Tile cleaning – Tips

There are different types of tiles available such as natural stone (granite, sandstone, limestone, slate) and man-made tiles including porcelain and ceramic, and these are becoming increasingly popular in the home.  Tiles are often chosen for their look – they are, after all, available in a limitless range of colours, shapes, designs and finishes.  However tiles are also relatively easy to clean and look after so it is often a choice made based on ease of maintenance.

Tiles are easy to clean, but if not carefully looked after and cleaned regularly it is amazing how fast the floor can lose its visual appeal and acquire an uneven, dull and unsatisfactory appearance.  When considering the cleaning and maintenance of your floor, there are several factors to consider.

-Don’t forget the grout

Tile grout is a construction material, which is generally used to fill voids and seal joints, and can be found between the tiles.  It generally consists of a mixture of sand, cement and water and is a porous substance meaning it can stain easily.  Although the grout only accounts for a fraction of the overall surface area of the floor, if it becomes dirty or stained, it is remarkable how great an impact it can have on the overall floor.

-Seal the floor

This is probably the single most important step as a good sealant will offer additional protection and prevent staining from occurring.  It is important to make sure the sealant is applied to an already clean floor (it is incredible how often it isn’t), that a separate sealant is applied to the grout (there is a range of colour grout sealants available) and that the right type of sealant is chosen, especially when dealing with natural stone tiles.  If you have any doubts a tile cleaning specialist will be able to recommend one for you.

-Protect against surface scratching

Scratching damages the surface of the tiles and also removes and damages the sealant, exposing the surface of the floor.  Scratching is usually caused by dirt and grit particles walked in off the street so doormats should be used, and the floor should be regularly swept and dust cleaned.  Care should also be taken when moving heavy objects such as furniture and care should be taken with chairs.

-Clean regularly

The best way to clean a floor is to stop it getting dirty, so clean regularly and stains won’t be allowed to build up.  Ideally the floor should be cleaned at least once a week using a mop and some warm water, with a little detergent or a neutral PH cleaner.  If you have any doubts as to which products you can use, find a stain you cannot shift or need some advice, you would be advised to contact a professional tile cleaning company for advice.