Commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, ceramic tiles are both durable and attractive. When they're properly cared for and cleaned, they can add to the overall appearance of your home and last for years. If you've just had a company like Plaza Ontario Marble & Tile Inc install ceramic tile in your home, allow the grout to thoroughly dry for at least 72 hours before performing any maintenance on the flooring. 

Here are some ways you can care for your ceramic tiles and keep them looking their best:

General Maintenance

1. Sweep or vacuum your ceramic tiles daily, or at least once a week depending on how much the floors are used, to remove any dirt, dust and debris. Any sharp objects, such as bigger pieces of dirt or stones and pebbles, can scratch and damage the tiles.

2. After removing any loose debris, wipe the tiles down using a clean, damp cotton mop. You can also spot-clean smaller or hard-to-reach areas, such as under cabinets, with a sponge or cloth.

3. Place felt pads under heavy wood or plastic objects, such as kitchen table legs, to prevent them from scratching the ceramic tile. Avoid placing metal objects or furniture on the tile, as they could deposit rust stains, especially in damp climates.

4. If your kitchen features a door that leads outside, place a sturdy entry mat at the foot of it to prevent people from tracking dirt and other debris onto the tiles. 

5. Clean up any spills as soon as possible to prevent stains. 

Deep Cleaning

1. At least once a week, deep clean the tile with a hard surface cleanser made for use on ceramic. Avoid using cleansers that contain acids, vinegar, ammonia or chlorine, which could damage and discolor the tile. Also, choose a cleanser with a neutral pH level, which won't stain the grout.

2. Mix the ceramic-safe cleanser with water as directed on the packaging and use a mop or sponge to thoroughly clean the tile, giving extra care to heavily soiled areas. Rinse the area with clear water to remove any residue, and allow the tile to thoroughly dry before using.

Grout Maintenance 

1. Clean the grout, or filler between the ceramic tiles, on a regular basis using a cleanser with a neutral pH level to remove any built-up dirt and grime. 

2. You'll clean the grout when going over the tiles with a mop, but you may need to spot-clean some especially dirty areas with a sponge or cloth.