Tile floors can be certainly exquisite. That is until they get dingy and the grout seems as if it had been drawn on by a black magic marker. There’s not any means of avoiding soiled tile. As long as you are walking on it dirt and soil will build up in time. However it is possible to slow down this progression and ways to restore your tile after it has already been dirtied.

There are various forms of tile to select from. Each offers its very own distinct style and flavor. But whether you’ve ceramic, travertine, or marble one thing remains the same. You must keep it clean.

A handy item to have in your arsenal is a vacuum designed for hard surfaces. These work much better than sweeping because they remove more soil and will not scratch your floor. You may also want to look into getting a micro-fiber or Swiffer mop/sweeper. These are gentle enough to pick up anything left behind after vacuuming without creating any scratches.

When mopping your tile it is ideal that you use a string mop. And if available, one made from a micro-fiber. You don’t want to use an excessive amount of detergent of any kind on your tile. This tends to produce a residue buildup that could attract more soil. What you would like to use is a neutral pH cleaner manufactured for tile. Keep in mind to rinse your mop out frequently with plain water to get out soils as well as detergent residue. As a general rule it is good to mop your floor with plain water every third time you clean. This helps refresh the tile and free it of any buildup that may have occurred from prior cleanings.

It is always essential to be familiar with your tile. Different types of tile require different kinds of maintenance. For instance, never use an acid cleaner, vinegar, or bleach on natural stone. These products can etch into the surface and leave imperfections and other unsightly markings. It is also advised that you not wax your stone or tile. Wax can leave residues that can lead to more damage. Ideally you should polish your natural stone floors on a regular basis to keep it looking its best. For this it is best to call in a pro.

Cleaning grout is a bit more laborous. There really isn’t an easy way to take care of it. Cleaning traditionally entails getting down on to the floor with a little brush and exercising that elbow. You’ll want to be sure to utilize a high alkaline cleaner along with that little brush and rinse after scrubbing.

If you’re getting grout installed it is very important to get it sealed within 10-14 days. And make sure the sealer is only applied after the grout has been thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise you are just sealing the dirt with the grout.

Now as soon as that tile gets past your capabilities you’ll want to call in a professional tile cleaner. It is recommended that you have your tile floor cleaned professionally as well as sealed every 3-5 years. This will make your maintenance efforts less of a challenge and maximize the life of your tile.

Visit Tile Cleaning Richmond or Tile Cleaning Marietta for more info on tile and grout cleaning.