Floor tiles play an essential role in the beauty and functionality of a space, whether residential or commercial. With the durability and versatility they offer, tiles have become a preferred choice for flooring in Indian homes and offices. Floor tiles are more aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean compared to other flooring materials.
However, it's also true that even the best quality tiles can lose their original appearance and shine over the years. But there is always a solution to a problem. Here's your complete guide to restoring the lost shine of your old floor tiles:
Understanding Why The Floor Tiles Lose Their Shine Over Time
Floors are always busy, whether residential or commercial. Therefore, it is common for the floor tiles to become dirty and dull over time. Some of the most common reasons why floor tiles lose their original appearance over time are listed below:
1. Dirt and Grime Buildup: Dust accumulates on the floor tiles with every step. The higher the foot traffic, the higher the chance of dirt and grime buildup on the floor. Tiny particles of dust can act as sandpaper and penetrate into the surface texture of the floor tiles, damaging their surface finish and shine.
2. Wear and Tear: Even high-quality floor tiles can get wear and tear over time if not maintained properly in the long run. This happens due to the damage of grout lines, scratches, or natural ageing of tile surfaces.
3. Harsh Cleaning Products: Not every cleaning agent is suitable for your floor tiles. Sometimes the reason for dull floor tiles is the residue from harsh cleaning products or wax fillers. Even if it cleans the tile at that time, its residue can remain and make the tiles look cloudy and dull.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring the Shine of Floor Tiles
Now that you know the potential reasons behind the dullness of floor tiles over time, you can follow the steps mentioned below to restore their shine and make them look like new even after years:
Step 1: Deep Clean the Tiles
Deep cleaning of floor tiles is not optional, but a mandatory step that you should follow to retain their shine in the long run. Apart from regular sweeping, floor tiles need thorough cleaning every once in a while. Especially when you are trying to restore the shine of your tiles, all the dirt and grime should be removed first. The tiles of high-foot-traffic areas require more frequent deep cleaning than the ones installed in low-traffic spaces. Here's how you can deep clean your tiles:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor properly to remove loose dust and debris.
- Mix warm water with a mild floor cleaner suitable for your tile type, such as ceramic, vitrified, or porcelain tiles.
- Mop the floor using this solution, focusing on stained or high-traffic areas. Make sure to use a damp mop to clean the floor and not a wet one, as excess water can damage the grout lines. You can mop twice if needed.
- For stubborn dirt, scrub gently using a brush with soft bristles.
- Follow up with clean water and let the floor air dry or wipe with a soft microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
- If you have older floor tiles with grime buildup that won't come off easily, try using a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste on tough stains, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and scrub lightly before rinsing. This natural method helps lift dirt without harming the tile glaze.
One important thing to keep in mind here is not to use any harsh chemical-based cleansers, as these can make the appearance of your floor tiles even more dull.
Step 2: Repolishing The Tiles to Restore The Shine
Once you have cleaned your floor tiles thoroughly, the next step is to restore their gloss or finish through polishing. There are two widely used tile polishing methods, and you can choose one depending on the type of tile and the level of dullness or dirt on them:
- Machine polishing: If your floor tiles are heavily damaged or have major scratches over a larger area, you should opt for professional polishing for more even and long-lasting results.
- DIY polishing: If there are just minor scratches or a little dullness on your floor tiles, you can get a high-quality tile polish or floor shiner. Apply a small amount on a clean cloth and apply it on the floor gently in circular motions. The tile experts at H&R Johnson advise always asking for polish recommendations from your respective tile manufacturer. After applying the polish properly, buff the floor using a buffing pad or a clean cloth to bring the shine back.
Polishing your floor tiles will help smooth the surface and revive the original shine. You can also apply a thin layer of wax-based floor polish if the tiles allow it. Again, always ask your tile manufacturer before opting for a wax polish and use it only if it is suitable for your tiles. After polishing, allow the surface to rest for a few hours to ensure the shine sets in completely.
Step 3: Sealing Grout Lines to Avoid Wear & Tear of Tiles
Overlooking the grout lines is one of the biggest mistakes that homeowners or commercial space owners make. No matter how often you clean your floor tiles and how well you maintain their shine, if the grout lines are not clean or not sealed properly, there is a high chance that your floor tiles will end up getting damaged over time. So, when you are putting in efforts to retain the shine of your old floor tiles, make sure to pay attention to the grout lines as well. Here are some necessary steps to follow:
- Check for any damage or grime buildup in the grout lines.
- Clean the grout with a mild grout cleaner or a paste made of baking soda and water. Do not scrub them too hard, as it can worsen the damage. Use a soft scrubbing brush.
- Once cleaned, let it dry completely before applying a grout sealer. Make sure no water or moisture is left.
- Apply the grout evenly across all grout lines.
- Check the grout instructions and let it rest accordingly.
Sealing helps prevent moisture, mold, and dirt from entering the grout, keeping your floor tiles cleaner and shinier for longer. Regular grout maintenance is necessary as it not only keeps your tiles looking new but also prevents water damage that can loosen the tiles over time.
Additional Tips to Retain the Original Shine & Finish of Floor Tiles
You can always restore the shine of your old floor tiles if you take proper care of them. However, if you maintain the tiles properly in the first place, you will need such restoration less often. High-quality floor tiles have the ability to retain their original shine for years or even decades to come if maintained properly. Here are some additional tips to retain the shine of your floor tiles:
- - Clean the tiles regularly, even when you don't notice any dust.
- - Place doormats at the main entryway and the entry of every room to minimise the amount of dust that enters your space.
- - Avoid dragging heavy furniture items, and use furniture pads under these heavy items to avoid scratches on the tiles.
Choose Floor Tiles from H&R Johnson for Long-Lasting Shine
Restoring the lost shine of old floor tiles is not as difficult as it seems. With proper cleaning, maintenance, and care, you can easily make them look like new again. If you're planning to upgrade your flooring or replace old floor tiles, you must check out H&R Johnson's collection of floor tiles.
Known for their high durability, excellent finish, and long-lasting shine, our tiles are designed to withstand daily wear and tear while retaining their original shine for years to come. With a wide range of stylish designs, H&R Johnson becomes a preferred choice for homeowners and builders looking for tiles that are easy to clean, resistant to stains, and perfect for both homes and commercial spaces.