Tiles are definitely the future of the flooring and with proper care and maintenance; one can enjoy their intrinsic beauty and performance for years. Apart from their phenomenal resilience and durability, wall and floor tiles have the advantage of being low maintenance. So it is important to have a good understanding of the methods to care for your flooring and keep it in its original form for a long time. Here are some easy and quick tips to safeguard your tiles from losing its natural charm.
- Immediate Spill Cleaning: Without delaying wipe up both the indoor as well as the outdoor tiles for any kind of spills to avoid staining or dirt collection. Using an absorbent cloth and then water is the best way to keep the tiles dirt free.
- Dry Cleaning: Tiles should be broomed or vacuumed on the regular basis to avoid their appearance from getting dull and drab. Avoid using the hard bristled brooms to remove the dust as they can create scratches on the surface of the tiles. This is the easiest and the fastest way of tile cleaning.
- Wet Mopping: Mop up the tile flooring using clean water and the right kind of mop. Use of mild detergent on a daily basis is advisable as it keeps the tiles fresh and hygienic. Avoid using sponge mops and change the water frequently while mopping. Do take into account that the tile surface should be dried thoroughly after wet mopping to avoid any undue accidents and settling of dirt.
- Deep Professional Cleansing: Schedule a professional tile and grout cleaning at least once a year as it will make a huge difference in the appearance and the durability of the tiles. Professional cleaning helps to remove the deep rooted contaminants and tough stains. Just make sure that the cleaners are using eco- friendly cleaning techniques.
- Use of Doormats and Rugs: Placing door mats at the entrance and exits of the doors and rugs in high foot traffic areas is worthwhile as they act as an extra layer of protection. It will not only help in preventing the dirt building up in those floor tile areas but also will add an extra splash in the aesthetics.
Another important and critical factor to prolong the tile’s life and appearance is the grout maintenance. Grout is the backbone supply of tile installation and it’s highly recommended to maintain those grout lines with utter care and attention. Unlike tiles, grout is a slight porous material filled with microscopic holes, which captures water, dust and dirt. As a result, grout lines can easily get dirty, discoloured and unhygienic. Here is a list of few grout cleaning techniques, which when inculcated in daily routine can help to keep your space cleaner and more hygienic.
- Grout Sealing: It is recommended to seal the grout with a dedicated grout sealer that won’t affect the grout colouring and is easy to apply. Choosing a good grout sealer will help in bolstering the strength of the grout as well as help in enhancing the anti-mould properties of the grout. Sealing will help in limiting the grout’s exposure to air and water and thus will prevent the growth of moulds and mildews.
- Grout Scrubbing: Before scrubbing the grout lines with any of your choice of mild cleaner, sweep the area with a microfiber cloth. This will help in removing the superficial dirt that is present on the grout. Follow this by wiping down the surface with wet cloth dipped in hot water to collect and remove any dirt that is remaining on the surface. After this simply use a soft bristled brush and grout cleaner to scrub off the muck. Do not forget to wear hand gloves for your protection.
- DIY Grout Cleaner: Indigenous ingredients that are easily available in your kitchen can also be used as effective grout cleaners. Baking Soda, Vinegar, Salt, Lemon juice are few options that can help in cleansing the grout lines effectively and without affecting the tiles. But before using these products it is always best to ask and take recommendations from the manufacturer.
- Last but not the least, always keep a squeegee handy to remove excess water from the tiling areas like bathrooms, porch, patios, terrace and other interior and exterior areas. Avoid the use of cleaning tools like metal brushes, sandpaper or cleaners containing acid or bleach. For more such recommendations about tiles, their installation and buying a myriad varieties of tiles; visit pavits.
