In our previous blog post, we offered ideas for ceramic subway tiles based on the latest trends. We also want you to know how to clean these tiles in order to keep them in excellent condition for years to come. After you’ve had subway tile installed, they’ll need regular cleaning to reduce the risk of damage and wear and tear.
Washing Your Subway Tiles
Ceramic subway tiles don’t need a ton of maintenance, but they do need to be cleaned off on a routine basis. This helps prevent grime from building up over time and giving your tiles a dull look. Washing these tiles is a simple process that involves using a combination of water, vinegar and mild dish soap. This cleaning solution should be enough to remove grime. All you have to do is combine these ingredients in a spray bottle for easy use. You’ll need one ounce of vinegar, a few drops of dish soap and water. When it’s ready, spray your tiles and leave the cleaning solution on there for a couple of minutes. The vinegar and soap will work on breaking down grime. Then, wipe the solution off with a damp rag and use a clean towel or paper towels to dry your tiles.
Preventing Scratches
Ceramic is a durable material, but it can become scratched if you’re not careful. Take steps to reduce the risk of this happening, such as vacuuming with a soft head attachment or sweeping often. Doing this stops debris from scratching your subway tile surface and ruining its appearance.
Preventing Stains
Subway tiles can become stained, which ruins their appearance. If you have spills or splatters on your subway tiles, such as on backsplashes from your stove, wipe them up promptly. Letting these spills stay on your tiles gives them a chance to form stains that are difficult to remove later on.
Cleaning Grout
The grout in between your ceramic subway tiles also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Otherwise, grout can become discolored or stained, which affects the entire look of your subway tiles. You can clean grout using hot water and a brush with stiff bristles, although you might need to add baking soda and vinegar if your grout has severe discoloration or grime buildup. After cleaning your grout, you can spray it with a mix of water and vinegar regularly to stop grime from accumulating. Keep in mind that you can also protect grout by sealing it after installing your subway tiles. You might need to reseal it after that once a year or every other year. Another option available on the market is grout that is stain resistant. This option will keep your grout looking clean without you lifting a finger!
If you’re interested in subway tile for your home, please contact Mees Distributors, Inc. for more information or stop by our showroom today.