Maintenance
How To
Maintaining Your Tessellated Tiles
Tessellated tiles are a beautiful and timeless addition to any home or commercial space. Their unique patterns, vibrant colours, and historical charm bring warmth and character to your floors and walls. To keep your tiles looking stunning for years to come, it’s important to care for them properly. Below, we’ve outlined some easy steps for maintaining your tessellated tiles, ensuring they remain a lasting feature in your space.
1. Regular Cleaning
Tessellated tiles are low-maintenance but do require regular cleaning to keep them in top condition.
Here’s how to do it:
- Daily/Weekly Cleaning: Use a soft mop and warm water to clean your tiles. For floors, a microfibre mop is ideal as it picks up dirt without scratching the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the tile’s finish over time.
- Cleaning Solution: If you need a deeper clean, mix a mild detergent with water. You can also use a small amount of white vinegar in water to clean grout lines. Always ensure you rinse thoroughly with water afterward to remove any residue.
- Avoid Abrasive Tools: When cleaning, never use abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool, as they can scratch or dull the surface of your tiles.
2. Dealing with Stains
While tessellated tiles are durable, spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent staining.
- General Spills: For everyday spills like wine, coffee, or food, blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
- Oil or Grease: For greasy stains, use a mild dish detergent solution or a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and gently scrub with a soft brush.
- For Tougher Stains: For stubborn stains, a professional tile cleaner may be required, but always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the tile or grout.
3. Grout Care
Grout between your tessellated tiles is important both aesthetically and functionally. Over time, grout can collect dirt or discolour from spills. To maintain clean and bright grout:
- Routine Cleaning: Regularly wipe down grout lines using a soft cloth or sponge with mild detergent and warm water.
- Deep Cleaning: If your grout becomes stained, use a grout cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Apply the solution to the grout and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush.
- Sealing Grout: To prevent grout from absorbing dirt and stains, consider applying a grout sealer every 12–18 months, or as recommended by your tile professional.
4. Preventing Scratches and Damage
Tessellated tiles are robust, but they can still be scratched or damaged if not cared for properly. Here’s how to prevent damage:
- Furniture Pads: Place felt or rubber pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and scuff marks.
- Rugs and Mats: Use area rugs in high-traffic areas or near entry points to protect the tiles from wear. Be sure to regularly lift and clean the rugs to avoid dirt and grit accumulating underneath.
- High Heels and Heavy Footwear: Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with sharp edges directly on the tiles, as they can cause chipping.
5. Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Tessellated tiles have a sensitive finish that can be damaged by strong or abrasive cleaners. Avoid using the following:
- Ammonia-based Cleaners: These can cause the colour of the tiles to fade.
- Bleach or Acid-based Cleaners: These can weaken the grout and damage the tiles’ surface, leading to discolouration or dullness.
Instead, always opt for neutral or mild cleaners and ensure your cleaning products are specifically recommended for use with natural stone or ceramic tiles.
6. Regrouting and Restoration
Over time, grout can wear down or discolour, and tiles may need to be resealed or restored. If you notice any signs of damage or wear, it’s important to address them quickly to avoid more extensive repairs. Professional regrouting and restoration services can refresh your tessellated tiles, bringing them back to their original beauty.
7. Sealants & Protective Coatings
While many tessellated tiles are made with durable materials, using a sealant on both tiles and grout can enhance longevity, especially in areas with high moisture or foot traffic.
- Sealing Tiles: After installation or cleaning, consider applying a penetrating sealer to protect the tiles and grout from dirt, moisture, and staining. This will help maintain the tiles’ vibrancy and ease of cleaning.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about the right sealer or protective coating for your tiles, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional tile cleaner or restoration expert.
Why Choose Tessellated Tiles?
Tessellated tiles are not only a beautiful design choice—they are also highly durable and can last for generations with proper care. By following these simple maintenance tips, your tiles will continue to add character and style to your home or business for many years.
Need Help with Tile Maintenance?
If you’re looking for professional advice, tile cleaning, or restoration services, we’re here to help! Whether you need assistance with grout cleaning, tile sealing, or restoring the shine of your tessellated tiles, our team of experts can provide tailored solutions to suit your needs.
For more information or to book a consultation, contact us today. We’d be happy to guide you through the best ways to care for your tiles and keep them looking their best!
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Installation and Maintenance
High-quality tessellated tiles often come factory-sealed, eliminating the need for additional sealing after installation. This feature makes them low-maintenance and ideal for both residential and commercial applications. By incorporating this information, your website can provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of tessellated tiles, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into various design styles.
