Durable, water-resistant, and classic in style, ceramic tile flooring is smart for practically any room in the house. Compared to options like carpet and hardwood, it isn’t as high-maintenance, which makes it great for people with busy households, pets, and kids. However, it still requires some care. Knowing just a few tips will keep your tiles clean for years to come.

How to Clean Your Ceramic Tile Flooring

1. Act Quickly

To prevent stains from setting, deal with spills quickly. Whether it’s food or a drink, if you spill anything, use a towel and wipe it up right away; the longer it goes unattended, the more likely it will set.

2. Use Mild Cleaning Solutions

Even though ceramic is durable, avoid harsh cleaners. A mild detergent and warm water are all you need. A gallon of water mixed with a half cup of vinegar will usually suffice.

3. Use Soft Mops or Cloths

To avoid scratching the finish, always use a soft mop or cloth for cleaning. Avoid scratchy, abrasive pads. Even if you have a porcelain ceramic tile flooring, which is more hardwearing than the non-porcelain variety, you could still mar the surface.

4. Don’t Ignore the Grout

Dirty grout can detract from even the cleanest tiles. When cleaning, use a small brush with soft bristles, like a toothbrush, to get into those thin areas. For very dirty grout, you can mix two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide to brighten it up; apply a little at a time with a toothbrush and gently scrub the grout.

5. Reseal Regularly

An important aspect of cleaning tile is protecting it. It needs to be resealed on a regular basis. How often will depend on the foot traffic in your home but you should check on it every year. Pour a little bit of water on the surface and see what happens. If it stays beaded, you won’t have to do anything; if it starts to soak through within a minute, you’ll need to reseal.

If you’re already doing these things and your ceramic tile flooring still seems just a bit dingy, it’s time to bring in the professionals. For those in the Greater St. Louis area, MO, CarpetMasters Flooring is the company to choose. Located in Chesterfield, MO, they’ve been in business for more than 25 years, so you can trust they’ll handle your flooring with care. They sell ceramic, hardwood floors, laminate, vinyl, and carpet too. For a more information and a free estimate, call them today at (636) 532-1311 or visit their website.