Many homeowners choose ceramic tile for their homes as they are some of the most durable tiles. They are available in a wide range of designs and styles for the best possible aesthetic match for your home. A big benefit of ceramic floor tiles is that they require very little maintenance and are super resilient, giving you the best value for your dollar.
There is however some maintenance required to ensure your tiles remain in great condition for years to come. Below we highlight some of the required care.
Tip 1. Clean spills and stains
The most important thing to remember when caring for your tiles is that, nothing should get the opportunity to stick or settle for a long time. As soon as dirt and spills happen, jump into action and wipe them up because if the spill settles in, it has the potential of staining the surface of your tiles, and that is not a look that you want. You can’t prevent spills and dirt from ending up on your floors, but if you clean them as soon as they happen, your tiles will never stop looking fabulous!
Tip 2. Avoid oily or soapy cleaning solutions
You can wipe your tiles regularly with a damp towel or sponge, but you should avoid using oily cleaning solutions, especially on ceramic tiles. Oily solutions may cause the tiles to become slippery, leading to accidents and potential injuries. Just sweep the surface of your tiles and use warm water and manufacturer recommended cleaning products to clean your tiles. You can also mix a cup of white vinegar and a gallon of water to get an odor-eliminating solution. This all-natural solution is also extremely safe for homes where you have children or pets.
Tip 3. Seal your grout
The installation of ceramic tiles is completed with grout that holds it in place. The grout can get dingy after long periods of use, but you can preserve the grout by sealing it after the tiles are installed. Sealing gives it a longer range before any discoloration can have the opportunity to set in. Protecting your grout also protects your tiles, so it is a win-win.
Tip 4. Bleach and clean grout regularly
Tile grout is typically white and over time, it can darken and become discolored. When you clean your tiles, the grout also gets cleaned. But, if you need to get rid of the dinginess, you can clean it with commercial products or bleach the grout if it still looks stained or discoloured. You can mix about 250ml of regular bleach with 2 litres of water and scrub the grout before rinsing.
Tip 5. Replace cracked tiles
Cracked tiles are an accident waiting to happen and they should be treated with urgency. If you notice cracks in your tiles, be sure to remove the damaged tile and replace with a new tile. Don’t forget to apply grout after replacing the tile and seal the grout to preserve and protect it. If you are not comfortable removing your old tiles and installing replacement ones, contact your local flooring specialist for assistance.
Though floor tiles, especially ceramic tiles, are quite easy to maintain, these above tips will make taking care of your tiles an easy task.