Tile floors have remained a popular choice for homeowners because they are durable, low maintenance and come in a wide array of styles. Once tiles are glazed, they have a protective barrier that keeps dirt, water, and stains from penetrating the tile. This makes tile a great choice for high traffic areas in your home! While tile floors are easy to maintain, it’s still important to know how to clean them properly to keep them looking like new for years.
1. Don’t Let Stains Get Too Comfortable
Spills and messes happen, and while we know that it can be difficult to clean up messes right when they happen, the longer that mess sits there the harder it will be to remove later! So the next time your dog tracks in some mud on the floor, don’t wait until your next floor washing to clean it up — wipe it up right away! This will help decrease the dirt buildup on your floor, which we will talk about more in our next tip!
2. Regular Cleanings Keep Grimy Buildup at Bay
Over time, your floor accumulates dirt and dust. While this is usually invisible to the eye in the early stages, given enough time your floor will start to look dull and dingy. By regularly washing your tile floor — even with just warm water, you’ll remove any dirt or grime before it has a chance embed itself in the tile or grout.
How Often Should I Clean My Tile Floor?
You should aim to sweep your floor with a fluffy dust mop or vacuum every couple of days to remove any loose dust and dirt. NOTE: Don’t use a straw broom, as it can scratch the tile. Once a week, mop your floor with warm water to keep your tiles looking shiny and new!
3. Do A Deep Clean
If you’re finding that your tiles are looking dull or gross no matter how often you mop, it might be time for a deep clean! Adding some white vinegar or dish soap to your cleaning solution the next time you mop is a great way to remove built up grease.
4. Don’t Forget About The Grout
Dirty or discoloured grout can really detract from your floors overall appearance. To clean grout, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water (you can also try baking soda and water) and work it into a paste. Apply the paste to the grout using a toothbrush and let it sit until it’s dry. After it’s dry, wash the paste out with warm water. Another important step to maintaining your tile’s grout is sealing it. Your tile manufacturer can recommend a sealing schedule, though it is usually 1-2 times per year. Sealant keeps dirt and water out of your grout, thereby helping it to keep is colour and shine.
Questions? Call Stoneworks Granite & Quartz
If you have questions about your tile floor, or are unsure about what cleaning solutions are safe to use, give the team at Stoneworks Granite & Quartz a call!
