After getting your new floor, cleaning tile floors is one of the first questions people often ask. When I made the decision to put in ceramic floors, I didn’t want to have to worry about the old linoleum yellowing or cracking. The installation of the ceramic floor was not really the problem. Instead, I knew there were a variety of tiles to choose from, including some that were a bit rougher and more uneven.
Ceramic tiles are popular for their beauty and the fact that they are easier to clean. And, these different tiles can also be used on walls and no matter what application you choose, a basic standard cleaning can keep them looking beautiful for many, many years.
Ceramic tiles can be purchased in two basic types; one is unglazed and the other is glazed. The difference is that the unglazed type usually requires more cleaning because they are not coated with an outer protective layer. Although this may be a consideration, the good news is that it can be cleaned under running water. By cleaning or mopping your tiles daily and then wiping them dry with a clean cloth, you can prevent the buildup of spills, mold, and hard water stains that occur in or around a kitchen sink area. .
One of the things I decided to do early on, some thought it was a little weird to do this, was apply a sealer that you can commonly pick up at your local building supply store. By applying this sealer, after the grout has had a chance to dry completely, you can avoid staining not only the tile but more importantly to me, prevent staining on the grout lines.
Here are some tips on what not to do. Do not use any type of abrasive cleaner on your ceramic floor or you could easily scratch the glaze or finish. If you are in doubt about a potential problem with your mosaic due to a product, do not use it. So if you have a really stubborn stain, try using diluted bleach that you would normally put on your clothes. As a safety precaution, be sure to wear thick rubber gloves and make sure your room is well ventilated. Always follow the specified safety procedures.
The old and tried sweeping the floor on a regular basis is also a good practice to follow. And yes, you can use a vacuum, but make sure you don’t use the whisk because it can damage the finish. Those crevice cleaning tools are also great for cleaning around the edges. To add a little more dirt-trapping ability, install doormats in doorways that lead to ceramic tiled areas. These mats collect a lot of sand that could otherwise collect everywhere.