Tiles are some of the most common fixtures many homeowners use to decorate their homes.  Not only are they affordable, but they are easy to clean and offer a diverse range of patterns, colors, and finishes that suit various interior and exterior designs.

Over time, tiles can wear out and lose their hold on floors, walls, and counters. Since you want your home to last a lifetime, consider these seven helpful tips for maintaining your home’s tile fixtures.

Clean Off Dust

Sweep your tile floors to remove any dust or debris; low-traffic areas should be swept at least once a week, while high-traffic areas should be cleaned every one to two days. Use a vacuum or a dry fluffy mop to sweep away the dust as brooms can scratch your tiles. For tile countertops and walls, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off layers of dust once a week.

Leaving dust to accumulate on your tiled fixtures makes them unsightly. The dust debris also damages their beautiful surfaces.

Use The Right Chemical Cleaners

Determine which chemical cleaners are suitable for your tiles. For example, non-oil-based cleaners are ideal for cleaning glazed tiles. Concentrated tile cleaners with neutral pH levels are excellent for unglazed tiles as they safely remove grease and spills. Alkaline-based cleaners are suitable for porcelain and ceramic tiles.

Planning to deep clean your swimming pool tiles? A solution of muriatic acid with water is perfect for getting rid of calcium build-ups. Some housing developments such as Phirst Park Homes in Tanza, Cavite utilizes muriatic acid and commercial pool cleaners to maintain their pool tiles’ cleanliness. Use gloves, as muriatic acid can be abrasive to your skin.

Use Natural Cleaners

If you want to save yourself money and avoid the noxious fumes of industrial household cleaners, make your cleaners with natural ingredients. Mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of water to clean stone tiles. For ceramic tiles, ¼ cup of vinegar with a gallon of water will do the trick.

Strengthen your natural cleaners with baking soda and liquid soap to get into the nooks and crannies of your tiles. Do this to clean grime and oil spills on your kitchen countertops, and mold and mildew on your bathroom floors.

Dry Your Tiles After Cleaning

After cleaning your tiles, dry them by using a clean, dry fluffy mop or a dry towel. Don’t air-dry your tiles because doing so will take longer and may cause slipping. Leaving water on your tiles for too long also attracts dust and dirt to settle on the surface. Unsightly water stains may also ruin the aesthetic of your tiles.

Use Doormats And Rugs

Place doormats on the outside and inside of the doors that serve as entrance and exit. Doing so will keep mud and water from getting tracked inside your house. It also prevents dulling and scratching that may happen in areas that have high foot traffic. Put rugs on your bathroom door to keep your bathroom floor dry.

Clean Spills Right Away

Spilled some orange juice on your countertop or floor? Mop it right away. You don’t want your elegant marble or mosaic tiles to be stained and unsightly because of dirt build-up. Use absorbent cloths to wipe off spills; using paper towels may do the trick, but its rough texture may scratch the glossy surface of your tiles. For bathroom tiles, use a damp cloth to wipe away shampoo or soap stains. Rinse with water and dry after.

Repair Caulk And Grout

Over time, the grout or caulk between your tiles weakens and breaks. Avoid tiles going out of place by resealing them with fresh grout or caulk. Use grout for tiles in wet areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. Caulk is excellent for filling joints in angled seams such as the corners where your wall tiles meet. Don’t forget to seal your grout to protect it from moisture and staining.

Overall, tiles are a great way to decorate your home. Clean and take care of your tile walls, floors, and countertops with these seven tips to prolong their lives and make your home look more stunning.