Ceramic tiles are a beautiful and practical addition to any home but what is the best way to keep them clean?  Here’s everything you need to know.

Cleaning Ceramic Floor Tiles

One thing that you have to do regularly with ceramic floor tiles is to sweep or vacuum them regularly.  This is important to remove dust and dirt that may scratch the surface of the tile.  It is also a good idea to place mats at the entrances of your home to stop the dirt from coming inside in the first place.  Once you have swept or vacuumed your floor, you should mop the floor with a recommended tile cleaner.  Do not use bleach, ammonia based cleaners, or abrasives on your ceramic tile floors as these can cause damage to the tile itself and to the grout.

Cleaning Ceramic Wall Tiles

Ceramic wall tiles are surprisingly easy to clean.  The trick is to remove any splashes straightaway before they have time to sink in and stain.  For general cleaning, use a cleaner that is specifically manufactured for tiles.  These are readily available – just check the bottle to make sure that they are suitable.  Simply spray it on and then wipe it off with a soft cloth.  Do not use a soap solution as these will leave a layer of scum, dulling the tiles and affecting their finish.  Another alternative is to just use plain water to remove dirt from the tiles, and then dry the tiles with a soft cloth.

Caring for Grout

No matter if your tiles are on the wall or floor, you’ll have to give some thought to cleaning the grout too, as discoloured grout can ruin the look of your tiles altogether.  Always wipe up any spills or splashes straightaway, so that they don’t have time to soak in and stain the grout.  It is also a good idea to have your grout sealed so that it is less likely to get dirty.  Try and use mould and mildew resistant grout wherever you can, especially in wet areas.