Artisan tiles are often glazed tiles found in bathrooms or walls in your home, and need to be cleaned routinely to ensure they maintain their luster and look their best. The type of products you use can vary, and you should always follow directions as labeled.
However, if this is your first time, you may need help figuring out where to start when it comes to cleaning. And it can be expensive to hire someone to come and clean your tiles professionally. There is a way you can use household products and supplies to clean, restore, and maintain the artisan tiles.
What Are Artisan Tiles?
Artisan tiles are typically built from porcelain or ceramic and are long-lasting. They usually have a glaze and are sometimes referred to as glazed or cement tiles. They can be displayed in bathrooms, on walls, as flooring, and on a backsplash in the kitchen. Sometimes, they are found outdoors as part of a patio or pathway.
Artisan tiles are hand-made, so they are high-quality and unique in their design. They are built to last and often have creative patterns to bring an aesthetic appeal to your room.
How to Clean Artisan Tiles Properly?
When you purchase from a top artisan tile company, your tiles may come with specific cleaning instructions. If you’re interested in maintaining the quality of your tiles, you should follow these directions, but if you’re unclear on how to wash them properly, the guide below should help you get started.
- First, understand that the process is going to take some time. Ensure that you can set aside a reasonable amount of time in your day to clean your tiles thoroughly.
- Next, clear the tiles area to be cleaned. If your artisan tiles adorn the floor, move any furniture or objects.
- Check the condition of your tiles before you begin cleaning. Look for areas where there is noticeable chipping, cracking, or loose tiles, which may require help from a professional to replace or fix.
- Check that the grout is in place to keep tiles locked in tight and if it needs resealing. If you notice any mold or mildew, you’ll have to address this with some special cleaning agents.
- If you have artisan tiles somewhere outside, you can simply use a pressure washer to clean and remove debris. However, utilize the fan spray and be gentle, as using a pinpoint can easily damage the grout.
- Sweep or vacuum away any dry dust or debris, and get ready to wash. If you don’t have a special cleaner for the tiles, you can use a mild detergent or a little baking soda with warm water to mop over the tiles. You can also use diluted dishwashing soap without damage to the tiles or stripping grout sealer. Avoid using harsh abrasive or chemically rich cleaners, as they can cause more harm than good to your artisan tiles.
- If you come across stains, find a soft-bristled scrub brush and gently wash the area. You can add some vinegar to your water and spray on stained grout to leave for five minutes before gently scrubbing off. You can also make a paste with vinegar, baking soda, and water to scrub and then rinse the areas with water only. Once clean, you can spray with a vinegar/water solution to keep new stains from setting.
- Rinse the floor entirely with clean water and allow it to dry. You can help it along the drying process with a lint-free cloth (which can also help prevent streaks or water spots).
These steps provide the basic upkeep and general maintenance for your artisan tiles. Some other tips when cleaning your tiles include the following:
- Don’t use bleach or acid-containing cleaners.
- Look for cleaners that are wax or oil-based to restore shine on your tiles.
- Avoid cleaning with scouring pads or steel wool.
Restoring Artisan Tiles
If you have damaged tiles that are cracked, missing, or chipped, you can do some maintenance to restore them once cleaned. Epoxy or adhesive that may have been included in your purchase can be used to fill in gaps for chips or cracks.
Carefully apply the products and smooth them out to match the original design or pattern. If you need to replace a complete tile, see if you can get one that matches the original design, which may require some effort if the company is no longer in business or is without that pattern.
You can check with specialty suppliers or just search online for artisan tiles. Fit the tile in snugly and secure with an adhesive.
Conclusion: Keep your Artisan Tiles Looking Amazing
If you’re anxious about cleaning your artisan tiles, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help or even contact the company you bought the tiles from for advice. Artisan tiles are known for their water resistance and easy cleaning, so with these simple steps, you can keep your tiles looking the best for years.
Recommended Posts:
