How to Care for a New Ceramic Floor
Installing a ceramic tile floor is an investment -- one that offers a high return in appeal and resale value. But, ceramic flooring is more than a “pretty face”. It boasts durability and resistance to common threats including fire, frost, and moisture.
This article was created not to tell you about the vast benefits of ceramic tile, but to share how to preserve your new ceramic flooring. Who doesn’t love a shining and spotless floor that lasts decades?
Setting Up
While installing your ceramic flooring, inspect the tiles for any cracks or dents. If you do spot a damaged tile it is necessary to replace or repair it as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary damage to the grout or surrounding tiles. To avoid this, purchase one or two dozen extra tiles so you have extra backup. Also, apply a liquid sealant to ceramic tile floors and grout. This creates an extra layer of protection against unwanted spills. Some ceramic tiles may already come with this feature, too, so make sure that you know what you're working with.
Cleaning Ceramic Tiles
Dirt and loose debris can linger on a ceramic floor and scratch it. Regularly sweep your ceramic tile floor in order to gently remove dirt from the floor. You can use a vacuum on your tile floor as long as the beater bar is turned off, as this can scratch your floor.
Wet mop your ceramic floor once a week to remove left behind dirt and keep your floors shiny and new looking. Use a manufacturer-recommended tile cleaner and avoid any harsh abrasives. For deep cleaning you can use a soft-bristled brush, warm water, and a mild soap on your ceramic floors. Be careful not to scratch the tiles and always rinse thoroughly when you are finished cleaning.
- Never use scrubbers or abrasives on your ceramic tiles
- Clean up spills immediately
- Use furniture foot protectors on all furniture
- Avoid cleaning with bleach, vinegar, or ammonia. The acidicy chemicals in these products, actually etches away at the surface of the stone.
- After mopping, dry the floor with a cotton towel or dry mop to remove the moisture and prevent water spots.
- Ceramic tile's outlying grout is very porous, so it's an equally important area to clean. For neutral-colored grout spray a solution of 50/50 of hydrogen peroxide with water onto the stained grout. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, dab then repeat. For colored grout, use a warm water and soap solution and follow the same process as above.
Caring for ceramic is simple but does require specific considerations. Taking proper care of your ceramic tiles will ensure your investment lasts a lifetime.
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