You love the look of tiles, but how well do you know the different types of tiles? Knowing which tile best suits your needs can make future remodeling plans easier.
Of course, if ease of cleaning is a priority for you, you can’t go wrong with ceramic and glass tiles. Porcelain tiles are also a good option, as well as natural stone tiles, but only if you know which tile cleaners to use.
That said, let’s discuss how to clean tiles properly, what tools and cleaners to use, and when to go for professional tile cleaning and restoration.
First Things First: Avoid These Tile Cleaning Mistakes
Regardless of the tile material, you can make them last a long time if you avoid abrasive cleaning. It also doesn’t matter where in your home you’ve used tiles.
Whether you’ve used them for flooring or walls or even in unexpected places like offices or sunrooms, think twice before using vinegar or bleach since these can deteriorate the seal on grout and tile.
Other no-nos to keep in mind include using a dirty mop and dirty water to clean tile floors and over-scrubbing. It’s also not advisable to use too much water, as grout is porous. You should also wipe spills immediately, especially with natural stone tiles, unless you want them permanently stained.
Some Tips for Choosing Tile Cleaners
Speaking of natural stone, the best cleaning solution for such tiles is a pH-neutral tile cleaner. If you can find one with linseed oil, better, as this can help make your tiles shiny.
Now, if you’re dealing with a tough stain, resist the urge to use a bristle brush or a scouring pad. Apply your cleaner in a heavier concentration, allow it to soak for a few minutes, then wipe clean with warm water.
For ceramic and porcelain tiles, use a diluted solution of mild detergent. A microfiber mop or cloth works great for tile floors, especially with glazed tiles. For unglazed tiles, you can leave them to air dry after rinsing the cleaning solution with water.
You can also use the same cleaning solution for terra cotta and quarry tiles. Stains can be removed with a mixture of oxalic acid and water. However, yearly sealing is a must for both to protect against stains and make cleaning easier.
When Cleaning Isn’t Enough
Perhaps you read this too late, and some of your tiles have already chipped or cracked. You might have spots with damaged grout. In such cases, tile restoration is your best bet.
For outstanding results, work with a reputable and experienced contractor. You don’t want the headache of working with someone who doesn’t pick up calls or worse, pushes solutions that don’t meet your tiling needs.
Are You Looking for Tile Experts in Boise, Idaho?
If you need a solution for your grout and tile problems, there’s one name you can trust – The Groutsmith.
Let us help you restore the beauty and functionality of your tile and grout surfaces. We are a locally owned and operated company whose goal is to save Boise homeowners thousands of dollars with our services.
Check out our Before and After section to learn more about our work. You can also ask us any questions, including which tile cleaners to use, by calling 208-297-2306 or emailing groutsmith11@gmail.com.
