It’s important to make sure that dirt doesn’t accumulate on your tile flooring, because it can easily scratch and dull the surface. Sweeping or vacuuming is usually sufficient for regular floor cleaning. Damp-mop with plain water at least once a week to remove minor dirt and dust. 

For more stubborn stains, mop the floor with a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid – white vinegar works well, too, especially for greasy kitchen floors. 

After cleaning, rinse and mop the entire area with clean water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Buff dry with a clean microfibre cloth or old towel. 

Dirty grout lines equal dingy-looking floors. Grout is porous and absorbs dirt, grease and stains over time. Skip commercial cleaners; instead, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the grout lines using a toothbrush, and let it sit overnight. 

Scrub the stain with a stiff nylon brush (metal ones will damage the grout and scratch your precious tiles!). Let it air-dry, then apply a silicone-based grout sealer to repel future stains. 

Fret not, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your tiles need replacing. Check with your supplier or any hardware store for a scratch repair kit. You can also use paint and clear epoxy to cover the crack:

1. Wash the chipped portion with soapy water, and thoroughly dry the tile, preferably with a hairdryer.

2. Using a small paintbrush, apply a thin layer of oil-based primer on the crack and let it dry for at least two hours. Then, on the crack, paint using light strokes with an oil-based paint that matches the tile colour. 

3. When it’s dry, dab just enough clear epoxy to cover the cracked area and level the gap with the rest of the tile. Protect the area from foot traffic for at least 24 hours. 

Place protective pads under heavy furniture to prevent damage to your tiles. Floor mats at entrances help trap corrosive substances such as dirt, sand, oil and grit. To reduce tile wear, place mats in high-traffic areas, such as in front of vanities, kitchen sinks and stoves.

READ MORE: A Handy Guide To Cleaning Your Bathroom

Never use cleaners containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance, because these can alter the tile colour and/or stain the grout. Avoid oil-based detergents, wax cleaners and cleaners containing dye or colouring. 

READ MORE:
10 Common Home Cleaning Mistakes You’ve Probably Been Making (& How To Get It Right)
How To Properly Care For Your Hardwood Floors
Handy Tips To Spring-Clean Your Fridge

Text: Verlaine Marquez, Home & Decor Singapore
Photos: Pixabay