DON'T WAIT — Schedule your appointment today and SAVE!
Tile flooring is attractive and versatile, making it ideal for various areas of your house, including bathrooms and kitchens. Tile can maintain its appearance for long periods of time with proper maintenance and care. Fortunately, caring for tile floors is simple — you just need to know where to start.
While different types of tile floors require different care and maintenance, here are a few best practices when maintaining tile floors:
Porcelain tile is durable, hard and more water resistant than other similar materials. Porcelain can be manufactured to mimic other materials like wood or stone. Porcelain tile is typically either polished or unpolished and depending on which type you have, your method of porcelain tile floor care will differ slightly:
Always read your flooring’s care instructions before cleaning it to ensure you don’t damage it or void its warranty.
Ceramic tile floor care is relatively easy, as long as you make the time for it. Create a cleaning solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Use a flat mop or microfiber cleaning cloth to clean the floor. Buff-drying the tile with a clean cloth can help remove any residue and dry the tile quickly.
Grout is more porous than ceramic or porcelain tile, so it tends to absorb grease and dirt. Additionally, cleaning your tile can push dirty water and grime into the grout lines. When your grout is dirty, your floors will look dingy. Avoid sponge mops when cleaning your floors, as they push dirty mop water into the grout and make it dirtier.
To clean your grout, mix baking soda and water and apply it to the grout lines. Using a grout brush or toothbrush, gently scrub the grout to release built-up dirt. Leave the baking soda mixture on overnight to help clear any stains in the grout. Wipe the mixture away with warm water and let the grout air dry.
Cats and dogs are beloved household pets, though they can cause significant damage to your floors. Tile floors are a popular choice for pet owners because they’re easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. However, over time your pets can damage your tile without the right care and precautions:
Caring for tile floors with kids is two-fold — caring for the floors helps maintain the tile over time and helps keep your kids safe. Here are a few ways to protect and care for your tile floors with children in the house:
Here are the answers to some other frequently asked tile flooring questions:
Vinegar is slightly acidic, which means it can damage certain types of tile floors, including marble and granite. However, porcelain and ceramic tile are durable enough that vinegar won’t damage them. Vinegar is safe to use in homemade tile cleaning solutions. As always, double-check your manufacturer’s recommendations before cleaning with any product.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles vary between manufacturers, so it’s best to consult with your flooring warranty to determine the most effective and safest way to clean your tile floors.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both great options for various flooring needs. Neither is necessarily better than the other — the best choice for you depends on your needs. Weigh your options with a flooring professional to determine the best choice for your application.
If you’re considering new tile flooring, 50 Floor offers high-quality service and products at affordable prices. From consultation to installation, we’ll help you find the best tile flooring for your home. For more information about our flooring solutions, contact us or schedule an appointment today.