Bathroom tile can be a beautiful complement to any beautifully decorated bathroom. Properly caring for your bathroom tile can be a bit of a challenge, but if you do it properly, it can help your tile last for years to come. Because of its’ frequent use, the bathroom requires a lot of maintenance. Follow these time-saving tips to keep your bathroom looking clean:
Stay Away from Harsh Cleaners
More abrasive cleaners may get the job done, but they can also cause your tile grout to wear and down and eventually begin to crack. Even small cracks can be a perfect spot for mold and mildew to develop. Instead, use mild soap and water for light cleanings, and gentle or specialized cleaners for more stubborn stains.
Periodically Apply Sealer
Sealing your tiles on a regular basis minimizes wear and tear. This is especially true with tiles frequently exposed to water, such as ones on shower walls, bathroom countertops, or flooring with tiles near the bathtub/shower area. Be sure to choose a sealer made for your tiles specific location and material.
Keep a Squeegee Handy
If there’s one tool you’ll want to keep on deck at all times in your bathroom, it’s a squeegee. First, use a towel to wipe up any visible moisture, such as spilled water on tiles near the sink or on shower walls. Then use the squeegee to easily brush away any excess moisture to reduce your odds of growing mold or mildew.
Be Mindful of Signs of Mold
Doing regular visual inspections to check for signs of these common bathroom growths can reduce your odds of having a big problem on your hands. If you spot a few spores or signs of mold-related growth, a store-bought grout cleaner can usually do the trick. But if the problem is more widespread, hire a professional cleaning service. Either way, deal with the issue as quickly as possible.
Clean Grout Lines
The cement-based mixture that fills the spaces between bathroom tiles is where stains usually show up first. Keep your tile grout clean and free of potentially harmful contaminants by using either mild bleach or a grout cleaning product. If there are existing stains, let the cleaner sit for about 10-15 minutes before cleaning it with a scrub brush or toothbrush. Avoid scrubbing tiles directly so you don’t accidentally scratch the material.
Know When It’s Time for Replacement
Cleaning tiles on a regular basis can prevent serious issues with your tile flooring and can help it last for quite a while. However, there are circumstances in which it is necessary to replace flooring. If your flooring has an excessive buildup of mold or mildew, or if it is beginning to crack, talk to a professional about replacement options.
Caring for your tile floors can be simple and can keep them looking beautiful and functional for years to come. If you have questions about flooring or you are looking to redecorate, contact the experts at Columbus Bath Design today!
