How To Clean and Maintain Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tile can add dimension and decoration to a variety of spaces in your home, including the kitchen, bathroom, foyer and pool. To keep this beautiful feature in like-new shape, regular cleaning is required. Additionally, being mindful of how you use spaces that have mosaic tile can keep them looking bright and prevent damage. Whether you’re about to install mosaic tiles or have just finished renovations, take a look at these important methods for maintaining your investment:

Cleaning

Mosaic tile comes in many materials, from glass to natural stone to metal to ceramic. All of these tile options have unique textures and colors, and to keep their features shining bright, you should clean your mosaic tiles properly. Here’s how:

After-installation cleaning

The period after you install your mosaic tiles is perhaps the most important time for cleaning. Your space may have excess grout, dust and debris that can scratch or deface your mosaic tiles. Prevent residue from messing up the look of your mosaic tile by cleaning thoroughly after installation. Grout is the most difficult to remove, and you should do so carefully. Avoid acidic cleaners, which can discolor grout. Read the instructions that came with your grout product, as each brand has its own cleanup specifications.

“Avoid acidic cleaners, which can discolor grout.”

Generally, you’ll need a grout stripper, a solution you’ll apply to the surface of your tiles using a sponge. After the stripper sits for a few minutes, use a wet sponge to wipe it away.

When it comes to removing dirt and debris after installation, sweep away the chunks, then use water and a mild detergent to scrub the tiles. You should also clean the tiles once you’ve stripped excess grout.

Routine cleaning

Whether you’re wiping down counters, backsplashes, showers, bath surrounds or floors, use a mild detergent and water. Read the manufacturer directions for your specific mosaic tile product, as they will say how potent the cleaning agent should be. In some cases, diluted solutions are better for the tile.

Use a soft sponge or cloth, and avoid hard-bristled tools, as these can scratch your mosaic tiles. Rinse off the surface of your mosaic tiles and dry them with a cloth.

Mopping

If you have mosaic tile floors, mopping can help keep them looking beautiful. Sweep the floors first, using a broom with soft bristles. Then, use a pH neutral cleaner (following the same concentration instructions as with wiping) and water to mop the floors. You should let the cleaning agent sit on the floors for about five to 10 minutes before scrubbing with the mop. When you’re done, rinse thoroughly and remove excess liquid.

Vacuuming

You can vacuum your mosaic tile floors to keep them clean if you prefer that over sweeping.

Cleaning pool mosaics

If you have mosaic tiles in your pool, they’ll require special cleaning. Calcium buildup can occur on the tiles, so getting rid of those stubborn water lines is necessary to help your tiles shine. Along with a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll need to do a deeper clean once a year at the beginning or end of the season. Since a dry surface is easier to scrub, drain the water and let the pool dry. You can use a mixture of baking soda and water and scrub the area with a stiff sponge or scrub brush. Rubbing in a circular motion should help remove the marks.

Once your pool is free of stains, clean as you would other mosaic tile, with a mild detergent and water.

Cleaning mosaic tile helps it maintain its look.

General upkeep

Treating your mosaic tiles kindly will reduce the cleaning work you have to do (and prevent damage). Fortunately, maintenance is pretty easy if you just follow these tips:

Clean spills immediately

Depending on the mosaic tile’s material, spills can be a nuisance. Glass tiles can resist moisture, but stone is a little more susceptible. Either way, prevent stains by cleaning spills (both food and liquid) immediately after they occur.

Don’t drag furniture

Lift furniture when moving it on your mosaic tile floor. That way, the pieces won’t scratch or mark your tiles. The same goes for moving items on mosaic tile counters.

Making your mosaic tiles last a long time is easy when you care for them correctly. No matter what type of mosaic tiles you have, clean them regularly and they’ll shine for years to come.

What steps do you take to keep your tiled surfaces looking clean?

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