If you are considering ceramic tile as an option or just installed it in your home, it is important to know how to care for it so it lasts. When properly cared for, a ceramic tile floor can last for decades and look brand new! Ceramic tile is a relatively low-maintenance flooring option, so keeping it in great shape is easy.
Read on to learn three tips for caring for ceramic tile floor to help extend its lifespan and keep it looking great:
- Remove Debris and Liquid Spills ASAP to Prevent Tile Damage
The first step to caring for your ceramic tile floor is removing debris and liquid spills from your floors as soon as possible. When family members walk on dry debris on your ceramic tile floor, they can work the debris into the floor and scratch the surface. In addition, while glazed ceramic tile is relatively waterproof, spilled liquids can still stain the tile if not removed in a timely fashion.
- To prevent tile floor scratches, gently sweep dry debris off your tile floor with a broom at least once a day. Avoid working debris into the surface of the floor while sweeping, which can scratch the floor.
- Clean liquid spills up immediately with a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution made of one gallon of warm water and 1/4-cup white vinegar. Alternatively, use a special cleaning solution made specifically for ceramic tile.
- Mop and Dry With Gentle Products
How often you need to mop your ceramic tile floor will vary based on many factors, such as how much foot traffic the floor receives. However, when you do mop your floor, avoid using a cleaning solution that contains bleach, ammonia, or any abrasive ingredients. Cleaning agents that are too harsh can damage the tile glaze or the tile itself.
Instead, clean your floor with the previously mentioned water and white vinegar solution, a bucket of warm water and a drop of liquid dish soap, or a special ceramic tile floor cleaner.
Do not mop your ceramic tile floor with a sponge mop, which can work loose debris into the floor, potentially scratching it, and work dirty water into grout lines. Instead, mop ceramic tile with a soft microfiber mop, taking care to avoid pressing the mop head firmly onto the tile.
While you can wait for your ceramic tile to air dry, drying it with a gentle chamois will prevent hard water spots from developing as your floor dries.
- Reseal Grout on a Regular Basis
All tile grout is sealed after installation to protect the grout from staining, water damage, and mildew growth. However, be aware that no tile grout sealant lasts forever, and the sealant will need to be reapplied.
To determine if your tile grout needs to be resealed, simply place a drop of water on the grout. If the water seeps into the grout, then that is a sign that the last coat of sealant wore off and your grout is ready to be resealed!
Follow these ceramic floor care tips to keep your Premier Flooring ceramic tile flooring in great shape for many years!
Looking to add Ceramic Tile to your Home? Contact us today!
There is a wide variety of ceramic tile flooring and other materials that would work well for your home, depending on your needs. If you would like more information about the benefits of ceramic flooring or the options we offer at Premier Flooring, please reach out to our team. We can’t wait to help you enhance your home! If you are looking for flooring in Northern Virginia, please contact us to schedule a free consultation.