Flooring is an essential part of any home or business. While many choose wood, tiles are a popular choice, especially for bathrooms and kitchens.
Tiles bring elegance and durability to a space. They may seem sturdier than wood, but they need proper maintenance to live a long life, too. The average lifespan for tiles extends up to 100 years, but without regular care, that can be reduced. Preventing damage helps keep them beautiful for years to come.
If you have tile flooring and want to extend its lifespan, look no further. This piece is your guide to tile maintenance and lifespan extension. By following these ten tips, you can keep your tiles looking fresh and prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Understanding different types of tiles
Before moving to tile damage prevention tips, it’s essential to understand the type of tile you have first. Different types call for different techniques. Each kind of tile varies in material and properties. What may work for one type may not for the other.
The most common tile types are as follows:
- Porcelain;
- Ceramic; and
- Natural stone.
Ceramic tiles are beloved for their affordability and versatility but can be prone to cracking and chipping. Porcelain tiles, meanwhile, are denser and more heavy-duty options suitable for high-traffic areas. Despite their stain-resistant properties, it’s a must to clean spills immediately. For a more in-depth guide, you can check out this article on how to clean porcelain tile floors.
If you’re going for a rugged, natural aesthetic, stone tiles like marble, granite, and slate are perfect choices for indoor and outdoor spaces. These luxurious options exude elegance, but they require a bit of extra care. Their porous nature makes them prone to staining, so staying on top of cleaning and sealing is crucial to preserving their timeless beauty.
Ten tips to prevent tile damage
With that out of the way, look at the ways you can keep your tiles in excellent shape for a long time:
- Master the cleaning routine
- Address spills immediately
- Protect your floors from furniture
- Mind your footwear
- Place welcome doormats
- Control moisture
- Beware of harsh chemicals
- Maintain grout lines
- Consider professional cleaning
- Inspect and address issues early
Dirt and grime can scratch and dull your tiles over time, so regular cleaning is a must. Get into the habit of sweeping or vacuuming high-traffic areas daily, and give the whole floor a gentle mopping once a week. Just be sure to use a tile-safe, non-abrasive cleaner—harsh scrubbers can do more harm than good. And always let the floor dry completely before walking on it with shoes.
Spills happen, but don’t let that red wine or juice stain set in. Act quickly to blot up any liquid messes, as they can etch or discolor your tiles if left to linger. Have a clean, damp cloth and a tile-friendly cleaner on hand to wipe down the affected area until it’s spotless and dry.
Heavy furniture might leave scratches, cracks, and indentations on your precious tiles. To protect the floor, place felt mats or rugs under your chairs, tables, or cabinets. You could also put socks on furniture legs for extra protection. Choose furniture with smooth, non-abrasive feet, and avoid dragging or sliding pieces across the floor.
High heels and stiff-soled shoes can be tough on tiles, especially in well-trodden areas of your home. Consider providing slippers or designated indoor footwear for family and guests to slip into once inside. Your floors will thank you for the extra care.
Dirt on the floor could come from the outside. So, place coarse outdoor mats and finer indoor mats at entryways to trap debris and moisture before they’re tracked onto your tiles. This simple step can significantly extend your tile flooring’s lifespan.
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other damp spaces are prime real estate for tile floors, but too much moisture can spell trouble. Excess wetness can cause grout to deteriorate and create the perfect breeding ground for mold, potentially leading to tile damage. Stay on top of spills and damp spots by wiping them promptly, and ensure these areas are well-ventilated to keep moisture levels in check.
Strong chemicals like bleach can break down tile surfaces and grout over time. Opt for natural or tile-safe cleaning solutions instead. Commercial products might be too harsh on tiles and your health. A study shows that 25% of people experienced itching after using certain popular floor cleaners.
Clean and seal grout lines regularly to prevent dirt buildup, staining, and cracking. Choose a grout sealer suitable for your tile type and apply it as directed for optimal protection.
Grout in shower tiles may require frequent cleaning to keep the space mold-free. Meanwhile, a weekly or biweekly grout cleaning will suffice for regular floor tiles.
Sometimes, even your best cleaning efforts can’t quite tackle those stubborn tile stains or grimy grout. When DIY falls short, it may be time to call in the professionals. Tile cleaning services have the specialized tools and techniques to restore your floors to their former glory.
It’s a homeowner’s responsibility to check if their home is in constant great shape. Regularly inspect your tiles for cracks, chips, or loose grout. Once you spot something out of the ordinary, address it immediately. Catching and repairing minor damage early can prevent it from escalating into a bigger, costlier problem.
Final thoughts
Tile flooring has some considerable resale value, reaching a 70% return on investment on average or sometimes higher. But that depends on how well you maintain it. When you practice regular and proper cleaning techniques, you can preserve the beauty and longevity of your tiled floors, catching your guests and potential buyers’ attention.
With these tips, your tiles will be in safe hands. Inspect them often and clean away dirt and stains as soon as you can. Your feet need stable ground to walk on, so make it a point to keep your tile flooring in top condition.
