How to Maintain the Ceramic Tile in Your Home

Ceramic tile is one of the most durable materials available today.  Available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, it’s an excellent choice because of its resistance to scratching and stains.  If properly cared for, your ceramic tile will last for years to come.  Below are some maintenance tips ranging from easy to clean messed to tough stains.

For daily upkeep, wipe the surface of your tiles clean with a damp mop or cloth.  Doing this just once per day will keep your floor’s surface from looking dusty and dull.  For further convenience, a vacuum is an easy way to keep the area clean as well.  Be sure only to use one that has a “bare floor” setting to prevent scratching the finish. 

If warm water isn’t sufficient alone, use a cleaner that is safe for grout and tile.  This could be a solution with a neutral pH level, which is a widely available cleaner that is effective at attacking everyday stains.  Use a mop for even distribution across the tiles you are cleaning. 

For more stubborn messes you would see in commonly used areas like the kitchen or bathroom, apply a neutral pH cleaner to the surface and let it sit for several minutes.  The additional time will allow the cleaner to absorb any dirt, soap scum, or water stains better and make it easier for you to wipe them away without intensive scrubbing.

If these methods fail to improve the floor by any of the above methods, an alkaline based cleaner will be your last line of defense.  Before you begin, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for using cleaners.  First, remove all surface dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming the area you want to clean. Once you have a smoother surface to work with, apply the cleaner and scrub the problem area with a pad that is not too abrasive.  A nylon pad is recommended to avoid damaging the tile.  Once you finish, rinse off the problem area with warm water.  While an alkaline based cleaner should work well for most messes, if there are there are calcium or rust stains present you should use a cleaner that is slightly more acidic as a lower pH level can break down these types of stains more effectively.

If you have any questions about the best way to keep your tile floor looking wonderful, feel free to ask the staff at Levis 4 Floors!