How to Properly Care for Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile floors are a wonderful option for kitchens and bathrooms. Those living on the beach may even choose to put tile throughout their home. However, it’s important that you know how to properly care for tile flooring or you could risk having a floor that is slippery and dangerous. Here’s everything you need to know about how to care for ceramic tile flooring.
Sweep or Vacuum to Remove Dust and Dirt
Depending on the traffic through the area, you may want to sweep or vacuum daily. However, in most cases, a weekly sweeping will do just fine. If you do choose to vacuum the floor instead of sweeping, be sure to set the vacuum to the bare floor setting so that you don’t ruin your floors.
Clean with Tile and Grout Cleaner
Each tile and grout cleaner is different so you’ll want to follow the directions listed on the package to mix the cleaner with water. Once mixed, apply the cleaner to the floor and allow the cleaner to stay on the floor for 3 to 5 minutes. Then agitate the cleaner with a sponge or mop and then mop up the cleaner. You will need to rinse the mop and change the cleaning solution for every 500 square feet.
Rinse the Floor with Clean Water
Next, you’ll want to rinse the floor with clean water so that you’re sure to remove all the cleaning solution. If the cleaning solution builds up, and doesn’t get rinsed away, it can become dangerous, especially in bathrooms and other areas where water may come in contact with the dried cleaner.
Remove Excess Moisture
Once the floor is thoroughly rinsed, you will need to clean up the excess water with a dry mop or wet vac. This will help ensure that you don’t have water spots on the floor and that someone doesn’t come through and slip.
Wipe Dry
Last, but not least, go over the floor one more time to wipe it dry. The dry mop and wet vac will take up any puddles of water, but you’ll want to go over it once more with a dry rag style mop to get it nice and dry.
Ceramic tile flooring is a great option is any home where you don’t want to fool with the fuss of cleaning a carpet or maintaining a hardwood floor. However, there is some cleaning involved and this cleaning is important because ceramic tile flooring can become slippery from grease and dirt build up. Thankfully, the steps are easy and most homes will only require a monthly cleaning to ensure the floors remain clean and safe.
About the Author: Dane Hollenshead specializes in flooring installation and enjoys working with both ceramic and porcelain tile. He feels they lend a classic feel to many rooms – especially bathroom and kitchen environments!
