Tile is known for its water resistance and easy cleaning. With the right maintenance routine, your tile floors, walls, and countertops will look great and last for years.

Sweep or vacuum floors to remove any dust or debris before using any cleaning products. Damp-mop your tile floor at least once each week (more frequently for heavy traffic areas) to decrease wear and abrasion from grit and soil.

Clean regularly with an all-purpose, non-oil-based household cleaner that's compatible with cleaning grout joints. Use an everyday multipurpose spray cleaner to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew on wall tiles in your bath or shower.

Use concentrated tile cleaners that have a neutral pH for regular cleaning. These will safely remove grease, oils, and normal spills—just check to be sure the cleaner is intended for the application, use, and traffic level. Clean glass tile with any nonabrasive cleaner recommended for either glass or tile.

• Test scouring powders and sealants on a small area before cleaning the full area.
• Use a sealer on grout joints shortly after installation and use products compatible with cleaning grout joints.
• After cleaning, rinse the entire area with clear water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
• Have any damaged or broken tile removed and replaced only by a qualified tile contractor.

Invest in high-quality floor mats and protective pads under heavy furniture for an extra layer of protection to your tile floors. Place floor mats at entrances and exits—they collect and trap corrosive substances that can be tracked in, like dirt, sand, oil, grit, asphalt, or even driveway sealer. Placing mats in high-traffic areas—in front of vanities, kitchen sinks, and stoves—is an effective way to reduce tile wear.

• Any cleaners containing acid or bleach shouldn’t be used for routine maintenance.
• Avoid wax-based cleaners and oil-based detergents, and use sealants on grout joints only.
• Harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads or any scouring pads containing metal shouldn’t be used on tile.
• Unglazed tile should not be cleaned with an agent that contains color.