"Get the tile," they said, "it's water resistant and easy to clean." But there you are, standing looking at grungy tiles and grout after the shine and luster has worn off from everyday use and exposure to dirt on the floor. Don't worry – we can help guide you with tips on how to restore the original beauty of your tile!
Best Way to Clean Tile Floors
The first thing you want to remember when looking for the best way to clean your ceramic or porcelain tile floors is that routine care and maintenance is important. This includes sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove dirt and debris before it has a chance to get embedded in the tile or grout. Here are some additional tips and tricks to making your tile floor look new forever:
Sweeping regularly is a great way to keep your tile floor clean. It's also important to sweep or vacuum up any loose dry dirt and dust before mopping the floor, to avoid creating a muddy mess. When sweeping, it is important to not use a straw broom as it will scratch the surface of the tiles. Opt instead for a broom with softer synthetic bristles, or the hard flooring attachment on your vacuum.
Mop your tile floor with warm water at a minimum of once per week and be sure to dry it right afterwards to avoid any new dirt from quickly setting into wet areas and becoming hard-to-remove later. Once again, your choice of cleaning tools here is important. Use a rag or chamois-type mop instead of a sponge mop when cleaning your tile floors; sponge mops tend to push dirty water into the grout lines and could make them harder to clean.
On top of regular weekly cleaning, doing a deep-clean of your tile on a monthly basis can extend the life of your floors. When deep cleaning your tile floors, it is recommended that you check with the manufacturer for the best cleaning solution for the product so you don't risk damaging the tiles.
How to Maintain Your Tile Floors
In addition to regularly cleaning, there are several other preventative steps you can take to maintain the aesthetic of your tile floors.
- Wipe up spills, including water, immediately using absorbent cloths.
- Use doormats both outside and inside your home to eliminate the tracking of dirt and water on the floors (especially during rainy spring days or snowy winter days).
- If you have dogs or outdoor cats, chances are they will also track dirt and mud into the house. Try to clean their paws frequently to keep your tile floors as clean as possible - it's good for them, too!
Finding the Best Cleaning Solution for Your Tile Floor
As we mentioned before, it is important to check with the manufacturer of your tile or your local retailer on the best products for the job. At Avalon, we carry Miracle Heavy Duty Cleaner and OceanCare Products which are known for their ease of use, environmental friendliness and overall effectiveness. OceanCare offers a variety of solutions for any job – check it out below:
