Ceramic tile cleaning tips
Ceramic and porcelain tile floors are popular and luxurious. However, if they are not cared for constantly or cleaned cautiously, they can quickly degrade. Replacement of a few tiles can be an expensive operation.
In this post, you’ll learn how to clean ceramic tile floors so they look like new for longer. You’ll also discover an innovative covering that looks like ceramic tiles, but has some fantastic extra benefits – such as durability and warmth.
Constant care – the key to long-lasting ceramic floor tiles
Sand, grit, and other microscopic sharp particles can ruin a ceramic tile floor. You probably won’t notice them until the damage is already done. They scratch and dull ceramic tiles, if allowed to remain on the surface.
To avoid this, you should vacuum ceramic tile floors at least twice every week. After vacuuming, the floor should be mopped with a gentle cleaning solution. Mix a mild detergent into warm water, and use a chamois mop rather than a sponge one. Replace the cleaning solution with a new bucket full as soon as it starts to become discolored. The discoloration is cause by dirt and tiny particles of grit – transferring these from the bucket to the floor will do damage to the tiles.
After mopping, if the tiles are covered with a haze, wipe with a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner. Buff to a shine with a clean cloth.
Grout – the filler that stains easily
Grout between ceramic tiles allows them to expand and contract without cracking. It also allows for small discrepancies in tile size when fitting. Your floor looks better and performs better. However, grout is porous, and so soaks up dirty water and other liquids. After only a short period of time, grout can look gross. To clean grout, spray with a grout cleaner (you could use a mild bleach solution instead) and leave to rest for a few minutes. Then get on your hands and knees and use a toothbrush to scrub the grout clean.
A no-fuss alternative to ceramic or porcelain floor tiles
If you want the luxurious look of ceramic or porcelain floor tiles, you could opt for the innovative Adura flooring. This is easy to maintain, and has a limited lifetime residential guarantee. It is also FloorScore certified – meaning it meets or beats all indoor air quality standards.
Adura Grout provides the look and feel of ceramic tiles, but benefits from extra warmth and comfort. A weekly sweep and occasional mopping should be enough to keep your floor looking and feeling fantastic. Adura from Mannington is a low-gloss flooring system, but for a shinier surface simply apply a few applications of polish, and follow with the simple maintenance regime. It doesn’t need waxing, and it doesn’t need buffing.
If you are considering updating your flooring, perhaps even considering ceramic tiles, contact Porter's. We’ll help you choose the best floor for needs, tastes, and home.