Maintaining your tile flooring: grout, cleaning, and sealing

Tile floors are a popular choice for their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, proper maintenance is essential to keep them looking their best for years. This guide will focus on the key areas of tile flooring upkeep: grout care, cleaning routines, and sealing.

Grout care: the key to a pristine look

Grout is porous and susceptible to staining, discoloration, and mildew growth. Here's how to keep it in top shape:

• Regular cleaning: Clean grout weekly using a pH-neutral tile cleaner and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can damage the grout and sealant.
• Deep cleaning: For deeper stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply, let sit, then scrub gently and rinse.
• Stain prevention: Seal grout every 1-2 years (more often in high-moisture areas). This will make cleaning easier and prevent stains from setting in.

Cleaning your tiles: simple and effective

• Sweep or vacuum regularly: Remove loose dirt and debris to prevent scratching and buildup.
• Damp mop with warm water: Use a microfiber mop and a mild cleaner formulated for tile. Avoid overly wet mopping, as excess moisture can seep into grout lines.
• Spot cleaning: Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining.

Sealing your tiles: protection that lasts

Sealing protects your tile flooring and grout from stains and makes cleaning easier.

• Types of sealers:
  • Penetrating sealers: Soak into the tile and grout, providing deep protection.
  • Surface sealers: Create a barrier on top of the tile, often easier to apply and reapply.
• When to seal:
  • New tiles: Seal after installation.
  • Older tiles: Seal every 1-3 years, depending on usage and the type of sealer.

Additional tile flooring care tips

• Use doormats: Trap dirt and moisture at entryways.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Stick to pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damaging tiles and grout.
• Protect from scratches: Use furniture pads and avoid dragging heavy objects across your tile flooring.

Visit our tile store in Friendswood or Dickenson, TX

Proper tile maintenance is an investment in the beauty and longevity of your floors. If you need assistance with grout cleaning, sealing, or choosing the right cleaning products, we are here to help. Visit our showroom or contact us at Flooring Source today. We have a wide range of cleaning and sealing products to meet your needs, and our experts can offer advice on the best care practices for your specific type of tile flooring. Our tile stores in Friendswood or Dickenson, TX, serve Crosby, Mont Belvieu, Dayton, Liberty, Galveston, Texas City, Santa Fe, League City, Pearland, Alvin, and Clear Lake, TX. 

Ready to get started on your next flooring project? For advice from our team of experts, contact us today.