our friend, The Eclectic Handyman’s, YouTube video: How to Seal Grout on a Tile Floor. This video gives you a full visual example of grout sealing in just 3 minutes.
Avoiding Damage
Protective Pads
Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches.
Avoid abrasive tools
Don’t use steel wool or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the tile surface.
Use rugs or mats
Place rugs at entrances to reduce dirt and moisture tracking onto the tile floor.
Confused About Your Next Renovation Project?
Dealing with Tough Stains
Oil-Based Stains
Use a degreasing agent or a solvent recommended for tile.
Mineral Deposits
Use a vinegar and water solution (sparingly on tiles, not on grout) or a commercial cleaner designed for mineral deposits.
Professional Cleaning
Consider professional cleaning: For heavily soiled grout or difficult stains, professional cleaning services can be effective and can reapply sealants as needed.
Conclusion
We know you have worked hard to have floors you can be proud of. By following these care and maintenance tips, you can keep your ceramic and porcelain tile floors looking great for years to come.
Regular upkeep prevents issues before they become significant problems and extends the life and beauty of your floors.
If you are still in the inspiration and dreaming phase of your DIU flooring project, SureReno has all the tools to help you get started. We would recommend beginning with our installation guide: SureReno’s Guide to Installing Tile Floors.
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