Taking care of your home floor tiles

Home and Garden Writer

One of the many advantages of having tile floors is the maintenance factor.

It is true that the tile is easier to clean than other flooring surfaces, especially when sealed correctly. If not sealed correctly, the grout can soak up stains and leave your living space looking less than pleasant.  There are stain resistant grouts available to help with this, but regular cleaning will still be necessary to maintain long lasting tiles.

Depending on the type of tile you have, there are different techniques and guidelines to follow when cleaning your floors.

Natural stone products, for example, are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile.

To keep your tile floors looking their best, always make sure to follow the guidelines provided by your tile manufacturer.

How to clean ceramic and porcelain tile floors

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are incredibly durable, and a few easy cleaning tips can keep these types of floors looking sparkling. What you just need to do is sweep or vacuum your tile floors regularly to keep them from getting dull. Ceramic tiles may be resistant to dirt, but sand and grit can dull the glazed surfaces. You also need to choose the right floor mop. Clean tile with mild detergent and clean water using a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop. These mops are best for cleaning tile because sponge mops tend to push dirty water into the grout lines, making them harder to clean.

Be sure to change the water frequently while mopping; dirty water equals a cloudy floor.

Be on the look for tile stains: If you find a discolouration, first try to determine what type of substance made the stain. Use the appropriate cleaner for the stain for the most effective clean. Watch for soap residue: If your tiles look hazy even after cleaning, you might be dealing with soapy residue. Remove the film with a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner. You could also try a homemade cleaner with mild acid (such as fresh lemon juice) on ceramic or porcelain tiles (but never on stone tiles).

Dry the tiles: Don’t let your glazed tile floors air-dry as the sitting water will form water spots. Take care of that by drying the floor with a clean, lint-free cloth immediately after washing.

How to clean stone tile floors

Be careful when you are working with natural stone tile like slate, granite or marble. Chemicals in traditional cleaners can damage the surface of these materials. Instead, clean your stone tiles with cleaners made specifically for natural stone.

How to clean resilient tile floors

Made from materials like linoleum, vinyl, cork and rubber, resilient tile is a great option if you want a surface that’s easy on the feet and needs minimal maintenance.

Vinyl tile: This super resilient flooring type is also easy to maintain. Simply sweep or vacuum up debris and mop with a vinyl cleaning solution or water and vinegar. Never use an abrasive cleaner or scrubbing tool on vinyl as it may scratch the surface. – www.kbhome.com/homeandbeauty

Linoleum Tile: Though it’s often mistaken for vinyl flooring, linoleum is a very different material that has specific cleaning requirements. After sweeping or vacuuming, wash the linoleum tile with linoleum flooring cleaning solution or Borax detergent and water. Rinse clean and let the floor dry. To protect your linoleum floors, apply a coat of wax or liquid wax and buff to a shine every three to six months.

Marble Tile: Marble makes stunning tile, but it’s also high-maintenance. Avoid cleaning marble tile with anything that has an acidic PH level. Cleaners with lemon or vinegar should be avoided, as they can etch the surface of the tile. Also stay away from anything that may scratch the marble, such as brushes with tough bristles or scouring powders.

Granite Tile: Like slate and marble tile, granite tile needs to be cleaned with a mild detergent that is pH-neutral. A harsh cleaner risks leaving streaks or discoloration on the tile. You also may want to buff a polished granite floor to keep it looking shiny and clean. – www.kbhome.com/homeandbeauty

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