If you plan to choose ceramic tiles for your floors, you’re making a great choice.
What are Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles are made from clay and then fired at a high temperature. This makes them extremely durable and hard-wearing. You’ll find that ceramic floor tiles, just like ceramic wall tiles, are also impervious to moisture as well as being scratch and stain-resistant.
Ceramic tiles are ideal for high-traffic areas and are very easy to clean and maintain.
What are the Key Benefits of Ceramic Tiles?
There are many benefits when it comes to choosing ceramic tiles for your flooring. Ceramic tiles are:
- Highly durable and will last for many years
- Easy to clean and maintain without using harsh chemicals
- Water-resistant thanks to their impervious nature
- A hygienic solution that inhibits the growth of germs and bacteria
- Stain-resistant as stains are easily cleaned off and will not penetrate the surface of the tile
- Sustainable as they won’t need to be replaced unless a tile becomes damaged
How to Maintain Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are not difficult to maintain if you follow a regular cleaning routine.
Remove Surface Dust & Debris Regularly
Make a habit of sweeping your ceramic tiles regularly to remove surface dust and debris. You can either use a soft bristle broom or your vacuum cleaner floor brush. Removing surface dirt will stop your tiles from getting scratched and keep them looking pristine.
Wash Your Tiles With A Mild Soap Solution
When washing your tiles, only use a mild soap and water solution. A pH-neutral soap is best as it won’t harm the coating or glaze on your tiles. Or, you might want to use a steam mop instead or a mop with a microfibre head. If using either of these, you won’t even need any soap, just warm water.
Avoid Using Abrasive Cleaners
Never use abrasive-type cleaners on your ceramic tiles because they could leave minute scratches on the surface of the tiles. Similarly, some chemical cleaners can leave a film on the surface of the tile that will attract dirt and make the tiles harder to keep clean.
Ceramic Style Considerations
When it comes to ceramic tiles, there are plenty of styles that you can choose from. So, how do you select the right tiles for the different areas of your home? Here are some ideas.
Bathrooms
Consider using the same or similar tiles on both the floor and walls of your bathroom. Take the wall tiles right up to the ceiling for a clean and cohesive look. Add coordinating tiles to the inside of your shower.
Kitchens
You can get a little creative in the kitchen by using some interesting tiles for your splashbacks. Coloured mirror tiles are always popular as are subway tiles or even Kit Kat tiles.
Flooring
For durable and clean-looking flooring, consider large tiles that have a matt finish. These will have fewer grout lines and will provide a tough surface for high-traffic areas while also being slip-resistant.
Outdoors
Large tiles in a matt finish are ideal for your outdoor areas. They won’t fade over time and are water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about them being exposed to the elements.