Stone or ceramic tile is a great investment that will add a lot of value to your home.
It’s important to be aware of the different maintenance routines for each type of tile to ensure you’re properly caring for your flooring and protecting that investment!
Abrasive materials such as gritty soil and sand can do significant damage to stone
tile, and should be dealt with promptly.
You can reduce the amount of dirt that enters your home in the first place by placing mats or small rugs on the interior and exterior of each entrance for you and your guests to wipe your shoes. Removing shoes altogether and leaving them on a rack or mat by the door will further cut down on dirt.
Regularly mop your stone tiles and clean them using warm water and a mild soap. Avoid cleansers with acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemon juice, as well as abrasive scouring powders and creams, all of which can damage your stone floor.
Ceramic tile can last many years if installed and maintained properly. Depending on the finish, different tiles will have slight differences in durability. Porcelain tiles are the most durable and long-lasting, followed by unglazed tiles, with glazed being less durable and more susceptible to wear than either.
Each tile has specific manufacturer recommendations for cleaning, and most will recommend some degree of regular sweeping or vacuuming.