Tile and Stone Flooring Care

Tile & Stone Care

When you have tile and stone flooring, you have made an important investment in the beauty and value of your Dallas/Fort Worth home. Because this investment is substantial, you want to be sure your flooring lasts a long time and always looks its best. Fortunately, you can extend the life of your flooring and keep it looking beautiful with the proper maintenance. 

Preventative Maintenance

When it comes to avoiding damage to your tile floor, preventative maintenance is key. Some tips to protect your tile include:

  • Use mats and rugs. Place mats and rugs in entryways to trap dirt and other debris that could be tracked onto the tile. This will prevent needless wear. 
  • Take off your shoes. To minimize the amount of dirt tracked onto your tile, leave your shoes at the door. You should also wear socks or slippers to prevent the oil from your feet from getting onto the tile. 
  • Seal the tile. Apply a good-quality sealant to your tile to keep it looking new. When applying a sealant, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to cure time after the installation of your tile. You should also clean the tile thoroughly before applying the sealant. During the cleaning process, be sure to remove all stains from your grout. Apply the sealer evenly, mopping backwards toward the opening of the room. 

Regular Cleaning

Another important part of preventative maintenance involves cleaning your tile regularly. Sweep your tile to remove any dirt or debris that could cause scratches and other forms of wear. You should also mop the tile to remove residue left behind when you sweep. 

When cleaning your grout, it is important to check with the manufacturer or one of our experts for instructions before you begin the cleaning process. 

Addressing Spills

Like all flooring, tile can be harmed when different substances are spilled on it. Spills become especially problematic when they affect the grout, which can easily become stained. For this reason, it is important to address any spills that occur as quickly as possible. Cleaning up spills quickly will reduce the risk of extensive grout staining. 

When stubborn grout stains develop, follow these steps to reduce or eliminate the staining. 

  • Use a gentle grout or household tile cleaner to try to remove the stain initially. Choose the least acidic cleaner you can find to prevent any damage to the grout and surrounding tile. 
  • If the gentle cleaner does not adequately remove the stain, move to a harsher chemical cleaner. Avoid using any cleaners that include bleach, as they can permanently change the color of the grout and cause other damage, especially when used repeatedly. 
  • When applying cleaners to the grout, spray the cleaner on the grout directly, and use a stiff brush to scrub it. 
  • Scrub the grout in a circular motion to remove as much dirt as possible. 
  • After scrubbing grout, rinse it well with warm water, and mop up any moisture that remains. 

Contact the Hiltons Flooring team in Arlington, TX if you have any further questions regarding your new tile floors.