How to Maintain Tile & Carpet Flooring
Your carpet and tile will look great for years to come, if you take care of it. To keep your flooring looking fantastic, follow these industry tips and tricks!
Tile Maintenance
Tile is easy to clean and water-resistant, which is what makes it a top choice for busy families and houses with a lot of foot traffic. Keeping your tile floors clean all depends on the type of tile you have.
All Types Tile:
● Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove daily dirt build-up.
● Always vacuum or sweep before moving on to other cleaning products.
● Mop at least once a week to avoid wear and damage from abrasive debris.
● Always allow floors to dry completely before walking on them.
Glazed Tile:
● Use a non-oil, all-purpose cleanser that is formulated to clean grout joints.
● For bathrooms: Choose a sprayable cleaner made to remove mildew, soap scum, and hard water deposits.
● Use a sponge, soft cloth, or other non-abrasive tool to scrub. Never use metal brushes, as they will damage the glaze and grout.
● Do not use acids or ammonia. They can weaken grout and damage tile glaze.
Unglazed Tile:
● Use a balanced pH concentrated tile cleaner that is formulated for your type of flooring and foot traffic.
● Avoid abrasive cleansers and tools. When in doubt, test a small area first to make sure it won’t damage the tile.
● Don’t allow cleaners to sit on the tile, clean it away with water.
● Glass tile can be cleaned with solutions made for either glass or tile, so long as it’s not abrasive.
Carpet Maintenance
Carpet is a plush and soft relief for those of us who spend all day on our feet. It may seem like a trap for dirt and stains, but with the right know-how you can easily keep your carpet looking fresh and spotless.
● Vacuum regularly, at least once a week, to keep dirt from embedding itself too deep.
● Use the right vacuum for your carpet type: Plush carpets need equipment with spinning brushes and bars while rougher indoor and outdoor types only need suction.
● Hire a professional cleaner at least once a year, more often if you have a lot of traffic.
● Never pull or tug debris out of the fibres, it only does more damage. It’s better to simply cut it out.
Dealing with Damage
Depending on the type of damage, some parts can be cleaned or cut away, while others might need to be patched or replaced. Here are some tips for dealing with common carpet catastrophes.
● Stains - Treat spills immediately, as the longer they sit the deeper the stain will become. Do not rub but blot the fluid out. Use detergent or retail spot remover sparingly to avoid bleaching.
● Burns - Cut the tops off the burned fibres if the burn is small. If a large area is affected, cut out the entire area and patch or replace it.
● Water Damage - Consult a professional to deep clean both the top and bottom mat.