How to Clean and Protect Your Tiles for Party Season

It’s the season of entertaining with friends and family! We gather in our homes for a bit of festive cheer but as a result, our floors may take a bit more of a battering than they normally no. Dirty boots and shoes and wet paws at this time of year are a constant battle and so preparing your floors for heavier traffic than usual is a good idea.

But what’s the best way to clean and protect your floors for the party season? Follow these simple tips and your tiles will continue to look their best right through the new year!

Start with a Vacuum

Before doing anything else, run a vacuum or sweep your tiles well. Sand and grit will dull the surface and may scratch when moved across the surface, so make sure you are doing this at least a couple of times a week to start. Once all that grit is off the floors, you can begin the next step.

Cleaning Grout

Because grout is porous, it can easily absorb dirt and grease, and this can lead to a dirty looking floor even if your tiles are sparkling! Start by using a commercially available grout cleaner or mild bleach solution to remove stubborn stains. Always use protective gloves when using cleaning products and let the solution sit in the grout for at least 10 minutes. Use a small nylon toothbrush to scrub the grout then wipe over and rinse clean.

For the most stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and vinegar and apply it directly to the stain then leave to set overnight. Can’t be bothered with making your own? Try a specially formulated product just for grout stain removal and follow the directions on the packaging. In the morning, scrub it with a nylon brush, then let the grout air dry and finish with a speciality product such Fila Fugaproof Grout Protector to keeping it look fresh and clean for longer!

Cleaning Tiles

Now it’s time to clean your tiles! Mix a neutral detergent ensuring that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a microfibre cloth or a rag mop (which lifts the dirt away from the surface) instead of a sponge mop which will only push the dirt deeper into the grout. As your water becomes dirty, be sure to change it regularly so that your floors aren’t left with a hazy residue. If you’re still left with a hazy finish, you can use a residue remover to lift and remove it.

You can also make your own cleaner by mixing lemon juice or white vinegar with hot water. Simply mop as above and then buff dry with an old towel for a sparkling shine that’s sure to leave your guests impressed!

Protecting Your Tiles

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Dunsen Anthracite Non-Slip Floor Tiles

Once your tiles are looking their best and the grout is gleaming, you’ll want to use a cleaning product specifically designed for the type of tiles you have as the last step in protecting them for the party season. Check out our full range of cleaning and sealing products to find out what will work best for your tiles.

You might also enjoy these posts on the Tile Mountain blog:

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