Whether you have natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, glass, or luxury vinyl tile, this blog post will outline all the steps you need to take to maintain its quality and keep it looking its best.
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Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone is widely known as the most high-maintenance tile option, but its beauty, value, and durability make it a popular choice.
Sealing and Resealing Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone tile must be sealed immediately after installation and resealed periodically. To check whether your natural stone floor needs to be resealed, try a simple water drop test.
Drip a tablespoon of water onto a high-traffic area of the tile. Wait 15 minutes and check to see whether the tile absorbed the water. If it did, it’s time to reseal it with a penetrating sealer to ensure your natural stone remains water-resistant. Learn more about sealing your tile in our guide.
Cleaning Natural Stone Tile
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We recommend researching the specific type of natural stone tile you have to learn more about the best cleaning products to use. However, you can clean most types of natural stone with a concentrated, pH-neutral cleaning solution after sweeping or vacuuming away any dust and debris. Choose a broom with soft bristles, as natural stone is easily scratched.
In general, avoid products containing dyes, as they may stain your floor. Cleaning solutions with acids, even homemade options with lemon juice or vinegar, should also be avoided.
If you notice a powdery white buildup on your natural stone tile, it’s likely efflorescence (crystalline salt deposits), which can be a sign of a moisture problem. Scrubbing the tile with water can worsen these stains. Instead, use a nylon scraper to remove efflorescence.
When cleaning your grout, look for a grout cleaner specifically made for use on natural stone floors. Many grout cleaners are too abrasive for natural stone. Grout should be replaced every eight to 16 years.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
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As porcelain is a type of ceramic, both kinds of tile have the same cleaning guidelines. These materials are very low-maintenance and easy to clean. The only exceptions are unglazed porcelain and ceramic tiles, but the vast majority of tile on the market today is glazed.
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Cleaning Unglazed Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Sweep or vacuum and mop the floor regularly. When mopping, avoid fully saturating the tile, as unglazed porcelain and ceramic are more susceptible to water damage. Dry the floor with a clean towel after mopping, and clean any spills as soon as possible to prevent staining.
Seal your floor once a year with an acrylic stone sealer to make its pores more impervious to water. Mix one cup of sealer with around three gallons of water and apply it to the surface of the tile after a thorough cleaning.
Grout lines can be cleaned with a small brush and a mixture of water and baking soda. Replacing your grout as needed (usually every eight to 16 years) can keep your tile floor looking fresh and new.
Never use cleaning products containing dyes on an unglazed porcelain or ceramic floor, as they may stain your tile.
Cleaning Glazed Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Simply vacuum or sweep and mop the floor on a regular basis. Most cleaning products are suitable for glazed porcelain and ceramic tile, including dish soap, vinegar, and all-purpose cleaners, but it’s wise to follow the manufacturer’s instructions any time you’re in doubt.
You can remove soap scum and grease from wall tile using a cloth and multipurpose spray cleaner, and stains can often be removed with a mixture of one part water and one part vinegar.
Grout should be cleaned occasionally with a grout cleaner or a mixture of water and baking soda. Grout usually needs to be completely replaced every eight to 16 years. Discover the step-by-step grout replacement process in this article.
Steer clear from abrasive tools like steel wool and hard-bristle brushes when cleaning your porcelain or ceramic floor. Don’t use harsh chemicals, ammonia, or acids to clean your tile or grout.
Glass Tile
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Clean, shiny glass tile reflects light and brightens up any space–but it’s also prone to water spots and greasy fingerprints.
Regularly wiping down glass tile with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth will maintain its beauty and shine. If you notice that your glass tile has chalky residue or hard water spots, spray cleaner directly on to the affected areas and let it sit for five to 15 minutes before using a microfiber cloth to buff the tile.
Grout should be cleaned every few months and replaced as needed (usually every eight to 16 years).
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood. It may not be as durable as porcelain or ceramic, but properly caring for it can extend its lifespan.
Cleaning Luxury Vinyl Tile
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Sweep or vacuum regularly, and mop with a pH-neutral cleaner as needed. Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent slipping hazards and damage to the tile.
Never wax or steam mop LVT flooring, and avoid abrasive cleaners and products containing bleach.
Additional Maintenance Tips
To keep your LVT in mint condition, follow these tips:
● Use blinds or drapes to prevent direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours. Long-term sun exposure can lead to fading and thermal expansion.
● Use furniture protector pads to prevent scratches.
● Don’t drag or slide heavy furniture across LVT flooring.
● Maintain temperatures below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged high temperatures can lead to floor panels lifting and deforming.
Find the Perfect Tile for Your Home at Tilezz.com
Tilezz.com has an incredible selection of all types of tile! You can find natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, glass, and luxury vinyl in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns.
Scroll through our full product range here, or visit our blog for fun interior design inspiration posts and DIY tile installation guides.
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Special Savings
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