Tile floors are an extremely durable, long-term investment that should be regularly cared for to preserve both their appearance and value. In fact, a well cared for tile floor can last a lifetime. According to the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, which was prepared in 2007 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average life expectancy of a ceramic tile floor is 75 to 100 years, while natural stone such as marble and granite can last more than 100 years.
Tile floors are actually rather easy to care for and are nearly maintenance free. The best way to care for a tile floor is to be both proactive and reactive.
Proactively keep debris such as sand and/or dirt off of the floor. Debris can be abrasive to a tile floor surface. Regularly vacuuming and/or sweeping with a dust mop will prevent surface scratching. Deeper cleaning of a tile floor can be accomplished using a damp mop and a cleaning solution. Acidic, ammonia-based, bleach and abrasive cleaners should not be used.
It is best to consult with the tile manufacturer to determine the most appropriate cleaning solution for your tile floor. On a daily basis, it is advisable to clean spills immediately by wiping them up and then cleaning the spill area using a sponge, soap and water mixture. This will protect the tiles appearance and prevent any potential staining from occurring.
Written by Jeff Calcamuggio
*Source: http://buildipedia.com/at-home/floors/*
Tile is a very easy material to clean and maintain.
Here are some Do’s & Don’ts when it comes to ensuring the beauty of your tiles.
Do’s:
1. Wipe and clean spills immediately.
Spills include but are not limited to coffee, tea, curry, juice, ink.
2. Choose a tile cleaner that is suitable for ceramic/porcelain tile.
Read the “CAUTION” notes, if any.
3. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Use only the recommended dilution of detergent. More does not mean effectiveness; higher concentrations of detergent in the cleaning solution will only make it more difficult to rinse.
Don’ts:
1. Do not use cleaning detergents that contain acid or bleaching compound.
Examples of acid and bleaching compounds are Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) and baking soda.
2. Do not clean floor tile with abrasive materials.
Abrasive materials include but are not limited to steel wood pad and metal scouring pad.
3. Do not leave food and/or fruits on tiles unattended.
When left unattended, the acidic juices from the food/ fruits may seep and tarnish the tile surface. For example, food/fruits left behind from “Door Opening Ceremony”.