Long used as stunning floor coverings in bathrooms and kitchens, ceramics became the “go-to” item in 2018. We see them everywhere, on walls, on ceiling, on furniture, etc. Here are some tips for maintaining the luster and beauty of your ceramic tile.
New installation
For any new tile installation, you have to wait at least 72 hours before washing. These 3 days are necessary to allow the glue and grout to dry properly.
The importance of sealants
To preserve your tiles and the famous grout for many years, it’s important to use a quality sealant. This sealant will prevent dirt and stains from tarnishing the ceramic and the cement joints.
Immediate washing in case of damage
Although sealants significantly slow down stain impregnation, you must clean up any damage immediately. Note that ceramics are often porous and cement joints, even more so. As a result, if you clean the ceramic properly as soon as damage occurs on your countertops, walls and floors, the beautiful appearance and brilliance of your ceramic tiles and their joints will be preserved.
Frequent sweeping of floor coverings
With our years of experience, one of our best tips is to frequently sweep ceramic-covered floors to prevent any trace of dust and dirt in the joints, in particular. Avoid the use of a vacuum cleaner with a brush (carpet mode) to prevent scratching of the tiles.
3 types of cleaners to buy, depending on the area of installation
For daily cleaning, a gentle cleanser is required. However, if the joints or ceramic is very dirty or stained, you’ll need to use a more specialized type of cleaner, usually available in supermarkets or on specialized sites online. To do this, it’s important to take into account the type of stain and the type of tile.
Neutral cleaners
- Preferred for natural stones
- Don’t damage sealants
- Can be used for regular maintenance
Alkaline cleaners
- For deep cleaning
- Remove grease stains
- Preferred on backsplashes and kitchen counters
- Reduce the life of sealants, but don’t damage joints
Acidic cleaners
- Preferred for showers and entrance floors
- Ideal for cleaning calcium, rust, cement and gypsum residues
- Don’t use on natural stones to avoid damaging the joints
Avoid abrasive products
To avoid scratching, tarnishing or even breaking your tiles and their joints, never use steel wool, scouring powder or any other abrasive product. Bleaches and ammonia-based cleaners should also be avoided to prevent discolouration of joints.
3 tips from your grandmother that really work
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A natural and safe disinfectant, it can be diluted in water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Spray the solution on the tile, let stand and wipe.
- Baking soda: Mix the baking soda and water until you have a dough similar to toothpaste. Spread the dough on the grout, let it work and then rub it in with an old toothbrush or a nylon bristle brush. Finally, rinse with water.
- White vinegar: Dilute 2 parts of vinegar with one part of water and add a few drops of dish soap. Spray on the tile and let stand. Then apply a sponge soaked in baking soda to neutralize the acidity of the vinegar. Rinse with water.
In short, by following these tips, you can completely preserve the beauty of joints and ceramic tiles for many years. For more information, contact us at 514 595-8000.