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Basic Tips for Cleaning Ceramic TilesGlazed or Unglazed Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay containing silicates, which are then formed and baked at high temperatures. The tiles come in either glazed or unglazed types. Because they do not have an outer coating, unglazed tiles require more cleaning and maintenance. Ceramic tiles should be regularly cleaned by wiping them with water, then drying them. Doing this everyday will prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, mildew and hard water stains on the tile surface. Grout Ceramic tiles are often held together by grout, which is a substance made of cement and fine sand, or composed of acrylic materials such as silicon. Grout has also been known to accumulate mold, mildew and stains. You can tell if this happens when the grout between the tiles develops a mild discoloration and the tiles have a dull finish. To clean this, mix 1/4th cup of mild detergent with a one-gallon bucket of water, then dip a sponge into the solution and wipe over the affected areas. When the tiles and grout have been thoroughly cleaned, rinse them with plain water. Never use scouring powder or other harsh abrasives when cleaning tiles because these cleansers will usually scratch and damage the tile surface. Severe Stains In cases where mild detergent is not effective on tiles and grout with severe grime, you can use a solution made of chlorine bleach and water. It is also a good idea before you start to check for proper ventilation and wear strong rubber gloves on your hands, particularly if walls need to be cleaned. To make the solution, mix one quart of chlorine bleach into two gallons of water. Let the solution sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Dip a sponge, mop or soft bristle brush into the solution and clean all the dirty areas, leaving the solution untouched on the tile surface for about 10 to 20 minutes depending on the amount of grime present. When done, rinse the whole area with plain water, then use mild detergent and water to remove any remaining traces of the bleach. Finally, rinse the area again with plain water then dry it thoroughly by wiping with a clean cloth. In addition to these methods for cleaning ceramic tiles, it is also highly recommended to prevent germs from accumulating on the tiles by using a commercial mildew retardant spray. Your ceramic tiles will keep looking as good as new for a long time once you regularly follow these basic cleaning tips.
, Using Ceramic Tiles.com |
