When one mentions a tile floor – fabricated ceramic tiles of the style commonly found in washrooms are what commonly come to mind – but there is a wide range of tiles available including natural slate and stone as well as a variety of fabricated tiles made to replicate the styles of their natural counterparts. The choice of any type of tile floor can be for a variety of reasons but from a purely aesthetic point of view, they are available in a wide range of colours, styles, shapes and sizes and offer a certain je ne sais quoi to any location – be it domestic or commercial.
On many occasions tile floors are chosen based on the apparent perception that it is easy to clean and maintain, and although it is far from the most difficult to keep clean, if regular maintenance and cleaning is overlooked you can soon be left with a dull, uneven or unsatisfactory appearance which regular cleaning efforts will not be able to correct. This usually happens given enough time.
Regular cleaning and maintenance starts with prevention, so the application of a good quality sealant is important, both for the surface of the tile but also the grout. Grout is a construction material used to fill the gaps between the edges of tiles, is relatively porous and can stain easily – so a good grout sealer will help to waterproof the surface and offer additional protection while aiding cleaning efforts. If you are unsure which grout sealant to apply, a company offering a professional tile cleaning service will be able to recommend and apply one for you.
Regular maintenance should include sweeping and vacuuming and the placing of doormats at entrances to reduce and remove the dirt and grit on the floor which can cause surface scratching. Mopping with warm soapy water should help keep the floor clean. Taking care when moving heavy objects and particular care with chair legs are fundamental, and spillages should be cleaned up immediately.
There may be a time when your floor become dull, acquires an uneven appearance or simply doesn’t change despite cleaning efforts. There are several possible explanations for this including surface build-up of grime and bacteria which, when it becomes noticeable, will have built up layer upon layer forming a stain which is difficult to shift. It is also possible that due to traffic, the sealant on the floor has simply worn out exposing the surface – as a rule tile sealant should be periodically re-applied. If any of these things occur – you would be advised to contact a professional tile cleaning service which can take advantage of modern equipment and techniques to restore your floor to its original state as well as re-apply a sealant.
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