Tile is a popular flooring choice since it’s pretty low-maintenance, durable and comes in a wide array of colors. Tile can be used all over your home, including in your kitchen, bathroom or even pool. Tile has a classic look and feel to it that can help you make a statement. However, keeping your tile clean can be a challenge, especially when it comes to grout and textured tile.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks for keeping your tile and grout clean, as well as how to care for textured tile.
Regular Sweeping and Mopping
It might sound cliche and simple, but the first and most basic step to keeping your tile clean is regular sweeping and mopping. Dirt and debris can accumulate on your tile over time, which can scratch the surface and make it look dull.
By sweeping your tile everyday or every other day, you can help remove dirt and debris before it becomes embedded in the surface. If you don’t like sweeping, some people also have hard floor settings on their vacuum for cleaning up debris. Once you’ve vacuumed, you’ll want to mop your tile with a mild cleaning solution. This should be done once a week and can help keep your tile looking clean and shiny.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning tile, it’s important to use the right cleaning products. You’ll want to be especially careful with harsh chemicals that could hurt your tile’s surface. So, it’s important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions if you have them or simply try out a few tile cleaners until you find one you like.
Opt for a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for tile and grout. You can find these at your local home improvement store or online. Make sure you do a spot test of the cleaners in a less visible part of your tile before putting it on all of the tiles. This way you can be sure that it’s not going to ruin the tile.
Don’t Forget the Grout
Grout is a very important part of your tile and keeping it in place. It varies in size and is the filler between your tiles. It can be a challenge to keep clean, though. Magic Touch Carpet Cleaning says: “Since grout is porous, it is very easy for dirt and bacteria to be stuck and appear dirty and become potentially dangerous.” So, you’ll want to take your grout cleaning seriously.
Many people tend to use a grout cleaner that they get at the grocery or hardware store. No matter which type of cleaner you use, you’ll want to apply it directly to the grout and let it sit. Letting it sit and do its job is a big part of success with grout cleaner–so follow the instructions carefully when it comes to this step. Once it’s had a few minutes to soak in, you will need to scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush and then rinse it. Then finish the job by drying the tile and grout with a towel.
Care for Textured Tile
Textured tile is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens because it provides a non-slip surface. However, the grooves and crevices in textured tile can make it especially difficult to clean. To care for textured tile, you’ll want to get a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush to clean it.
Be sure not to use abrasive cleaners since they can scratch the surface of your tile. If you’d rather not use a brush, some people like to use a steamer instead to clean textured tile. The steam will penetrate the grooves and crevices, removing dirt and debris without damaging the surface.
Address Stains Immediately
If you spill something on your tile, it’s important to address it immediately. The longer a stain sits on your tile, the harder it will be to remove. You’ll want to use a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe up the spill. Once you’ve done this, clean the area with a mild cleaning solution. For tough stains, you can also use a stain remover that’s specifically designed for tile, but again, make sure it’s not terribly harsh.
Seal Your Tile and Grout
Sealing your tile and grout can help protect them from dirt, stains, and moisture. Sealing creates a barrier that prevents these substances from penetrating the surface. You can find sealers for tile and grout at your local home improvement store or online.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Using a sealer on your grout can be helpful if it’s recommended by the manufacturer. For more information about protecting your tiles and grout from stains and damage with a sealer, check out our tile expert’s video here.
Hire a Professional
If you’re having trouble keeping your tile clean, or if you have a large area that needs to be cleaned, consider hiring a professional. There are professional grout and tile cleaning companies that can help you deep clean your tile and grout, removing dirt and stains that you may not be able to remove on your own. They can also seal your tile and grout, helping to protect them from future stains and dirt.
Keeping your tile clean and well-maintained is essential for its longevity and appearance. Regular sweeping and mopping, using appropriate cleaning products and addressing stains immediately can help keep your tile looking new.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the grout and textured tile, as they require special care. Sealing your tile and grout can provide added protection and prevent future stains and dirt. If you’re having difficulty keeping your tile clean, consider hiring a professional tile and grout cleaning service. With these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your tile remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
If you’re in the market for some new tile, check out Tilebar’s wide selection.
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