Taking Care of Tile and Laminate

Tile and laminate are very popular and durable flooring choices for active homes. However, they must be taken care of properly for them to last. Following these tips and any additional manufacturer instructions can help increase the life and beauty of your floors.

Tile is often mistakenly thought of as waterproof; however, it is a strong material and will last a long time if cared for correctly. For general maintenance, sweep or vacuum the tile regularly to remove any loose dirt or grit. When a deeper cleaning is required, mop with water and an added tile cleaning solution. Be sure to follow up with a rinse using fresh water; this keeps the cleaner from building up or leaving a film. It’s not recommended that you use any cleaners that are oil based or have a wax polish as these can cause a film to build up.

Never use cleaners containing acid or bleach for routine maintenance. Don’t use harsh cleaning tools such as steel wool or scouring pads that contain metals. These can scratch and damage your tile. Also, be careful not to use ammonia because this can discolor your grout. Make sure you don't clean your tile for about a week after installation so the grout will have time to set. After installation, grout joints should be treated with silicone to insure they do not chip.

Laminate is a great choice for active homes because it has superior scratch and stain resistance. Laminate is not indestructible though and does require regular maintenance. Dirt that goes unattended can be very abrasive to any floor, and laminate is no exception. For routine maintenance, just use your vacuum cleaner. Make sure to use the hard surface setting on your vacuum and turn off the beater bar.

For both tile and laminate, an excellent cleaning solution is Bona Hard Surface Cleaner. Bona cleaner is easy to use and effective. Bona Kemi Pro Series Hard Surface Cleaner is a Greenguard Certified solution with pH balanced formulation to thoroughly clean grout, laminate, and stone surfaces without dulling finishes. It's also non-toxic, so it safely cleans hard surfaces without leaving behind any residue. Even though the Professional cleaners from Bona Kemi are more aggressive than the original strength Bona cleaners, it is safe for use around children and pets.

​If you ever have problems or questions about caring for your floor, consult your flooring specialist or the manufacturer’s instructions. With proper care, you can keep your floors sparkling and looking fresh for years to come.