Helpful Tips for Terrific Tile

Tile flooring can last a lifetime with proper cleaning and care. It is a great investment and can significantly add to the value of your home if you take a few necessary precautions.

First, it’s helpful to seal the grout joints soon after the tile is installed. If you don’t feel confident doing this yourself, let Perfect Flooring know and our professionals will make sure it’s done right. Well-sealed joints make the grout easier to clean and more resistant to moisture and discoloration, which will add aesthetic value and longevity to your tile floor.

Once the joints are properly sealed, consistency is the key. Be diligent to sweep the floor regularly to keep abrasive materials from scratching the tile, and then you can use a wet mop to make the floor shine. Hot water is always a great option; but if you need something with more cleansing power, use a cleaner with a neutral PH level such as diluted baking soda or mild dish detergent. More acidic cleaners like vinegar can sometimes damage tile floors. When in doubt, always test a small section first. Be especially careful if your tile isn’t glazed or protected, as it will be more prone to imbibing the color of whatever contacts it.

In addition to regular cleaning, if anything spills onto the tile floor, it’s important to wash it as quickly as possible. The sooner you wipe up the mess, the less likely it is to stain the floor.

Also, if you place furniture on tile, put protective pads under the feet; and if you move the furniture around, it’s good to pick it up off the floor instead of dragging it. Otherwise, you might leave scratches on the floor or even cause more significant damage.

Finally, floor mats can be vital to protecting tile. Strategically place floor mats in high traffic areas to avoid excessive wear in those places.

We hope your tile floor lasts forever, but should it ever need repair due to aging, discoloration, or cracking, the friendly folks at Perfect Flooring are always happy to help!