Need a new floor? Tile is a great option not only for its durability but its aesthetic appeal and longevity. While it may last a long time, as with any surface that faces daily wear and dirt, the tiles will lose some of their natural shine. Beyond just cleaning the tiles every week, it’s useful to use polish to restore the tiles’ glossy finish.
Buffing vs. Polishing
When it comes to polishing the tiles, a good floor cleaning trick is distinguishing between buffing versus polishing. Buffing uses a cloth or buffing pad to smooth surface imperfections and remove dirt. It’s similar to exfoliating the skin on your face. Polishing, however, applies a product that enhances the shine and leaves behind a protective layer on the tiles’ surface. When restoring your tiles, make sure to buff them before polishing.
The length of time between polishes will depend on traffic and floor type; however, homeowners should aim for every two to four months. High-traffic areas such as kitchens may need more frequent attention. Along with polishing your tile floors, vacuuming and mopping them regularly prolongs the shine.
Finding the Right Polish
Finding the right polish and tools is crucial to preventing damaged tiles. One thing to consider is different tile materials. Ceramic and porcelain work well with vinegar solutions or commercial polishes. Faux-wood tiles need tile or laminate polishes. Glass tiles need vinegar or specific glass polishes. Natural stone tiles like granite or marble require stone-specific polishes to avoid etching the surface. Wood tiles need wood floor polishes applied with minimal moisture to avoid warping.
Another important floor cleaning trick is preparing the floor before polishing. They should be swept or vacuumed to get rid of debris, then mopped with appropriate cleaners. Removing all or as many dirt and grout stains as possible prevents uneven polishing, and tiles must be completely dry before application. Furniture should also be removed from the room.
Tiles and Polishes
Ceramic tiles work great with commercial products or a homemade solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. No matter which option you choose, the solution will be sprayed onto the tiles and then gently buffed in circular motions. After, rinse and dry the tiles. Faux-wood tiles, since they are actually ceramic or porcelain, require gentler polishes like those used for laminate or tile surfaces. Glass tiles can easily scuff and scratch, so they work best with vinegar-water mixes. When drying, ensure there are no streaks.
Marble and natural stone tiles, while they may seem the toughest, are easily susceptible to damage. Marble polishes designed for stone tiles are the best choice to avoid damage or a slippery residue left behind. Use a dry microfiber cloth for buffing. Stone polishes can also be used, but sparingly, with a pre-treatment of stains from a mixture of mild baking soda and water. Porcelain tiles can be thoroughly cleaned with polish carefully applied.
Wood tiles need a polish suitable for the wood species, and the cleaning process must include minimal moisture. Polishing is usually done in an S-pattern along the grain for the best results.
Things to Avoid
There are some tools and cleaners to avoid when restoring certain tiles. For instance, abrasive cleaners or acid-based cleaners should not be used on wood or stone, as they can etch or scratch the tiles. Similarly, steel wool and harsh chemicals can cause excessive damage. If your floor tiles are incredibly worn or scratched, a professional polishing service might be necessary.
Prolonging Your Tiles
There are other ways to prolong the quality of your floor tiles. Using doormats and shoe storage can reduce the amount of dirt brought indoors, while felt pads under furniture feet can decrease scuffing and scratches. If you are putting in tiles for the first time, make sure to clean the grout haze off the tiles before polishing. Mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming regularly help keep your floor in tip-top shape.
Other floor cleaning tricks include using homemade cleaners comprised of diluted vinegar or baking soda to deep clean before polishing. People even use natural mixtures like olive oil and lemon juice to restore the tiles’ shine. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly to avoid buildup on the grout.
Polishing tile floors may sound tedious at first, but it allows homeowners to extend the floors’ lifespan and appearance. By finding the right products for certain tiles, following the cleaning steps, and keeping to a maintenance schedule, you can keep your floors shining for years after installation. Plus, if you really need some help, professionals are available to clean the tiles too.