The Best Way to Clean Porcelain Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain ceramic tiles come in many different colours, sizes and finishes. Each one is slightly unique in how best to clean and maintain them. What is important is to keep the tile clean. Dirt, over time, can abrade a tile, change the feel, and make it look dirty even when it has just been cleaned. Because of this, these are the recommendations for different types of ceramic tiling. For most cleaning jobs, a solution of one part vinegar to 100 parts water, or about 2 gallons of water and a quarter cup of vinegar, is an ideal and very mild cleaning agent. There are tile-specific cleaners out there as well, which can stain or colour the tile slightly, so care must be used to properly dilute them down per the cleaner's instructions.

Cleaning polished porcelain ceramic tiles

A polished tile is by far one of the most common types of tiling that a homeowner could have. It is beautiful and the shine is one of the reasons it is often chosen. However, because of the shine, it appears dirty quicker and things such as wet shoes will really affect the tiles look more than other types of tile. The best way to clean it is to first clean the worst of the dirt by sweeping or vacuuming the surface. Then, use a mild soap or detergent solution diluted down to half what is recommended for other tile surfaces. Apply this cleaner using a mop and if need be, use a scrubbing brush or tile-safe scrubbing pad for any spots that need extra attention. Finally, rinse the floor clean with water only and carefully dry the tile using a towel to make sure it shines and has no water spots.

Cleaning Unpolished and Textured porcelain ceramic tiles

Unpolished and textured ceramic tiles require a little more work to get completely clean. Because they are not completely sealed and smooth, they have pockets to trap dirt and grime, which a quick mop will not get at. After sweeping or vacuuming any loose dirt from the floor, saturate the floor with either homemade or commercial cleaner diluted with hot water. Let this work for five to ten minutes. If need be, work in small sections to prevent the solution from evaporating off. Use a nylon bristled brush to scrub the tile to get into and pull out any dirt that is trapped. Afterwards, wipe away the dirty cleaning solution and water, then rinse with clean water applied with a mop.

Things to avoid

While it may be tempting to use a stronger cleaner thinking that stronger is better, cleaners that contain harsh chemicals really should be avoided. Acids, bleaches and ammonia can all do damage to the tile and grout and should not be used on porcelain ceramic tile surfaces. Waxes and sealants as well as oil-based cleaners should all be avoided as well because they can affect not only the colour, but also the amount of traction. Even the smoothest sealed tile will become even more dangerously slick when wet if wax has been applied to the surface. Finally, unglazed porcelain tiling should never have any cleaner or other liquid applied that has dyes or colouring of any kind in it. From a child's fruit punch to a cleaner with dye, it can stain the surface permanently.

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Understanding Ceramic Tile Ratings

The range of ceramic tile available for use and installation in homes and offices these days is enormous to say the least. However, when choosing the right ceramic tiles for your particular project it helps to understand the basic ceramic tile ratings system that is followed industry wide. Here is a simple introduction:
Grade 1 - This is the weakest of all standard grade ceramic tile and is best for wall installations only. These sre the perfect tiles for creating a beautiful kitchen or bathroom backsplash.

Grade 2 - This is a great choice for all kinds of wall tile installations but it is also suitable for floor installation in areas that see only light foot traffic - a guest bathroom for instance.

Grade 3 - This grade of ceramic tiling is probably the most commonly used in residential building. It is a great choice for flooring areas that get light to moderate foot traffic like the kitchen and the master bathroom.

Grade 4 - Another great residential tile flooring choice but this grade can stand up to heavier daily foot traffic without losing any of its beauty.

Grade 5 - These are the ceramic tiles that can stand up to it all. They are used in really high traffic areas like airport concourses and shopping malls and these are the tiles that are usually best suited for use outdoors, around the pool or on the patio for instance.

So which is best for your project? If you are not sure, working with an experienced tile dealer who can help you decide can be of great help. They will be able to guide you to the tile that is suitable for your needs as well as advise you about best installation practices.

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Ceramic Tile Flooring Installation - How to Get it Right by Yourself

Before you can begin your ceramic tile flooring installation, you must make sure that the tiles you have chosen are well-suited for the section of the house you are going to use them for. Ceramic tile flooring is resistant to moisture, water spillage and sudden extreme changes in temperature and are usually used in bathrooms or kitchens, and sometimes in other areas of the house as well. Once you have made sure of the section of flooring that you will use ceramic tiling for and also the tiles that you want to use - you are ready to begin.

Keep Your Tools Ready

The first thing to do is to make sure that the tools you will use are ready at hand. These tools should include basic carpentry tools like an accurate measuring tape, a carpenter's square and a bubble level. You should also be prepared with the tiles and all you need to space them and put them together: tile spaces, a tile cutter, a trowel, and a putty knife. Then you must get your adhesives ready: tile bonding material, thin set mortar or tile adhesive, the sealant, the grout and a rubber grout float. Also you must make sure that you are wearing work clothes or overalls, glasses and heavy-duty gloves for safety.

Prepare the Sub-Floor for the Tiling Process

After you are ready with your tools and before you begin tile flooring installation, you must first prepare the sub-floor for the ceramic tile flooring installation. This involves cleaning the sub-floor thoroughly and checking it for cracks. If you do find cracks, you must repair them. If any crack is too large to repair, that section of the floor must be replaced completely. If your floors are wooden make sure that they are supported well and are at least two inches thick so that they are able to withstand the weight of the tiles you are about to install on them. Once you have checked for cracks and cleaned all the debris off the sub-floor you are ready to begin with your ceramic tile flooring installation.

Measure Everything

The next step of your ceramic tile flooring installation is the accurate measuring of your floor and your tiles. This is necessary for you to be able to calculate exactly how many tiles you will need. You must measure the length and width of the section of floor you are going to tile and also the length and width of each tile. Then you must calculate, using these numbers, exactly how many tiles you are going to use, which will depend on the orientation of each tile as you have decided to place it on the floor, as well. Then you must find the mid-points of the length and the width of the floor you want to carry out your ceramic tile flooring installation process on; connect these midpoints to form a plus across the floor space. The intersection of the two lines of the plus is the center of your floor space; it is here that you must begin your ceramic tile flooring installation.

Install the Ceramic Tiles
Start with the center and move outwards with each ceramic tile. Use thin set mortar or tile adhesive to set the tiles, make sure that the bond between the tile and the sub-floor sets by applying pressure on each tile. After the tiles have set, complete the process by applying the grout. Remember that the grout must be of the same color as the tiles you have chosen. Remember that each step requires twenty-four hours to set and dry before allowing yourself to proceed to the next step of your ceramic tile flooring installation.

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Ceramic Tile Floor Designs

Using various ceramic tile floor designs has become quite common among the people to decorate their homes. The market is flooded with the number of ceramic tiles and even some people, love to customize their designs also. However there is simply no dearth of the designs available in light to fascinating attractive colors.

The best part of using ceramic tile floor designs is that it is very convenient and reflects your creative side and your eye for appreciable designs also. Although the use of the ceramic tile is bit tough and requires investment, people love to use it as it makes their entire house beautiful and floors very attractive and comfortable.

So, if you have made up your mind to use the tiles then you should make detailed list of the items you may be required while using tiles. If you are hiring some interior professional who can guide you on this critical and important issue, you need to pay attention to their recommendations about its use. The interior designers are well versed with its use and they will check for all greater details which can be used to give your home floor an effective and exciting look. They will help you in identifying the ideal design and shade you are looking for. Apart from this while laying the design of tiles flooring, they will make an optimum use of the available space in your room and even in the corners. So, it is advisable that if you are not a professional by yourself then try to seek a professional help to make your home floor even better.

However, as far as the selection of the tile designs is concerned you can take care of this part. You can choose from a number of colors and designs available in the market. You can visit the stores and can select a design and color. You can also ask for the details at the store which will show you the latest trend going on. If you have specific design in your mind then you can share with the tile manufacturer and can transform your imagination on tiles.

Another most effective method is to look for the designs and colors online. You can visit certain websites which will help you in getting the right kind of tile floor designs. This is the most important and widely used method. Using online facilities you can get different colors, shades and designs and will be able to use it effectively. Another thing is that while looking for ceramic tile floor designs you should also check the quality. You know that ceramic tiles can be used for longer period only and it can not be hanged at short intervals. So, the quality of these tiles should be very good and strong.

So, go ahead and make a selection of the ceramic tiles and give a new look to your house.

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