As some of the most durable and low-maintenance surfaces around, tile and stone flooring are top choices across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. With regular care, they can keep their color, shine and texture for decades to come. Whether you have porcelain tile, ceramic tile or natural stone flooring, a simple cleaning routine and a few smart habits can go a long way toward making your floors look as beautiful as they did when they were installed.
At Hamernick’s, we make caring for your tile flooring simple. In our guide, we discuss daily cleaning, stain removal and long-term protection so you can make the most of your floors for years to come.
Daily Cleaning & Basic Care
Tile and stone floors are tough, but you have to clean them like every other flooring product. Even a quick daily routine prevents dirt, dust and grit from scratching or dulling the surface. Take these steps to make a huge difference:
- Sweep or Vacuum Daily: Dirt and sand are like sandpaper on the surface of your tiles. Regular sweeping or vacuuming keeps debris from wearing down the finish or settling into grout lines. Use a soft broom or a vacuum with hard-surface attachment and keep away from beater bars that can chip edges.
- Mop or Steam Clean Weekly: Tile and stone are water-resistant, but they can still benefit from routine wet cleaning. Use a damp mop or steam cleaner with a manufacturer-approved floor cleaner made specifically for tile and grout. It helps remove residue and bacteria while keeping its shine intact.
- Wipe Spills Promptly: Liquids can make tile slippery and can stain grout if you leave them for too long. Wipe spills as soon as they happen with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Keep floors dry in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent mildew growth.
Right after the flooring installation, you should start caring for your tiles. Rinse your mop after cleaning each section of the floor to make your tile sparkle. It stops dirty water from spreading residue around.
Weekly & Deep Cleaning
Even when you regularly sweep and mop, your tile and grout need deep cleaning occasionally. It’s the most effective way to remove buildup. Check out our tips:
- Use Tile-Safe Cleaners: Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia or acidic products like vinegar and lemon juice. These tend to damage grout or etch natural stone surfaces. Alternatively, you should use pH-neutral cleaners or manufacturer-approved tile and stone cleaning products.
- Clean Grout Lines Carefully: Grout lines tend to collect dirt, especially in high-traffic or damp areas. To clean it, try out the following:
- Mix a gentle tile-safe cleaner or use a grout-specific solution.
- Apply with a soft brush or sponge (not metal brushes).
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry to prevent streaking.
- Steam Cleaning for a Refresh: When tough grime embeds itself in your tile, a steam cleaner can loosen it and sanitize your tile and grout without chemicals. However, you shouldn’t use excessive stream on unsealed stone surfaces as it can weaken sealants over time.
Taking these steps will leave your tile floors sparkling clean. It’s also an effective way to remove dirt and grime that builds up in the grout.
Stain Removal
Tile and stone are resilient flooring materials, but they can still get stained and damaged. You have to be especially careful when you have lighter grout or porous natural stone. Here are some ways to clean up everyday spills and stains:
- For Everyday Spills: Don’t let water, coffee or juice sit—wipe them up. Then thoroughly dry the surface with a soft cloth to prevent slipping or staining.
- Grease or Oil-Based Stains: Start by mixing a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Apply to the area, let it sit briefly and then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.
- For Hard Substances (Wax or Gum): First, harden the material using ice in a plastic bag. Once firm, gently scrape away the debris with a plastic scraper or credit card edge.
- For Stubborn Stains: Consult your tile or stone manufacturer’s care guide for approved cleaning agents. Natural stone can react poorly to certain cleaners.
Unsure about what to use? Reach out to your local flooring contractor for reliable recommendations. That said, we recommend avoiding the following:
- Acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon juice)
- Chlorine bleach
- Harsh abrasives or steel wool
Using these products can damage your tile’s surface finish, dull the shine or discolor grout lines.
Preventative Protection
Tile and stone flooring benefit from small daily habits. Even a simple change to your routine can prevent damage and wear. Here’s our advice:
- Use Mats or Rugs: Catch dirt and grit before they reach your tile by placing mats and rugs in entryways and the busiest areas of your home.
- Furniture Pads: Attach felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs to protect your tiles against scratches and cracks.
- Protect from Heavy Loads: Try not to drop heavy items on tile or stone as they can crack or chip.
- Control Moisture: Ventilate moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens to prevent mildew or grout discoloration.
Use rugs or mats with a breathable, non-slip backing. Rubber or latex backings can trap moisture and discolor tile floors over time.
Caring for Stone Floors
Compared to their traditional counterparts, natural stone floors need a little more love. Depending on whether you choose marble, slate or granite, you might have to choose a different cleaner. However, some tips are universal like the following:
- Seal Your Stone Floors: The majority of natural stone should be sealed every 1-3 years to prevent staining and absorb moisture. The team at Hamernick’s can recommend the best sealer for your specific flooring.
- Use pH-Neutral Cleaners: Stay away from anything acidic or alkaline. pH-neutral formulas clean your floors effectively without etching the stone.
- Avoid Overwetting: Using too much water can let moisture seep into the stone or grout. Be sure to use a damp mop instead of a wet one.
- Polish Gently: Use a microfiber cloth or dry mop to keep your tile floors shining between deeper cleans.
Is your stone floor losing its shine or getting harder to clean? Look into professional cleaning or resealing services.
Long-Term Tile & Stone Maintenance
Tile and stone floors can last a lifetime with regular care. Here’s how to keep them looking their best year after year:
- Reseal Grout Periodically: Grout sealers wear out eventually. Reapply every 1-2 years, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Inspect Regularly: Look for loose or cracked tiles. Repair them quickly to prevent moisture damage.
- Schedule Professional Cleaning: Call in a professional cleaner every few years to make your tile and grout look brand new again.
- Maintain Consistency: Regular upkeep prevents dirt from settling so you won’t have to aggressively “deep clean” your floors.
Care of your tiles starts at installation, using tile flooring installation guides, and continues long after the initial install. This will make your investment worthwhile in the long run.
Keep Your Tile & Stone Floors Looking Timeless
Tile and stone flooring are built to last and they will when you take care of them. At Hamernick’s, we encourage simple, consistent care to get flooring that will look stunning for decades to come.
Need help finding the right cleaning products or sealants? Visit one of our showrooms in the following locations to check out our premium flooring collection:
or contact us today to learn more!
