Tile is a beautiful and timeless addition to any home. It can add sophistication and elegance, or it can simply be to add some fun and personality to a room. However, many people make the mistake of not taking care of their tiles properly, which can lead to them becoming ruined over time. This blog post will discuss how you might be doing tile cleaning wrong and how to prevent ruining your tiles!
Using Abrasives
Abrasives are materials that are used to grind, polish, or clean surfaces, such as steel wool or wire brushes. They can come in the form of powders, liquids, or pads. Many people think that abrasives are the best way to clean tile floors, but this is actually not the case. Abrasives can damage a tile floor by scratching or dulling the surface. The tiles will end up looking dull and faded, and they will be more susceptible to dirt and grime. Instead of using abrasives, opt for a mild detergent or cleaner specifically designed for tiles.
Not Sealing the Tile
Sealing your tile is important to protect it from stains, water damage, and dirt. However, many people forget to do this or don’t do it properly. If you don’t seal your tile, you’re basically giving it a free pass to get ruined. Water and other liquids can seep into the tile, causing it to crack or break. Tile and grout Sealing your floor tiles is easy and only takes a few minutes. You can get a sealant at your local hardware store, and all you need to do is apply it to the tile with a brush or roller.
Cleaning with Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can be very damaging to ceramic tiles. They can strip away the sealant, causing the tile to become stained or discolored. They can also eat away at the grout, causing it to crack or crumble. Some examples of harsh chemicals that you should avoid using on tile are chlorine bleach and ammonia. If you need to clean your grout lines, stick to mild detergents or cleaners specifically designed for tile. These will go a long way in preserving your tiles.
Using the Wrong Cleaner
There are a lot of different cleaners on the market, and it can be tempting to just use whatever you have lying around the house. However, using the wrong cleaner can actually damage your tile. Some cleaners are too harsh and can strip away the sealant or damage the grout on your bathroom or kitchen floor. Others are not strong enough and won’t actually clean the tile properly. Stick to cleaners specifically designed for tile, and you’ll be sure to get the best results.
Not Cleaning Regularly
Cleaning your tiles regularly is important to keep them looking their best. Dirt, dust, and grime can build up over time, making the tile look dull and faded. If you let it go for too long, the dirt can damage the tile in your kitchen or bathroom floor. Make sure to sweep or vacuum your tile regularly, and mop it with a mild detergent or cleaner specifically designed for tile.
Letting Spills Sit
Spills happen, but if you’re not careful, they can cause serious damage to your tile. If a liquid is left to sit on the tile for too long, especially one that is of a dark liquid like coffee or a soda, it can seep into the material and cause the tile to stain or discolor. It can also damage the grout. So, clean up any spills as soon as they happen. Use a mild detergent or cleaner specifically designed for tile, and blot the spill with a clean cloth.
Wet Mopping
Wet mopping is a great way to clean your tile but it can also be damaging if you’re not careful. If you use too much water and soap scum, it can seep into the tile and damage the grout. This will cause the grout to crack or crumble over time. When wet mopping, carefully wring out the mop head before mopping. You should also avoid using too much water, and make sure to dry the entire floor afterward with a clean and soft cloth.
Not Recaulking
If your tile starts to look dull or faded, it might be time to recaulk. Caulking helps to seal the tile and protect it from water damage, stains, and dirt. It can also help to make your tile look new again. You can get caulk at your local hardware store, and all you need to do is apply it to the natural stone tile with a caulking gun. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and caulk any cracks or gaps in your tile.
Does Vinegar Destroy Tiles?
Vinegar is a powerful, organic, and effective cleaning option that’s increasingly popular thanks to its non-toxic, sustainable qualities. But it’s not suited for all surfaces. Vinegar provides an effective and safe deep cleaning agent for tiles made from glazed or nonporous materials such as porcelain, ceramic or glass; however, avoid using it on porous materials like natural stone, travertine or wood tiles as the acid can be easily absorbed. Your surfaces could suffer long-term damage if you apply vinegar solutions to them. So, use it wisely!
What Is the Best Way to Clean Tile Floors?
The best way to clean tile floors depends on the tile surface type and soiling degree. Here are some general steps that can help you clean your tile floors effectively:
- Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. This will help prevent the dirt from being ground into the tile during the cleaning process.
- Mix warm water and a mild detergent or a specialized tile cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Dip a mop into the solution, wring it out, and then mop the floor, starting from the farthest corner of the room and working your way towards the door. Rinse the mop frequently and change the cleaning solution as needed.
- Use a specialized grout cleaner to clean the grout lines between the tiles. Rinse with clean water.
- After mopping, use a clean, dry mop or towel to dry the floor.
Contact the Experts at Magic Touch Carpet Repair and Cleaning
Scottsdale homeowners – if tile grout discoloration and dirt accumulation is making your floors look dull, bring your floors back to life with professional tile cleaning services. Magic Touch Carpet Repair & Cleaning has experienced tile cleaners who use pressure, steam cleaning machines, and specialty floor detergents to remove months’ worth of built-up dirt and grime from all types of tile material without damaging the surface of the tiles. With our excellent customer care, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home will be sparkling clean with no effort on your part. Contact us today for a consultation and an insight into how our professional cleaning process works and project timelines and cost estimates.
Other related floor cleaning services we provide:
- Tile and Grout Cleaning Services
- Carpet Cleaning, Replacement, Repair, Stretching, and Patching
- Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services
Visit our About Us page for more information about our company, or view our Gallery to see examples of our work.