Tile And Grout Cleaning: Tile Care Mistakes To Avoid
If you're looking for serious help with tile and grout cleaning, our cleaning experts at Zerorez can simplify your life with our professional cleaning solutions. For day-to-day tile cleaning, you probably have a small army of products and equipment that you use to try to keep your tile sparkling clean, but just because you have them, that doesn't always mean you should use them.
Here are some tile care and cleaning mistakes you should avoid:
1. Using Bleach- And Ammonia-Based Cleaners
There's a good chance you have some of these types of products in your house for everyday cleaning, but you should avoid using them for tile and grout cleaning at all costs. Bleach- and ammonia-based cleaners will discolor your grout over time; that's why it's best to use mild solutions.
2. Using Abrasives
You should never use steel wool, abrasive scrubbing powders, or any other scrubbing material on your tile. Tile has a finish that can be scratched and damaged by anything abrasive, so always use a sponge specifically designed for tile cleaning, as well as soft cloths and mops, to clean both tile and grout and avoid scratching the surface.
3. Not Cleaning Up Spills
Even with the finish on your tiles, they can still absorb stains. If you spill anything on your tile and grout that can cause a stain, like oily liquids, grease, tomato sauce, and beverages like wine and coffee, clean it up quickly so it doesn't seep in.
Rust stains can also develop if certain substances are left on tile surfaces, and these require specific professional cleaning methods for removal.
4. Using Your Vacuum's Beater Brush
If you use a vacuum to clean your tile flooring, make sure to use the bare floor setting. If you use the carpet setting, the beater brush will engage, and it will likely abrade the surface of the tile, which not only ruins the finish but leaves the tile more vulnerable to staining.
5. Not Keeping The Tile Clean
Dirt on the surface of your tile is not a big deal - until someone walks on it and grinds it into the tile. Dirt and grit can damage tile and grout, which is why you should sweep or mop tile floors on a daily basis. In addition, consider putting mats down inside and outside exterior doors to trap dirt before it gets to your tile floor.
6. Over-Wetting Tile
It's easy to slosh water on your tile floor when you're mopping, but it's not a great idea to slosh too much water or to leave it to air dry. The minerals in tap water can discolor both tile and grout. The moisture can lead to mildew and dingy grout lines, and even if it air-dries quickly, it can leave tile looking flat and dull.
Tips for Tile Care
Tile care is a crucial part of keeping your home or business looking its best. Whether you have ceramic tiles in your kitchen, porcelain on your bathroom floors, natural stone on your countertops, or glass tiles as a backsplash, each surface adds beauty and value to your space.
However, without regular cleaning and proper maintenance, dirt, stains, and grime can quickly build up, dulling the appearance of your tiled surfaces. Using the right cleaning solutions and techniques not only helps maintain the shine and cleanliness of your floors, walls, and countertops, but also extends the life of your tiles. By making tile care a routine part of your cleaning schedule, you can protect your investment and enjoy spotless, hygienic surfaces for years to come.
Tile Types and Specific Care Needs
Every tile type has its own set of care requirements, and understanding these differences is a critical step in maintaining clean and strong floors.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular for their durability and ease of cleaning, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. These tiles can usually be maintained with regular sweeping or mopping to remove dirt and stains.
Natural stone tiles, such as marble or travertine, are more porous and require special care. Using the wrong cleaning agent can cause staining or etching, so always opt for professional cleaning specifically designed for natural stone and avoid acidic cleaners at all costs.
Glass tiles, while stunning, are prone to streaks and scratches. When cleaning glass tile, use hot water and a microfiber cloth to gently remove soap scum and water spots without damaging the surface.
Metal tiles, often used for decorative accents, should be cleaned with gentle, non-abrasive solutions to prevent scratching and tarnishing.
For high traffic areas, regular cleaning and prompt attention to spills and debris are essential to maintain the surface appearance and prevent tile and grout haze or buildup. Sealing natural stone and grout provides added protection, while routine maintenance helps keep all tiled surfaces looking their best. By choosing the right maintenance techniques for each specific tile type and working with the experts at Zerorez, you can ensure your floors, walls, and countertops remain clean, protected, and beautiful.
