Getting tile floors can be quite an expensive but worthy investment. Not only do they look absolutely stunning especially in the right room setup, but they also feel cool and delightful under bare feet. Tile floors are also quite durable, especially those made of granite, marble, and porcelain. However, just because they’re naturally hardy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of them. Here are some tips on how to clean tile floors like a pro as well some general advice regarding tile floor maintenance.
Clean Tile Floors Regularly
Just like any kind of floor, regular cleanings are a must. Even just sweeping daily can go a long way towards preserving the look and feel of your tiles. It also helps you avoid the scenario where you’d need to use harsh chemicals and a lot of elbow grease to scrub away annoying stains and grime in order to get your tiles looking halfway clean again. It may seem tedious at first, but strive to make it a habit and your tile floors will always look attractive, while also being very easy to maintain.
Never Use a Straw Broom
Straw brooms can scratch and scuff your tiles, so choose something with very soft bristles. Anything hard or abrasive can and will cause permanent damage to your tiles, as well as wear away their shine. Alternatively, you can also use a microfiber mop or a vacuum cleaner.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Accidents happen, especially when kids or pets are around. Spilled milk and food, sauces thrown all over the floor, mud prints, you name it. It’s in your best interest to clean up these wet messes as soon as they occur, and not just for safety reasons. Letting these spills and messes sit for any amount of time may cause them to discolor or stain your tiles; porous tiles may also absorb the smell. Both will be notoriously hard to remove with conventional cleaning methods, and may require harsh chemicals or even professional cleaning. Avoid this scenario by simply having a set of clean microfiber wiping cloths and disinfectant handy at all times.
Mop with Warm Water Once a Week to Keep Their Shin
Mopping your tile floor with warm water once a week will give your tiles the deep cleaning they need and also help preserve their shine. Just remember to dry the floor right after with a dry mop or cloth as soon as you’re done. You don’t want the leftover moisture to form stains and streaks, after all.
Place a Doormat Inside and Outside Your Home
If you’re in the type of household that allows visitors and guests to keep their shoes on inside your home, then you should definitely look into placing doormats at the entrances and exits of your home. This will remind people entering your home to wipe their feet before stepping on your tile floors, and as such minimize the chances of anyone tracking mud or water. Doormats are especially handy during rainy seasons.
Put Rubber Feet or Stoppers on Mobile Furniture
Another huge threat to the beauty of your tiled floors is the risk of your furniture’s feet grinding against the surface. This can cause scratches and scuff marks, and even wear the tiles down with repeated movements (such as with computer chairs). To prevent this, either lay down a rug underneath the mobile piece of furniture or ensure that their feet are covered in rubber.
Clean the Grout with Baking Soda
Keeping the grout clean is also an important part of tile floor maintenance. In fact, the grout is usually the first part of the floor to really get dirty. But before you bust out the chemicals to clean them, however, try using baking soda first. Mix some baking soda and water until you get a thick paste. Spread this liberally onto the grout and then leave it on overnight. Get to scrubbing with an old toothbrush before rinsing it all away with some warm water.
By keeping these tips in mind, your tile floors will always be as clean and as eye-catching as the day they were set down. Just remember that less is more when it comes to using harsh chemicals for your tiles; they’re works of art, after all, and should be treated as such!
