Cleaning Ceramic Tile Floors

Ceramic tiles are the latest trend in flooring and are very popular for their several advantages. They are available in myriad colors, have a glaze, and are very attractive. Secondly, they are durable, and therefore, are used extensively on a large scale.

Ceramic tiles floors, once installed, rarely require a replacement. However, one should remember that proper and regular maintenance is essential for the tiles to retain their shine for a longer time.

Ceramic tiles are broadly classified into two prominent varieties, the glazed and the unglazed ones. The glazed ones, as the name suggests, have a shiny coat. Due to this, they are less prone to getting spoiled 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 easy methods used for cleaning ceramic tiles.

• Cleaning with tap water is the easiest and the most effective method of cleaning ceramic tiles. When dirty, you can simply mop the floors with clean water.

• Your regular detergent can also be used to clean ceramic floors. Add 1 tablespoon of detergent to a bucket of warm water and clean the floors. You should not forget to rinse the floor later with clean water.

• You can use all purpose cleaners to clean coffee or food stains on the floor. Just apply the cleaner to the floor, leave it for 4-5 minutes, wipe it with a sponge, and rinse with clean water.

• You can use cleaning products obtained directly from the manufacturers. 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 to 1 gallon of warm water and use it for cleaning the floor.

• Steam cleaning is an advanced method of cleaning tiles which uses high water pressure for cleaning. You can buy or rent the standard steam cleaning machine available in the market for this purpose.

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/vacuum ceramic tiles regularly to prevent dust and dirt getting 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.
• Don't use oil based products for cleaning tiles.

• It is essential to place pads under the legs of the furniture to avoid scratching.
• Regular grouting and caulking is essential for ceramic tiles.
• Any spills or stains on the floor should be immediately cleaned with a damp cloth.

• Lastly, it may seem trivial, but having doormats greatly help in preventing dust from entering the room and getting accumulated in between the tiles.

By following these simple methods and tips, it is possible to keep ceramic tiles looking new for years together!