Tile floors are a perpetually popular flooring choice and there are many reasons why. First off, they’re highly durable. They’re also stylish, customizable, and water resistant. Even better, cleaning tile floors is fairly straightforward; however, not all tile is the same and not everyone knows how to best care for it. Due to the fact that tile floors are so resistant to staining, many people put off cleaning for longer than they would with other flooring. While it’s true that the likelihood of tile floors becoming stained and permanently damaged is lower with tile than with many other substances, it’s still best to take care of grime in a timely manner.
Whether you have one type of tile flooring in your home or several, it’s important to know how to clean it so that it stays in great shape for years to come. Here, we explore some dos and don’ts of the trade so you can keep your tile floors sparkling clean and bright.
DON’T Let Spills Sit
Even though tile floors are less likely to become stained than many other kinds of flooring, it’s still best to wipe up messes as soon as they happen. The substance may not be that harmful, but it will still need to be cleaned eventually. The longer it sits, the harder it becomes to get off. This resistance often leads to extra scrubbing and the use of harsh chemicals, both of which can damage your tiles over time. Instead, keep some absorbent cloths close by to quickly wipe up liquids. Use mats in entryways to reduce water and mud stains on tile floors.
DO Regular Upkeep
It may be tempting to leave tile floors for an extended period of time before doing basic cleaning, but it’s advisable to routinely clean off dust, dirt, and other daily build up. Basic sweeping or vacuuming will take care of this and will help prevent tiles from forming a hazy film over time. If you choose to vacuum, remember to use a soft attachment meant for gliding over hard floors.
DO a Deeper Cleaning
Even with regular sweeping, tile floors accumulate residue after a while. Mopping can address this issue. Use a mild commercial floor cleaner mixed with warm water or make one at home, such as this one. Then, mop floors with a rag or chamois-type mop instead of a sponge mop. The latter pushes dirty water into grout lines, making them more difficult to clean. Change the water frequently while mopping, as dirty water equals a cloudy floor.
DON’T Forget About Residue
If you usually use a soapy cleaning solution to mop floors, you may get a film on your tiles over time. To get rid of this residue, try a mild acid or all-purpose cleaner that is non-abrasive. If grout starts to look dingy you can clean it quite simply and inexpensively. Rub on a paste of baking soda and water and allow it to penetrate stains over night. In the morning you can rub off the paste with a stiff nylon brush. You can also seal grout with a silicone sealant to avoid stains in the first place.
As you can see, caring for tiles floors is fairly straightforward and doesn’t cost a lot of money. It’s important to remember though, that while easy to keep clean, tile floors do still require regular care. Put in that bit of effort and you’ll be rewarded with enduringly striking floors for years to come.
