Tile Cleaning Mistakes That Will Cost You

Tile cleaning maintains the beauty of your space, removes bacteria, and reduces tile damage. However, these benefits are only achievable when you clean the tiles correctly. Otherwise, you may cause more harm than good to your tiles. Discover the common tile cleaning mistakes to avoid and keep your tiles in excellent condition.



Mopping Before Sweeping the Tiles First

Failure to sweep the tiles before you clean increases the chances of scratches on the surface. The reason is that dirt particles can taint or scratch the tiles as you move the mopping pad across the floor.

Furthermore, if you don't sweep or dust the tiles, you push the dirt around, which leads to re-soiling. You end up spending too much time cleaning without making any progress. Some dirt particles may even penetrate the grout and become difficult to remove. Therefore, mop or vacuum the floor to remove all the dirt, dust, and debris before you start cleaning the tiles.

Mopping the Tiles with a Wet Mop

A very wet mop can also damage your tiles in several ways. First, excess water can seep into the grout and cause the grout to break down. Moreover, the dirty water may leave streaks or stains on the tile surface. Finally, over time, the grout lines may become discolored, which ruins the look of your floor.

Mop the tiles with a slightly damp mop to avoid these issues. Wring out the mop thoroughly to remove as much water as possible before you start to clean. Most importantly, ensure that both the water and the mop are clean. Otherwise, you'll only spread the dirt and stains around.

Using Harsh Chemicals on the Tiles

Harsh chemicals may strip off the tile's protective sealant, which makes the tile susceptible to dirt and stains. Moreover, these chemicals can damage the grout and cause it to crack or break down.

The right cleaning products should be gentle on the tile surface and effective in removing dirt, grime, and stains. In addition, the cleaning products should not pose health hazards to you, your family, or your pets.

Avoid using acidic cleaners, such as vinegar, on natural stone tiles. The acidity can damage the tile surface and cause it to lose its luster.

Neglecting to Clean the Tiles Regularly

Regular cleaning helps maintain the floor's beauty and prolongs the tiles' lifespan. So if you don't clean the tiles regularly, dirt, dust, and grime may accumulate on the surface. Over time, these contaminants can penetrate the grout lines and become difficult to remove.

The frequency of cleaning depends on the traffic in your home. For instance, you must clean the floor more often if you have kids and pets. Also, some areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, require more frequent cleaning than other areas. The reason is that these areas are prone to spills, which can lead to stains and bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Tiles with Home-Made Solutions

Home-made solutions may be gentle on your pockets but hard on your tiles. Some individuals opt for vinegar because it's cheap and readily available. However, vinegar is acidic, and it can damage the tile surface.

Instead, invest in quality tile cleaning products designed for your home's specific type of tile. The upfront cost may sound high, but the value you get from quality cleaning solutions is worth the investment.

Cleaning the tiles requires time, effort, and the right cleaning products. But, most importantly, avoid the common mistakes that can damage your tiles. The best way to avoid the mistakes above is to hire professional tile cleaners.

You can trust us at All State Carpet & Tile Care to do a great job. We have the experience and expertise to clean your tile floors without any chances of damage. So contact us and let us restore the beauty of your tile floors.