When you first set eyes on your newly laid tiled surface the bright and shiny tiles instantly become an attractive feature that you are pleased to have in your home, but wear and tear over time can take a toll on how they look.
You don’t have to accept that your tiles are going to fade away into more of a tired look, and as long as you look after them in the right way they can continue to shine and retain their just-laid appearance.
Here are some tips and insights on how to look after your tiled surfaces. There is a guide on the best cleaning methods and which solutions to use for best results, plus some to avoid at all costs. You can also find out how to prevent damage to your tiles so they retain their good looks.
Pick porcelain
If you want a tiled surface that is easy to keep clean and looking as good as new the answer is to pick porcelain.
One the major attributes attached to porcelain tiles, aside from the fact that they look good, is that they are one of the easiest flooring materials to keep clean and shiny.
You can sweep and vacuum it with ease and a simple wipe over with a damp sponge dipped in a mix of water with a splash of white vinegar, is all you need to keep everything looking sparkly and clean almost like new.
Cleaning tip
If you have a textured porcelain tile surface you should be aware that this might require a few more steps to get the best cleaning result. Sweep or vacuum the surface first, following the direction of the tile. Then saturate the surface with a gentle cleaning solution by leaving it on there for about ten minutes. Finally, scrub the floor in both directions and then rinse the floor clean.
Protect your tiles from damage
If you notice a chipped or broken tile you might need to drill out the damaged area and replace the tile, with the help of the right drill bit acquired from someone like rs-online.com.
There is not much you can do to prevent a tile getting damaged by accident if something drops on the surface, for example, but what you don’t want to do is cause damage to the tile as a result of incorrect cleaning.
There are a couple of prevention and safety measures to be aware of so that you can help to protect your tiles from damage.
Don’t clean porcelain floor tiling with any cleaning solution that contains bleach or ammonia as they could affect the grout colour and consistency. It would also be advisable to steer clear of using any oil-based detergents on the surface, and that includes wax cleaners and sealants.
It would also be a smart move to use a rug at outdoor entrances, as this will help to reduce the chance of dirt and particles being trodden into the tile flooring from outside.
Look after your tiles and they should retain their good looks for a decent amount of time.
Emily Jennings has learned so much since she started renovating her home 18months ago. Working room by room she shares her tips and tricks along the way.
photos via rum magazine
This is great, thanks! We just bought a new house so I’ll definitely keep these in mind.