Cleaning Ceramic Tile Floors

Ceramic tiles are the latest trend in flooring today and very popular for their several advantages. They are available in myriad colors, have a glaze on them and hence, are very attractive. Secondly, the tiles are also well-known for their durability and therefore, are extensively used on a large scale. Ceramic tiles floors, once installed, do not need a replacement and will never be out of fashion. However, one should remember that proper and regular maintenance is essential for the tiles to retain their shine for a longer time. Let us have a look at ceramic tiles cleaning and maintenance methods.

How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors
Ceramic tiles are of two prominent varieties, the glazed and the unglazed ones. The glazed ones, as the name suggests, have a shiny coat on its surface. Due to this, they are lesser prone to getting dirty by liquid products. On the other hand, the unglazed ones do not have such a coat; they do not repel water and hence, need high maintenance. The following are the methods used for cleaning ceramic tiles.

• Cleaning with tap water is the easiest and the most effective methods of cleaning ceramic tile flooring. When dirty, you can simply mop the floors with clean water.
• Your regular detergent can also be used to clean ceramic floors. Add 1 tbsp. of detergent to a bucket of warm water and clean the floors. You should not forget to rinse the floor with clean water later.
• All purpose cleaners will be required while cleaning coffee or food stains on the floor. Just apply the cleaners to the floor, leave it for 4-5 minutes, wipe it with a sponge and afterwards rinse it with clean water.
• Using products obtained from the manufacturers are the best ways of cleaning ceramic tile floors. These products can be used according to the instructions given alongside.
• Cleaning with vinegar is yet another effective method. You can add 1-2 drops of vinegar into 1 gallon of warm water for cleaning ceramic tile flooring.
• Steam cleaning is an advanced method of cleaning ceramic tiles which makes use of high water pressure for cleaning. For steam cleaning ceramic tiles, you need to use the standard steam cleaning machine available in the market.

Maintaining Ceramic Tile Floors
As mentioned above, ceramic tiles need proper care. You need to follow certain precautions to prevent damage to the floors. The following are a few tips that you need to follow in order to extend the life of your ceramic tiles.

• It is very essential to sweep ceramic tiles regularly to prevent dust and dirt to get accumulated in its corners. Soft brushes or vacuum cleaners (without beater bars) can be used for this purpose.
• You should never use ammonia or bleach to clean ceramic floors as they can lead to a chemical reaction.
• Do not use oil or oil based products for cleaning ceramic tile floors.
• It is essential to place pads under the legs of the furniture to avoid scratching.
• Regular grouting and caulking is essential for ceramic tiles.
• It is recommended that any spills or stains on the floor should be immediately wiped or mopped.
• Lastly, it may seem trivial, but having mats in the doors greatly help in preventing dust from entering the room and getting accumulated in between the tiles.

These were some of the tips and techniques used to clean ceramic tile floors. By following these simple methods, it is possible to keep ceramic tiles looking new for years and years together in future!