Well-maintained and clean tiles not only add to the beauty of our home, but also ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment for everyone. With proper care and maintenance, tiles can look as fresh as they did when they were first laid out. Take a look at the type of tile in your flooring, kitchen, or bathrooms. Different tile types require different cleaning methods. Here are the 5 commonly used tiles and the best ways to clean them.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a popular tile for the home as this tile type is easy to clean, durable, stain resistant, and lends a modern, sophisticated look. Porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and textures and can have a natural, polished or glazed finish.
Porcelain tiles require little effort to maintain. When cleaning porcelain floor tiles, regular sweeping is a must to keep dirt from the grout. For porcelain tiles in bathrooms, wipe down bathroom walls after showers to keep the grout dry. Washing porcelain tiled surfaces with soapy water and a cloth is usually enough as sealed porcelain tiles have a barrier that keeps stains on the surface. Porcelain is a hard and durable tile, so dirty grout can be cleaned at high pressures, provided that the grout is sealed.
Marble
Marble is well-known for the veining pattern that runs through every piece in a non-repeating pattern. When polished, marble tiles are extremely smooth and radiates a lustrous shine. They come in a variety of natural and rich colours, making them a beautiful addition to the home. However, marble is a porous material and requires special care as it is prone to staining and scratching in high traffic areas. Acidic substances such as fruit juice, sodas and sauces can be difficult to remove if the spill is left uncleaned. Even cleaning products that are also acidic can stain marble.
To keep marble tiles sparkling, clean up any spills immediately with warm water and a mild detergent. Marble tiles can spot easily, so always dry marble floors with a clean towel or mop.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are made from clays baked at high temperatures, making them very durable. They can be easy to maintain as they are resistant to staining and moisture. There are two types of ceramic tiles: glazed and unglazed. Between the two, the glazed type is easier to clean and is most often preferred by homeowners. This is because unglazed ceramic tiles tend to be porous, making it easy for dirt and spills to get into small cracks.
To clean ceramic floors, vacuum or sweep the area to remove loose dirt and grime. Then, wash the floor with a mild detergent and water using a soft cloth or mop. Refrain from using a sponge as it can push dirty water into grout lines. If the tiles still have a cloudy appearance, use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner to remove dirt and residue from the tiles. For the finishing touch, buff with a soft, dry cloth.
Slate
Slate tiles are made from a natural stone and is easily identifiable by the distinctive layered surface texturing that is unique to slate. Slate tiles are normally used for both indoor and outdoor flooring. They are a durable and affordable option, but can be easily scratched.
In maintaining slate floors, avoid using any type of acid based cleaner as they can wear away the slate. Use warm water and a mild detergent instead. Allow the floor to air dry after mopping. In case of spills, wipe them immediately with a paper towel. Remember that regular and diligent cleaning of slate floors is needed to avoid buildup of dirt and to keep the finish looking glossy.
Glass and Metallic Tiles
When cleaning glass and metallic tiles, avoid using abrasive products and applicators. This tile type has a glossy finish, which makes it prone to scratching. Glass and metallic tiles should also always be swept before they are mopped. This is because mopping with dirt still on the floor will just move the sand around causing scratches on the tiles.
Regardless of the tile type you have, professional maintenance is essential to keep them looking new. If you need help in cleaning and maintaining your tiled surfaces, don’t hesitate to call the experts. Wizard Cleaning offers professional tile and grout cleaning that not only makes your tiled surfaces sparkle, but also helps in getting rid of nasty microorganisms growing in between your tiles. Call us on 0438 554 830 and book our professional tile and grout cleaning service.