Avoid These Mistakes When Cleaning Tile

For the most part, it’s relatively easy to keep your tile floors and surfaces clean. You can’t always get away with just sweeping and occasional mopping, though—sometimes, some more thorough cleaning methods are necessary to ensure cleanliness. When this is the case, it’s important you avoid making some common tile cleaning mistakes.

Here are just a few examples of some of those mistakes you should avoid, courtesy of our cleaning service in Fort Wayne, IN.

Wet mopping

Perhaps the most common mistake people make when cleaning their tile floors (or mopping any types of floors, really) is wet mopping instead of damp mopping. You should always be sure to wring out the mop before placing it on the floor. Otherwise, you’ll have dirty mop water that seeps down through the floor and underneath the tiles, potentially causing mold and other forms of damage.

Using harsh chemicals

There are certain types of cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals that you should not use for your regular cleaning practices. These chemicals can be dangerous, for starters, as mishandling or improper exposure could result in burns, respiratory problems or poisoning. There are some cases in which improper usage, spills or splashes could damage your plumbing, fixtures, appliances or other items in the immediate area of where you’re using them. Even the fumes could be dangerous or cause damage. Finally, extremely strong chemicals could cause grout to deteriorate, damaging your floor or tile walls. Avoid using these harsh chemicals for these reasons.

Using certain waxes, oils and sealing products

While waxes do offer some protection against odors, damage and wear, they are often more of a problem than a benefit when it comes to their long-term usage. They must be routinely stripped and reapplied, and if you do not properly strip the waxes, there will be a buildup that will start to yellow and become unsightly. That buildup will start to attract dust and debris and actually result in your tiles looking even dirtier than they would have otherwise without the “protection” afforded by the wax.

There are similar issues with other types of cleaners and protectors. Oil-based cleaners can increase the risk of slipping and falling, especially if you use them on glazed tiles. Sealers are very tricky to use unless you’re a tile and grout cleaning professional, as you need to select the right kind of sealer and then apply it correctly. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself with peeling and flaking grout, stains and slippery tiles.

Using abrasives during the cleaning process

You should use soft or relatively soft brushes, towels and pads to clean your tile, not steel wool or scouring pads. Abrasive materials used in the cleaning process could create permanent scratches or damage in the tile or grout. Avoid using abrasive powders and tools during the cleaning process, as well.

For more information, or to schedule cleaning service in Fort Wayne, IN, reach out to the experts at Pro Clean Building Services, Inc. We look forward to working with you soon!

Categorised in: Cleaning Service

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