Ceramic tiles can be one of the most rewarding additions to your home. However, once they have actually been installed, it’s crucial that you take care of them properly and keep them clean in order to truly benefit from their beauty and practicality, as even the best quality tiles can deteriorate without care. Here are some of our tips for ensuring that your tiles can continue to look their very best for years to come.
– Floor tiles in particular can collect dirty quickly, especially in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or bathroom, where many people are walking through and using the room every day. Dirt can adhere to the surface of tiles, particularly if they are textured, so you will need to regularly sweep and vacuum your tiled floor in order to get rid of this loose dirt. Mild soap and water can be applied to the surface of your tiles every so often to keep them looking fresh; there’s no need for abrasive scourers or brushes as these could scratch the surface of your tiles. A bit of regular vacuuming and cleaning with a cloth or mop will keep your tiles looking their best.
– The grout in between the tiles can be more susceptible to stains such as food spills than the tiles themselves. It can also start to lose its lustre due to age. If your grout needs some attention to get back to sparkling white, there are several ways to restore it. There are various brands of grout cleaner and specially designed grout brushes available. Some of these cleaners have anti-fungal ingredients to prevent a build up of mould in warm, steamy areas such as bathrooms. Bleach can be used on white grout but may discolour other kinds of grout, so use with caution. You can also try home made cleaning products such as a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
– Good quality tile sealants will help to protect your tiles and grout and keep them looking clean. Applying this sealant is a simple process and it offers outstanding results for a very affordable price. The initial step is to quickly clean the surface and remove any dirt or debris before applying the coating. Once satisfied, apply the sealer evenly. This will create a coat over the top of the floor and help it to last longer.