Granite floor tiles give your floors a sophisticated and edgy look that no other tiling can provide. While using it does bring out the luxurious look that most people would want, granite flooring does require regular cleaning and maintenance in order to maintain that special look.
The Luxurious Look of Stone
Just like marble, travertine and ceramic tiles, using granite floor tiles can add a touch of luxury to home décor. The variance in design of the tiles themselves creates a unique, one-of-a-kind floor design that is not easily rivaled. Even using mosaic tiles made up of ceramic and natural stone does not come close in durability or ease of maintenance. Combine your granite flooring with carefully placed accent rugs and a literal style showcase has been created.
Casual cleaning of these tiles is fairly easy to accomplish. Regular applications of dust mops or brooms can keep it looking sharp and it does fare well in high traffic areas of the home. However, the use of harsh chemical cleaners or waxes should be avoided to keep from damaging the natural stone through chemical erosion or dulling its natural sheen. Complete maintenance and cleaning can be accomplished simply by applying a few simple steps to the schedule of regular sweeping.
Cleaning Tips for Granite Flooring
Basic soap and water is not simply enough to keep granite tiles clean. Over time, they may appear dirtier or duller, no matter how often you mop them. What is needed here are regular applications of cleaners specifically designed for the complete cleaning of natural stone tiles, available from most manufacturers or flooring outlets. Used in tandem with some kind of scrub brush will remove all of the dirt and grime, without damaging or dulling the look of this otherwise durable flooring.
Great for high traffic areas, special care must still be exercised when it comes to staining. Kids and pets can take their toll on this resilient flooring, but you still need to watch out for spilled drinks, food stains and pet accidents. Unless removed as soon as they happen, accidents of this type can, and will, tarnish the surface of the tiles. Wiping up, followed by a quick scrubbing with the cleaner will improve its overall appearance.
Maintaining the Look
Cleaning with the special cleansers for use with granite floor tiles is good, but regular maintenance with the proper sealer is better. At least once a year, perhaps twice if in a high traffic area, a sealing agent for stone tiles must be applied to extend their durability. The sealer can be found at most home décor or carpeting outlets, and is worth the investment when compared to the cost of replacing the tiles themselves. By sealing them, you reduce the chance that stains and dirt can penetrate the tiles and degrade them from the inside out. A few extra steps like these will help you keep the look you want in your home that natural stone flooring provides, while extending the life of your flooring.
