How to care for tiles? A complete guide!
On the surface, it seems trivially simple – first vacuuming, then mopping. But why does everything return to its pre-cleaning state after a momentary – usually weekly – delight? A thick layer of dust, soap scum, and limescale is visible on the tiles! We have a way to deal with it, actually four!
How to care for tiles? Motivation is key!
Keeping tiles absolutely clean is quite a challenge, especially when there are pets or small children in the house. However, it is worth restoring their impeccable appearance, as they largely set the tone of the arrangement. They determine the visual reception of the kitchen or bathroom.
Before we get to the specifics, let's start with motivation, because without it, we won't get anywhere. Marie Kondo, author of the bestseller "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up", assures that order in the house means order in the head! According to her, harmonious, clean, and organized interiors have a fundamental impact on our well-being. And it's hard to disagree! Tiles covered with a thick layer of limescale, yellowed grout – in such circumstances, it's hard to relax effectively.
Raw Decor Tip!
Lacking motivation? Check out Raw Decor on Instagram! Our clients' projects speak for themselves. Perfect shiny or matte tiles guarantee a spectacular arrangement! They delight from the very first glance!
How to care for tiles? Action plan!
I think none of us likes cleaning for hours. Moreover, we often put off this unpleasant duty until the last minute, stressing out, for example, about an unexpected visit from guests! For this process to go smoothly and bring the expected results, it requires good planning of the smallest details.
It is worth setting achievable goals and consistently fulfilling them: spending a few moments each day on "tidying up" instead of spending the whole weekend sweeping dust and scrubbing grout and tiles. You will need a pen and paper.
Write down the names of all the rooms in the house on a piece of paper – don't forget the garage and pantry, they often have tiles too! Add an appropriate comment under each one. Include information on which spaces require thorough cleaning. For example, in the kitchen it will be: the wall above the countertop, the floor. As for the bathroom, tiles play a very important role there. They fill practically every nook and cranny!
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How to care for tiles? List of necessary items!
Before you get to work, find out what you will need. Tiles have different requirements; matte ones seem much easier to keep clean, but that doesn't mean they will settle for just anything!
Rubber gloves, sponges, cloths, a vacuum cleaner, cleaning agents – we recommend natural ones, paper towels, a mop. Let's not forget that a lot of dirt accumulates in the grout! Under the influence of moisture, they can eventually turn into health-hazardous mold. To remove it, a toothbrush with semi-hard bristles will be useful – the most ordinary one, originally intended for brushing teeth, for a few zlotys from the drugstore, will suffice.
How to care for tiles? A complete guide!
How to care for kitchen tiles? How to care for floor tiles? How to care for shower tiles? How to care for wall tiles? How to care for decorative tiles? How to care for high-gloss tiles? How to care for matte tiles? What to use to wash tiles to make them shine? What about grout?! As you can see, this topic raises many questions. It baffles even the perfect housewives! We hope our mini guide will dispel all doubts! Let's start!
How to care for kitchen tiles?
The kitchen is a room where it is easy to get dirty. Quite often something boils over while cooking – staining the hob and knobs, or something splashes. During the Christmas preparation period, it becomes a real battlefield! Tiles are most often placed on the wall, around the countertop, and on the floor, i.e., in the so-called danger zone. How to care for them? How to deal with dirt and greasy stains?
Daily care primarily involves washing with warm water and a mild detergent. A soft microfiber cloth will also be useful – it is key that it does not fray and leave unsightly lint. When it comes to a special task agent, we have a few suggestions. For light tiles, we can use citric acid or vinegar; in the case of dark ones, there is a risk of discoloration. Another recommended agent is baking soda. Left for a longer while, it will dissolve all kinds of stains and dirt – including those accumulated in the grout.
How to care for floor tiles?
Floor tiles are the undisputed favorite when it comes to finishing kitchens and bathrooms. The simplest cleaning method is vacuuming and then wet mopping. The first stage allows you to eliminate so-called loose dirt, such as dust, mites, sand, or hair. It determines the final effect! So, what to wash tiles with to make them shine?
The simplest way is to use the aforementioned solution of vinegar and water in proportions of approx. 2 tablespoons of vinegar per 5 liters of water. To neutralize the characteristic slightly sour smell, it is worth adding a few drops of orange oil! This is one of the better hacks for streaks on floor tiles after washing!
How to care for wall tiles?
Both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, walls are usually lined with tiles. Just a moment of inattention is enough for them to be covered with unsightly stains. The truth is that high-class cleaning agents, which can be purchased in drugstores, deal perfectly with dirt. The problem is that we don't always have them at hand. Then, once again, popular and extremely ecological DIY methods come to our aid.
If the stain has just appeared, just blot it with a paper towel, and then wipe with a gently soaked sponge. Another recommended and at the same time extremely surprising hack is shaving foam, which, thanks to the high content of concentrated soap, perfectly removes various impurities!
How to care for shower tiles?
The bathing zone is a unique space in every home. It is here that we rest and relax after a hard day. Unfortunately, it can be quite problematic to keep clean. Moisture, splashing water, limescale accumulates extremely easily on fittings and tiles. Wanting to get rid of it, it is worth reaching for lemon juice or citric acid, which will not only help get rid of the sediment but will make the tiles clean and shiny!
How to care for high-gloss tiles?
High-gloss tiles look extremely stylish and elegant, optically enlarging the space. They have a smooth surface, so dust does not cling to them, but if it does settle, it is very noticeable! There remains the issue of fingerprints or streaks – it happens that shiny tiles require additional polishing. They should be handled extremely carefully, as too strong agents can damage their surface!
It is best to wash them with warm water – without additives, and if possible invest in a steam cleaner, which under the influence of high temperature will thoroughly remove all kinds of dirt and most importantly – will not leave streaks!
How to care for matte tiles?
Matte tiles, although beautiful, can lose their charm if improperly cared for. How to care for them? Here too, a solution of warm water with vinegar will work great! For cleaning, it is worth using a soft brush; a hard one can scratch their surface.
How to care for decorative tiles?
Decorative tiles, a flagship example of which are Raw Decor mosaics, do not require any special care, although due to the varied size and shapes it might seem otherwise. Problematic can only prove to be the grout, and in particular cement grout, which, unlike epoxy, absorbs all kinds of dirt much more.
How to care for them? White and light ones can be refreshed with baking powder! Just apply it to the joint, leave for approx. 30 minutes, and then rinse with plenty of water. We can also use toothpaste – squeeze onto a toothbrush, rub, wash off after a quarter of an hour!
How to care for tiles? Proven DIY hacks!
Does expensive mean better? This is an old myth debunked centuries ago, but still repeated. It turns out that a good cleaning agent doesn't have to cost a fortune. Moreover, it can be prepared independently in many ways! Below is a handful of inspiration!
Fabric softener hack!
Do you have a problem with recurring streaks? Have your tiles lost their shine? Reach for fabric softener! Mix it with water in a 1:4 ratio, spray on a cloth, and then wipe the problematic areas, polish until dry. Done!
Homemade tile cleaner! Antibacterial!
Are your tiles covered with ugly mold? Reach for a homemade cleaner! Combine warm water with vinegar – 1 cup of vinegar per 4 liters of water. Thoroughly scrub all problematic areas, and then rinse with plenty of cold water.
Unusual use of dishwasher tablets!
Dishwasher tablets are perfect for removing heavy dirt! They literally dissolve it! In addition, they contain polishing substances. Perfect housewives use them not only for washing dishes but also for tiles! The effect exceeds the wildest expectations! Just drop the capsule into a bucket of warm water, wait for it to dissolve, and then wash the floor or walls.
Homemade grout cleaner
The most effective home method for cleaning grout is a solution prepared on the basis of baking soda. It deals very well with dirt, sediment, and limescale. Just dissolve one sachet in 100 ml of water, apply along the joints, leave for 30 minutes, and then rinse with plenty of water.
How to care for tiles? Summary
Although most of us remember about tiles around the holidays, unfortunately, this is not the best solution. Neglected tiles are not only a matter of aesthetics but also hygiene. The risk of developing pathogenic fungi and mold!
Fortunately, their care is not demanding, as it is enough to devote a quarter of an hour or two to them every week. Cover with a thick layer of baking soda, treat with vinegar, and in the meantime watch an episode of your favorite series or call a friend. That's called combining business with pleasure!
