Thinking about glazed ceramic tiles for your Holland, MI, home? Decorative ceramic tile is a great investment. Not only is it beautiful and versatile for a variety of designs, but it’s also known for being extremely durable.
With proper installation, glazed ceramic tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic, moisture, and daily wear and tear. However, if you want it to last and keep it looking like new, it’s crucial to provide the right maintenance.
At Beaver Tile & Stone, we’re one of the best glazed ceramic tile stores in Holland, MI, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more or visit our ceramic tile showroom.
How Should You Maintain Your Glazed Ceramic Tile Floors?
Glazed ceramic tile is so durable because of the glaze. This liquid glass forms a protective layer on top of the ceramic. It also creates a non-porous seal that keeps out moisture, stains, and most household chemicals.
Compared to natural stone tile, glazed ceramic tile is very easy to clean. However, if you want to keep the glaze looking shiny and brand new, it’s important to provide consistent maintenance. Cleaning glazed tile shouldn’t involve any harsh chemicals or heavy scrubbing. Instead, it’s best to use gentle methods.
Daily Cleaning
Dirt and sand particles are the biggest threat to glazed ceramic tiles. These particles cause damage to the glaze because they act like microscopic sandpaper. When you walk over the tile with these particles underfoot, you’re creating small scratches that will dull the glaze’s shine over time.
While the ceramic tiles themselves are durable, these dirt particles will affect the appearance over time. To preserve the glaze, it’s best to use soft brooms or vacuums with soft brush heads on a daily basis.
Weekly Cleaning
In addition, weekly mopping can help preserve the glaze finish. However, be sure to use a damp mop, rather than a fully wet one. While excessive can’t harm the tile itself, it can pool in the grout lines.
On top of that, it’s best to use cleaning products with a neutral-pH. Anything too acidic or alkaline can etch the surface over time, affecting both the glaze and grout. Instead, consider mild dish soap diluted in warm water or a dedicated tile cleaner.
It’s also best to stay away from oily soaps, concentrated bleach, and ammonia solutions when cleaning glazed ceramic tile. When scrubbing, avoid steel wool or scouring powders.
Deep Cleaning
To keep your glazed ceramic tile looking new, it’s important to take care of the grout. While the tile itself is non-porous, the grout is not.
It essentially acts as a sponge, absorbing dirt, oils, and moisture. Even if you keep your tile clean, the grout can become dingy or black over time. To avoid this, it’s best to clean the grout on a quarterly or annual basis.
The best deep cleaning method is to use a paste of baking soda and water, or a dedicated grout cleaner. Scrub in the cleaner with a stiff-bristled brush. Then rinse the area thoroughly to remove all chemical residue.
It’s also a good idea to apply a grout sealant every one to three years, especially if your tile is in a room where spills and moisture are common.
Damage Prevention
Lastly, you can keep your glazed ceramic tile looking like new by minimizing physical damage. Consider applying furniture pads to any furniture that rests on the tile. These pads prevent scraping that can damage the glaze.
In addition, high-quality doormats and rugs can minimize wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
Visit Our Backsplash Tile Store Today
If you’re searching for a glazed ceramic tile supplier in Holland, MI, or the surrounding area, visit Beaver Tile & Stone. With over 50 years of experience in the tile industry, we’ve helped numerous homeowners select, install, and care for glazed ceramic tiles in their homes.
We have several showroom locations throughout Michigan, so you can find the best glazed ceramic tile for your budget and needs. We have a variety of tile and stone products at incredible prices, so you’re guaranteed to find something you love.
Want to see our selection of glazed ceramic tiles for yourself? Contact us online or visit our website to find the Beaver Tile location near you.