How to Clean and Care for Tile
There’s a lot to love about installing in your home, whether it’s flooring, a backsplash, or an intricate staircase mural. Tile is more resistant to the same wear and tear that carpet is vulnerable to, like matting and staining. Additionally, tile often adds a unique and decorative touch in many otherwise unnoticed areas of the home. It is also easy to care for. Simple, regular cleaning can keep your tile looking great for decades to come. Here are three easy ways to help keep both your tile and your home looking their best.
Start With a Clean Slate
Don’t worry: we’re not talking about gutting all of the tile in your house here. We are simply referring to a preliminary wipe down of tiled surfaces. You can use a broom or vacuum to sweep tile flooring, which is an easy way to prevent dullness and accumulation of grime. If you have a tile backsplash or other vertical designs, use a lint-free cloth to wipe off any buildup. Next, use water and a mild soap or detergent to clean the tile. It’s best to use a rag style mop instead of a sponge, which can actually push dirty water further into grout lines. It’s also a good idea to change the water every so often. Cleaning bath tile with dirty water, for example, is counterproductive.
Shine Like New
If you don’t change the water you’re cleaning with often enough or forget to rinse after using soap, you might encounter this common tile problem. If kitchen tiles appear cloudy or otherwise muted in luster or color, for example, it may be due to a buildup of soap or dirty water. Fortunately, this obstacle is easy to take care of. Simply use a mild all-purpose cleaner to gently scrub away any residue. Afterward, be sure to rinse the cleaned tiles with clear water and wipe them dry using a lint-free cloth. Already grimacing in pain at the thought of scrubbing tile floors on your knees? Rest easy: tile floors are actually best wiped dry using your foot. It is gentler and your knees will thank you.
Goodbye to Grout Gunk
The number one way to keep tiled floors and other spaces looking great is to regularly care for grout. If you do it frequently enough, approximately once a week, you will avoid excessive dirt and buildup that can lead to permanent staining. Grout is permeable, which means that it naturally absorbs what you put on it. If that is dirt, grout will pick it up and look dirty. Sometimes commercial cleaners aren’t enough to really get inside the grout, so it’s better to use simple baking soda and water. Apply the mixture and let it sit overnight if possible. The next day, use a nylon brush to scrub away the dirt. Don’t use a metal brush, as this can harm the grout. Be sure to use a sealant after the grout dries for the best results. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to contact Mission West Tile for all your tile concerns.