How to Maintain Your Ceramic Floors

Ceramic floors are probably the easiest of flooring materials to clean and maintain. The only potential difficulty lies in the grout between the tiles. Following are some general guidelines and tips for upkeep on both the tiles and the grouts. Keep in mind that ceramic flooring tiles come in both glazed and unglazed but maintenance of the two is very similar.

1. Regularly sweep or dry mop your ceramic tile to remove dirt and grit. This is especially important for glossy ceramic tile as the dirt and grit can scratch and/or dull the finish.


2. Clean with a solution non-soap household cleaner and warm water as needed. Make sure the cleaner is approved per the manufacturer’s instructions and is okay to use on grout. You can test a small area first in an inconspicuous spot first if needed. Follow the directions on the label for proper mixing of the solution. Make sure you rinse with clean water to remove any residue to prevent build up and dulling.


3. Never use wax on ceramic tiles. You can dull the finish and create a dangerously slippery floor. Also avoid ammonia based cleaners as these can cause permanent discoloration of the grout. Avoid harshly abrasive cleaners, particularly on glossy tiles as they can dull the finish. For sever stains, mild abrasive cleaners are okay, but use carefully and remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.


4. For ceramic flooring tiles with a gloss finish, dry floor after cleaning with a soft cloth. This will prevent water spots. Also, household window cleaner can give a nice streak free appearance to your tiles.


5. For a deep cleaning, especially the grout, a bleach solution is recommended. Let solution stand for 10-20 minutes and scrub with an old tooth brush or grout brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove any dulling residue.


6. If your grout is non-epoxy, seal it with a silicone based grout sealer at least twice a year. This will keep your grout clean much longer. Make sure a thorough cleaning of the grout has been performed prior to sealing the grout. Sealer is clear so it does not affect the color of your grout, but any stains already on the grout will show through.


7. Promptly clean up any spills to prevent staining of the grout or tiles. This is particularly important for unglazed ceramic floor tiles as they are more porous than glazed tiles.


8. To minimize dirt and grit tracked in from outside, place door mats at every exterior entrance to your home.

These tips should keep your ceramic tile floors looking great. Ceramic tile is a very durable flooring choice and should bring you years of enjoyment.