Tiled Floor Cleaning - Care and Maintenance

Tile flooring is a beautiful and popular choice for homes and commercial settings. One of the advantages is that it is easily maintained, provided it is installed properly and grout (if used) is sealed according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

Cleaning Tiled Flooring

Depending on the tile used, there are different methods to keep it clean.

For ceramic tile, cleaning is easy with warm water and mopping. Allowing it to dry on its own will help to increase the shine of the tiles.

For glazed tiles, vacuum the surface and mop with warm water. For really dirty tiles, use a gallon of warm water and a cap of white vinegar. Be sure to rinse afterwards.

For metal tile, warm water will usually suffice, but never use any abrasive pads. They will only scratch the surface.

For glass tiles, only use approved cleaning products as some may etch the glass. Use a soft cloth and wipe clean.

For stone tile, vacuum and mop regularly. Vinegar is not to be used, but there are cleaning products designed specifically for stone (and the various stone types), designed to avoid scratches or dulling of the tiles.

Vinyl and linoleum tiles will have an adhesive, which will mean that only certain cleaning products can be used to avoid damaging the adhesive and loosening of the tiles.

To clean grout, determine the type of grout used, and use a tile and grout cleaner specific for your tiles.

Maintaining Tiled Flooring

Regular tiled flooring maintenance will help keep tiles looking new, but from time to time it may be necessary to give these floors a boost, either to clean grout lines, seal the tiles, or even to replace broken or cracked tiles.

Daily maintenance, including sweeping or vacuuming any debris, dust and dirt from the surface will help alleviate scratching of the tiles. Using mats in entrance ways will help minimize the dirt that is tracked across the floor.

When grout becomes dirty, use a grout cleaner specifically designed for the type of grout and tile. Follow with a sealer to protect against further staining.

Regularly check for cracks in the grout so that repairs can be made to avoid damage to the tile or injury to someone tripping on an uneven surface.

Tiled Flooring Maintenance Do's

Clean tile floors regularly, making sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions as to methods and products that are suitable for the particular material.

Check frequently for any damage to tiles or the grout so that it can be dealt with quickly and ultimately avoid more costly repairs.

Use mats in entranceways to help reduce the amount of dirt, dust and debris that is tracked onto the tiles.

If cracks in the tile or grout appear, call a professional to repair the problem before it becomes serious.

Be sure to purchase a few extra tiles with the initial installation in case a tile or two need to be replaced in the future.

Tiled Flooring Maintenance Don’ts

Avoid dropping heavy objects, including dishes and glasses on tile flooring. Either the dish will shatter or the tile itself will, depending on the type of tile. Vinyl and linoleum floor tiles may dent or suffer nicks and gauges when objects are dropped on them.

Don’t install slippery tiles in areas where water and moisture are frequently present.

Avoid using any chemical products, even vinegar, unless the manufacturer recommends it.

Because there are so many types of tiled flooring, maintenance is based on the material itself. Using the correct tiled flooring maintenance techniques will extend the life and beauty of tiled flooring for years to come.

Please remember the above is just a guide and you should seek professional advice.