Whether it is the first task on your weekly cleaning list, or the last chore that you tackle once every two weeks, knowing how to clean tile floors is a skill that will improve the look of your home, as well as extend the life of your flooring. In fact, in 2011, nearly two-thirds of homeowner floor covering replacement jobs were installations of hard surface materials like wood and natural stone tiles.
Depending on how old your tile flooring is, grout cleaning can be especially cumbersome. Cleaning tile and grout is a task that is easier if you do not wait until the situation has gotten out of hand. When it comes to cleaning grout, manufacturers recommend that you stay away from harsh chemicals. A generic mixture of approximately one-third white vinegar to two-thirds water is best for everyday cleaning. If you grout needs extra cleaning attention, you might consider calling in a professional. If not properly cared for, damaged grout and tiles can lead to lengthy, and sometimes expensive, replacement costs. Did you know it takes roughly 30 minutes to remove and replace a single damaged tile?
Professionals who know how to how to clean tile floors and how to replace damaged tiles can make quick work of a task that might take you many hours. Getting a bid from a reputable tile floor restoration company may be worth your time, especially in high traffic commercial locations.
If you have the opportunity to install a new tile floor, making a few well thought out choice can safe you maintenance and cleaning time in the future. Large tiles, like 12 x 12, 16 x 16 and 24 x 24 inches, are very popular. The larger the tile choice, the fewer the grout joints and the cleaner the look. Make sure that you are using a 100% silicone caulk to best sealing out water. Once installed, regularly maintained and cleaned tile and grout can last decades, or even centuries. If you do have an original tile flooring that you would like to preserve, the best maintenance practice is to hire a tile restoration professional to work on your floor every couple of years.
Although new hardwood flooring choices have flooded the market in recent years, ceramic tile still accounted for 12.5% of the total U.S. floor coverings sales of $18.76 billion in 2012. It is a durable, elegant and stately choice among many home owners, as well as commercial building designers. Knowing how to clean tile floors once they are installed will help you protect your flooring investment.