Many homeowners choose tile for their homes because of its aesthetic appeal and how easy it is to maintain. However, there’s a potential downside related to tile – the grout. Because it is porous and usually light-colored, it is prone to staining and water damage. If you don’t invest in proper maintenance, your grout may also crack and begin to develop mildew.
Investing in maintenance for your tile flooring may sound like a tedious chore, but there are a few tips that can help. Also, if you have recently invested in professional tile and grout cleaning, these tips will help you achieve the clean look.
Dust and Vacuum
You can use a dust mop or your vacuum to remove any dirt or dust before it gets embedded in your tile and grout surfaces. Avoid using a straw broom for this job, though. That’s because it can scratch your tile.
Mop the Surface
Take time to mop your floor using warm water one time per week. It’s also smart to use a mild soap, which will help to boost your tile’s color, gloss, and shine. Make sure you check with the tile manufacturer before using any type of cleanser to ensure you won’t damage your tile surface.
Make sure you dry your floor after using a damp mop to help avoid slips and falls. It will also reduce the likelihood of new dirt settling into the wet surface.
Clean Up Spills Right Away
If you spill something on your tile and grout surfaces, use some type of absorbent cloth to wipe it up. This will prevent the spill from collecting dust or causing people to slip. It will also help reduce the possibility of stains building up on your tile surfaces.
You can use a disinfectant or cleanser to clean more serious spills. Egg and raw meat spills require you to use a more aggressive cleaning product to keep bacteria from settling into the tile surfaces. Remember, some chemicals will cause tiles to appear dull, so consider mopping the area using plain water after cleaning.
Use Doormats
Make sure you put doormats on both sides of any door that leads in and out of your home. You can prevent water from getting tracked inside during bad weather by doing this. If you have tile flooring in your bathroom, consider using a bathmat to help keep the tiles dry.
Use Areas Rugs
Put runners or area rugs in areas that get a lot of foot traffic. This will help to prevent scratches, dirt build-up, and dulling that can occur in high-traffic areas.
Invest in Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning
Along with the tips above, it’s a good idea to invest in professional tile and grout cleaning from time to time. While this service is beneficial once per year if your home gets a lot of traffic, it may be beneficial to schedule it a few times a year to keep your tile and grout looking new.