How to Clean Your Floor like a Pro – Tile

When it comes to places in your home like bathrooms and the kitchen, there are few more popular options for flooring than tile. Tiling is generally the preferred options for these kinds of rooms because they can be water and heat resistant, are easier to remove stains out of, and are more durable than their carpeting counterparts. However, tile, like any other kind of flooring, needs to be well-maintained and cleaned properly in order to have it looking great for a long time. There are some techniques exclusive to tile that can really help you clean your floor like a pro. Tile is generally easier to clean than carpet, but there are still ideal substances you’d want to use so that you don’t do more harm than good. It is recommended that you use merely a mild detergent and clean water so that you don’t fade or cloud the coloring on tile. Changing the water frequently while cleaning is a good idea as well because dirty water will have this effect. Try using a rag or a chamois mop rather than a sponge one, because sponge mops tend to displace the water more often. This can push both water and dirt into the grout lines of tile, which is much more difficult to clear out than the flat top surface. It may seem obvious, but vacuuming and sweeping does wonders for clearing off all of the surface level dirt, such as sand or dust. Besides general cleaning of the main part of the tile, advice for cleaning tile grout is always welcome since that is usually the trickiest part to clean. Liquid stains more easily creep into the grout and, since it is a more porous material, it tends to absorb and hold onto these staining agents. Just like with the rest of the tile, you don’t want to treat grout with anything that is too strong, and instead should go with a simpler solution. A baking soda and water paste is a great cleaning agent because of baking soda’s strong cleaning properties. In a pinch, a similar brew of a very light acid, lemon juice for example, may also be used so long as it is watered down a little bit. All of this advice is helpful for keeping your tile in great shape, however it is only recommended for general maintenance of tile. Inevitably, over the course of time, tile can become cloudy and worn down in terms of color and condition. Grout will, unless you use a regular sealant, find ways to stain and lose its original luster. Depending on the room and its regular usage, some kinds of tiles are vulnerable to different substances. For example, travertine tile does not hold up well against acidic liquids that are commonly used in the kitchen, such as vinegar or orange juice. Ceramic tile should be handled carefully when cleaned because excessive water can make it very slippery and increase the danger of falling and hurting oneself. While tile isn’t hard to clean, over time residue can take root and discolor it. While a mild cleaning agent can help some of this, if you’ve had your tile for a while you may find this task just a little more difficult every time. If you’re looking for a change of pace anyways, that might be the deciding factor in installing new tile into your home. A different type of tile might make a good switch, especially if you’ve noticed that the common uses in a room are negatively impacting the tile. In the above examples, for instance, travertine tile would be best used in a bathroom where cooking acids are uncommon, whereas ceramic tile might be better because it is more durable and won’t have the same slipping hazard that a water-high bathroom would. Whether you are looking to deep-clean the tile you already have in your home or replace it with something pristine and new, Naffco Flooring and Interiors has you covered. With years of experience, our friendly experts are able to work with you to determine the best course of action and what type of flooring would make the best fit for each room in your home. For more information about how we can help with your tiling or floor renovations, please call the South Tampa office at (813) 254-4066, the Carrollwood office at (813) 961-1362, or the Brandon office at (813) 413-8313.