Maintaining your tile floors can be a little bit of work. But, just like everything else in life, you get out what you put in. The most important factor when it comes to taking care of your tile flooring is knowing what type of tile you own and what kind of treatments are safe for that particular type of tile. If you have natural stone you definitely want to avoid using any cleaners that contain acid, vinegar, or bleach. These products can wreak havoc on natural stone by etching and eating its way into the surface of the tile. Not exactly the results you want from an attempted cleaning. So make sure you understand the maintenance guidelines for your particular type of tile flooring.
When it comes to keeping your tile clean there are a few simple steps that, if followed, can really maximize your maintenance efforts. First of all, just like your carpet, you want to make sure to vacuum your tile flooring regularly. It may seem like sweeping would be the better option here but using a vacuum made for hard floors is more effective and actually less abrasive on your floors. After giving the floor a good vacuuming it’s a great idea to follow up with a micro-fiber sweeper. This would be something similar to a Swiffer that can pick up anything the vacuum might have missed.
Tile flooring will also need to be mopped on a regular basis. Routine moppings will help to keep your tile looking fresh and new. For mopping you will want to use a string mop rather than one with a sponge head. And if possible look for a string mop made of micro-fiber. These types of mops, like the sweeper, are very good at getting up whatever is dirty without causing scratches to your tile. Don’t use too much detergent when you mop. Too much detergent can cause residue build up which can lead to more work for you later down the line. A little can go a long way. Also, stick to a neutral pH cleaner made for tile. This type of cleaner is gentle yet effective.
When mopping, rinse your mop frequently with clean water. This will prevent you from re-distributing dirty water onto your floors. And finally, every third time you mop, use only water. This will basically give your floors a good rinsing and will remove any residue that may have built up from previous cleanings.
Following these few easy cleaning tips will keep your floors looking their best. Understanding what type of tile you own and following the maintenance guidelines set out for your specific type of tile will keep them under your feet for many years to come.
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