Ah, tiles! They certainly have become a common sight in every home around the world – a fact that would surprise very few. They grace our floors and walls with a touch of timeless elegance and add a touch of sophistication to any space. One of the main reasons behind their ever-growing popularity is their maintenance, though it is also a topic that is shrouded in a fog of confusing myths and misconceptions.
You may have even heard some of them. But fear not, as we are here to debunk some of the biggest maintenance myths and equip you with the proper knowledge to keep your floor dazzling for years to come. So, before you buy tiles online Delhi, read them carefully.
Common Tile Maintenance Myths
Myth #1 – All Tiles are Waterproof
One of the biggest misconceptions about tiles in the world is that all tiles are waterproof and would resist water. That is not the case at all.
Not all tiles are created equal and, hence, have different levels of resistance when it comes to water. Porcelain tiles might shrug off the occasional splash with unyielding stoicism, but their ceramic counterpart would not be that effective. They would readily absorb the moisture, and the end result would be unsightly stains and even cracks – no one wants that.
The misconception that all tiles are waterproof fails to acknowledge the diverse personalities of different tile types. You shouldn’t make this mistake as it would undoubtedly lead to disastrous consequences.
Myth #2 – Vinegar is the best cleaner for all tile types
Another widely spread myth about tiles is that they can be quickly cleaned through vinegar. And while it is true that vinegar is a highly useful cleaning agent, that does not mean it is suitable for all types of tiles. That is certainly not the case at all.
Vinegar and its acidic nature can easily damage tiles, especially those with polished surfaces such as marble. The once-gleaming marble will become dull upon contact with vinegar (and regular contact at that). For marbles (and similar tiles), professionals advise using a specialized cleaning solution.
While vinegar may be a powerful ally in certain circumstances, it is not a one-fit cleaning solution for all tiles.
Myth #3 – Bleach is ideal for Tile & Grout Cleaning
Bleach is often thought of as the go-to choice for cleaning tile & grout. However, that is not true despite its widespread use. In fact, the use of bleach can be quite detrimental to both tile surface & grout in the long run.
Bleach is effective as a sanitizer and even as a whitening solution, but it also leads to grout discoloration and weakening. For routine maintenance, milder detergents or grout-specific cleaners are more advised.
You should reserve the use of bleach for tackling tough stains or mold & mildew in bathrooms. However, even in such circumstances, you must dilute the solution and use it sparingly.
Myth #4 – The Harder You Scrub, the Cleaner the Tile
Who has not tried to clean their tiles and applied quite a force to it – honestly, we all have. However, your extra efforts are going to waste; in fact, they are doing more harm than good.
Abrasive scrubbing, especially with harsh pads or bristles, can scratch the surface of tiles. It results in dullness and unsightly marks that would force you to change your tiles completely. Moreover, excessive force in cleaning can dislodge the grout and create gaps that trap dirt and bacteria.
Finally, you should also keep in mind that the overenthusiastic application of force when cleaning a tile can even damage the tile itself. It is quite common to see chips, cracks, or even complete tile detachment because of said practice.
Myth #5 – More Water Equals Better Cleaning
The final myth about tile maintenance that we will debunk here is the use of water in cleaning tiles, specifically excessive use of water. We often assume that the more water we use, the more effective we will be when cleaning grime. But nope, it does not work like that.
Using too much water can be detrimental to the cause, especially when cleaning unsealed or natural stone tiles. The excess water can seep into the grout lines and cause water damage. Using a damp mop or cloth and cleaning the tile without saturating is the right approach. Also, ensure the area is well-ventilated during and after the clearing to facilitate quick drying.
Conclusion
Now, here you have it – five common tile maintenance myths debunked. Debunking these myths is crucial for the proper care and longevity of your tiles. However, another crucial factor for tile longevity is purchasing only high-quality tiles. And Antica Ceramica is simply the best place to buy tiles in Delhi.
