Tile cleaning service – When will you need it?

There are many different types of tiles available and tiled floors are becoming an increasingly popular choice for both domestic and commercial settings.  The choice available includes natural stone and slate as well as fabricated ceramic tiles which can be designed to simulate the natural ‘rough’ finish of stone or have a shiny polished finished.  Tiled flooring is chosen for a variety of reasons including range of colours, designs and shapes but also due to the apparent perception that it is an easy floor to maintain and keep clean.

This perception is true to some extent, as tiled floors are usually very durable and long lasting, whilst many types of flooring require more careful maintenance.  However many people have the belief that ‘easy to maintain’ is equivalent to ‘maintenance free’ and this is where people may begin to have problems with their floor and may start to see a dull or uneven appearance as a result.

With regular maintenance and cleaning one should find one’s floor looking clean and like new for many years to come, and this all begins with the installation.  If possible, it is better to have the tiles professionally installed and have the grout (the construction material used to fill the spaces between the tiles) professionally applied.  Once this has been done, it is advisable to have a good sealer applied, especially to the grout – which is a highly porous material and has a propensity to stain.

Maintenance efforts basically involve keeping the surface of the floor scratch and abrasion free whilst regularly washing the floor surface.  Surface scratching and abrasions give a space for bacteria and staining to build up whilst also damaging any sealer that may have been applied.  Scratches are usually caused by grit and dirt walked in on the soles of shoes so doormats should be placed at entrances and care should be taken when moving heavy objects such as furniture.  Regular sweeping and vacuuming should remove the majority of surface dirt and grit leaving you free to mop the floor with warm water and a little neutral PH soap.

If you notice that the floor becomes dulled over time or develops an uneven appearance it may be time to contact a professional tile cleaning service.  It is possible that an un-cared for area has simply experienced a build-up of grime and bacteria over time which is difficult to remove and more modern techniques are required.  

There is also the possibility that the surface has been scratched and that more work is needed.  If the surface has been damaged or the sealer removed in certain areas, it may be advisable to contact a tile cleaning service for advice, and possible re-application of the sealer.