Common Tile Cleaning Mistakes
POSTED ON June 30, 2021
Most people put tiles on the floors in their homes because they think this type of flooring is quite durable and doesn't need a lot of cleaning and maintenance. And they are partially right. From one side, the tile is indeed a very strong material, which can withstand all kinds of pressure and dirt.
But all this can happen only if you know how to take care of them without causing any structural issues. Unfortunately, many people have no idea how to clean their tiles properly and safely. This can result in serious damage, which can even cost you your entire floor.
To avoid these unpleasant situations, first, you will need to learn what NOT to do. To help you with this, here are some common mistakes people do when cleaning tiles. Avoid those, and you will be one step closer to the proper tile maintenance.
Infrequent cleaning
Many people think, that since it's a tile, there is no need to clean regularly. But the reality is quite different. Infrequent cleaning is one of the most common mistakes, and it causes lots of issues.
For once, the sand and dirt you bring from the outside get spread all around the house, and every time you step on it, you risk scratching the surface of the tile. And every scratch is a step closer to the tile replacement.
This is why we recommend that you wipe or vacuum your tiles as regularly as you can. Even a quick daily sweep that removes only the general amount of dirt will be enough to avoid the problem.
Oil-based cleaners
Most tiles nowadays are glazed, which makes them a very good choice for floor coverage, because they are harder and nothing can sink into them. But many homeowners make the common mistake to choose special oil-based cleaners, which is not only a bad idea but can also be very dangerous for your health and life.
No, these kinds of cleaners are not toxic or something, but they are quite slippery, and once you apply them to the glazed tile, the entire room will turn into a big slide, and you can even break something important. So, please don't do it.
Lack of caulking and sealing
If you're cleaning your tiles using water, as most people do, you also have to apply caulk and check if it's not peeling from the surface. The sealing will also protect your grout from wear and tear kind of damage, which is quite common.
The biggest mistake a homeowner can make is to not pay attention to these serious issues. If the caulk or the sealing effect wears off, the tiles can begin squeaking after you step on them and you'll have to change the entire floor in the end.
Wetting the tiles too much
The water nowadays is not what it used to be, and this is why you should be very careful when using it on your tile floor. The minerals in the tap water can leave stains behind them and even some discolouration, which will look quite ugly. And the excess wetness can lead to mould and mildew in the grout, which is a very ugly picture.
This is why you should use less water and some nice and natural tile cleaner, which won't harm the surface in any way. You should also never leave a very wet floor to dry by itself – try hand drying it, which will also polish them a little.
Forgetting the doormats
The doormats were not invented only because they look interesting and pretty. They are supposed to stop the dirt from getting inside and leave it at the doorstep. So, don't make the mistake of not getting a doormat for your home.
Conclusion
We hope our tile cleaning techniques and common mistakes will help you in taking care of your flooring! However, if you don’t have the time or desire to deal with this back-breaking task, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional cleaning company. We know how to deal with these problems and you won’t risk causing any damage to your property!
