Tile Maintenance
Caring for and properly maintaining your tile can go a long way in preserving your floor and the value of your home. According to the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, the average life expectancy of a ceramic tile floor is 75 to 100 years while natural stone will last even longer!
Tile floor maintenance takes both a proactive and reactive effort in order to keep your tile floors looking like new. Sweeping, utilization of mats, mopping, and spot cleaning are all aspects of tile care that you should be practicing to keep your tile looking like new. It is always best to consult with the tile manufacturer to determine the most appropriate cleaning solution for your specific tile floor.
A damp mop should be adequate to remove loose dirt and spots from your tile floor. However, for heavier soil, you can spot clean the floor with a sponge or clean cloth using the recommended cleaners. Textured tiles may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush.
After cleaning your tile, rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue. If needed, wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film.
Caulking and sealing can also be a great way to keep your tile looking like new. Make sure to caulk areas that have been exposed to water to prevent expensive subsurface damage from occurring. After the installation process is complete and the grout has had ample time to cure, sealing your grout can provide protection from dirt and spills by slowing down the staining process. You should re-seal your grout and natural stone periodically to prevent stains from occurring.
Tile floor maintenance takes both a proactive and reactive effort in order to keep your tile floors looking like new. Sweeping, utilization of mats, mopping, and spot cleaning are all aspects of tile care that you should be practicing to keep your tile looking like new. It is always best to consult with the tile manufacturer to determine the most appropriate cleaning solution for your specific tile floor.
A damp mop should be adequate to remove loose dirt and spots from your tile floor. However, for heavier soil, you can spot clean the floor with a sponge or clean cloth using the recommended cleaners. Textured tiles may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush.
After cleaning your tile, rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue. If needed, wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film.
Caulking and sealing can also be a great way to keep your tile looking like new. Make sure to caulk areas that have been exposed to water to prevent expensive subsurface damage from occurring. After the installation process is complete and the grout has had ample time to cure, sealing your grout can provide protection from dirt and spills by slowing down the staining process. You should re-seal your grout and natural stone periodically to prevent stains from occurring.
- Do clean up spills as quickly as possible so your grout won't become stained.
- Don't use steel wool, scouring powders, or other abrasives that can scratch the finish of your ceramic tile.
- Do remember that while ceramic tile is very durable, it's not indestructible and may crack or chip under extreme force.
- Don't use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners — these products can discolor your grout if used too often.
- Do take the proper precautions when moving heavy objects across a ceramic tile floor.
- Do remember that if a repair is necessary, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the original tile.