BEST PRACTICES TO KEEP YOUR TILES PRISTINE & CLEAN

Is your once-pristine tile now dirty and worn? It can be really tough to keep your tiles clean because dirt, grime, or stains may start to build up. However, by taking the right approach with some care, you can easily restore your tile’s original beauty. Follow along to see the best practices for maintaining your tiles to keep them as good as new as the day they were installed.

Regular Sweeping and Mopping

The basic way to constantly maintain your tiles is by regular vacuuming. Dirt and debris may gather on your tiles within a very short time, depending on the location. This gives the floors an old and dull appearance. You must sweep or vacuum your floors 3-4 times a week to prevent dirt from settling into the tile surface or grout lines.

Have a no-sponge-mop policy while mopping, as these tend to force dirt into grout lines. Use a spin mop or a household steamer to keep the tiles and grout clean. 

Address Stains Immediately

Yes, we know spills do happen, but it’s always best to clean immediately because stain marks that set in later can be almost impossible to remove. Water, food, or any liquid spilled on the tile will run deeper into the surface or grout if it is left unchecked; eventually, it will make the grout or stone discolor. Quick response is also important—just wipe the spills with a damp cloth and a mild cleanser for strong stains.

Dry After Mopping

After mopping, dry the tile with a clean, dry cloth. If you allow your tiles to air dry, they might become covered in a thin film from the water and look untidy and dull. Drying them right away preserves their sheen and keeps water spots away. In fact, you can even use a clean cloth underfoot to slide across the tiles for a quick dry-down.

Grout Care Is Essential

Grout is a significant aspect of how your tiles look. Even if the tiles are clean and sparkling, the presence of dirty grout lines can make the flooring seem even worse. Grout is porous and absorbs moisture, stains, and oils over time, particularly when accidental spills occur in kitchens or bathrooms.

Clean your grout using non-abrasive chemicals that do not erode it. Our secret for our customers is a drop of Dawn dish soap in a bucket of hot water. After cleaning the grout lines, you can always opt in for a grout sealer for added protection from dirt and grime buildup.

Be Cautious with Stone Tiles

If you have marble or granite tiles, you need to be even more careful with your cleaning habits. Marble, for instance, should never be cleaned using an acid-based product since the surface is sensitive to high-pH cleaners, lemon, or vinegar. These stone floors will also require repolishing every few years to renew their shine. 

Use Rugs and Doormats

One way to extend the period for your tiles to remain clean is to use doormats and rugs. They are very effective at entryways and trap dirt and grit from your shoes, which otherwise tends to track onto your tiles. Make sure to clean your rugs and doormats periodically so that they continue to be effective.

Conclusion

Maintaining the shine and beauty of tiles should not be difficult for you. It is possible to keep your tiles clean by setting aside time for regular cleaning, looking after fresh spills, taking care of your grout, and using the right cleaning products; the outcome will be that your tiles shine as they did the day you installed them. From using gentle cleansers and the correct mop, these best practices will get you gleaming, spotless, clean tiles with minimal effort.

At Grout Solutions International, we realize that the perfect appearance of your tile often requires much more than regular cleaning. Whether it’s time for a tile and grout deep clean,  a grout color seal application or even removing or replacing damaged tiles, Our grout restoration experts can do it for you so your tiles will look perfect for years to come!