Imported Italian tiles add unmatched elegance and quality to Indian homes, but they also demand proper upkeep. With expert Italian tile care India practices and proven glazed tile maintenance strategies, you can preserve their shine, protect their surface, and extend their lifespan. Whether you’ve chosen large-format porcelain from Marazzi or hand-finished ceramics from Florim, these seven tips will help you maintain your investment in simple, effective ways.
1. Sweep and Dust Mop Regularly
Fine grit and dust act like sandpaper underfoot, dulling your tiles’ glazed finish over time.
- Frequency: Sweep or dust mop daily in high-traffic areas, at least twice weekly elsewhere.
- Tools: Use a soft-bristle broom or a dry microfiber mop—avoid stiff-bristled brushes that can scratch the glaze.
- Benefit: Prevents abrasive particles from accumulating, preserving your tile’s lustre.
2. Use a Neutral pH Cleaner for Routine Mopping
Harsh chemicals can etch glazed surfaces and discolor grout. Stick to pH-neutral formulas.
- Recommended Cleaners:
- Balaji Expo Spenza Neutral Cleaner for porcelain and ceramic (balajiexpoindia.com).
- HR Johnson Mild Floor Cleaner, designed for vitrified surfaces (hrjohnsonindia.com).
- Balaji Expo Spenza Neutral Cleaner for porcelain and ceramic (balajiexpoindia.com).
- Method:
- Dilute cleaner per instructions (typically 1:100).
- Mop with warm water, changing solution when visibly soiled.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.
- Dilute cleaner per instructions (typically 1:100).
- Tip: Never leave standing water—glazed tiles resist moisture, but grout lines do not.
3. Tackle Stains Promptly with Gentle Solutions
Accidental spills—tea, coffee, oil—can stain grout and dull tile surfaces if left too long.
- Oil and Grease: Sprinkle baking soda or diatomaceous earth to absorb droplets. Let sit 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse.
- Tea/Coffee/Wine: Blot immediately; apply a paste of baking soda and water, agitate with a soft cloth, rinse.
- Hard Water Marks: Wipe with a vinegar-water solution (1:4 ratio), then rinse thoroughly to avoid acid damage.
- Commercial Poultices: For stubborn stains, use a manufacturer-recommended tile poultice kit—avoid DIY acidic mixtures that can erode glaze.
4. Maintain and Seal Grout Lines Periodically
Grout is porous and more prone to staining than tile, so it needs extra care.
- Grout Cleaning:
- Scrub lines with a soft nylon brush and a mild grout cleaner or baking soda paste.
- Rinse completely to remove residues that attract dirt.
- Scrub lines with a soft nylon brush and a mild grout cleaner or baking soda paste.
- Grout Sealing:
- Apply a penetrating grout sealer (e.g., Pidilite Roff’s Waterproofing Sealer) every 12–18 months.
- Sealers fill microscopic pores, repelling spills and reducing cleaning frequency.
- Apply a penetrating grout sealer (e.g., Pidilite Roff’s Waterproofing Sealer) every 12–18 months.
5. Avoid Abrasive Tools and Strong Chemicals
Preserve your tiles’ factory finish by steering clear of damaging cleaners and implements.
- Dos:
- Use only soft cloths, microfiber mop heads, and non-metallic brushes.
- Opt for commercial, tile-specific cleaners with clear “safe for glazed surfaces” labels.
- Use only soft cloths, microfiber mop heads, and non-metallic brushes.
- Don’ts:
- No steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff-bristle brushes.
- Avoid bleach, ammonia, or acid-based cleaners that can strip grout and dull glaze.
- No steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff-bristle brushes.
6. Use Protective Measures in High-Impact Areas
Shield your tiles from chips and scratches where wear is heaviest.
- Doormats & Rugs:
- Place coir mats at entrances to trap grit.
- Use area rugs in dining zones to prevent chair scuffing.
- Place coir mats at entrances to trap grit.
- Furniture Pads:
- Stick felt or rubber pads under chair and table legs—available at HomeTown and IKEA India.
- Stick felt or rubber pads under chair and table legs—available at HomeTown and IKEA India.
- Heavy Objects:
- Lift rather than drag furniture or potted plants.
- Use plywood sheets beneath plant stands to avoid moisture rings.
- Lift rather than drag furniture or potted plants.
7. Schedule Professional Deep-Cleaning Annually
A yearly professional service can rejuvenate your tiles and grout.
- What to Expect:
- Steam cleaning or low-pressure hot-water extraction to lift deep-seated dirt.
- Reapplication of protective sealers on grout and unglazed accent tiles.
- Steam cleaning or low-pressure hot-water extraction to lift deep-seated dirt.
- Trusted Vendors:
- SteamPro India: Specialized in tile and grout restoration in Mumbai and Pune.
- CleanOx Services: Nationwide franchise offering ceramic and porcelain tile polishing.
- SteamPro India: Specialized in tile and grout restoration in Mumbai and Pune.
- Benefit: Extends tile life, restores original shine, and prepares grout for another year of protection.
Real-Life Example
In a Delhi home featuring imported Marazzi porcelain floors, the owners noticed grout darkening within six months. After implementing these care tips—daily dust-mopping, monthly neutral cleaning, and mid-year grout sealing—their floors regained showroom brilliance. A professional deep-clean by SteamPro India restored the tiles’ natural sheen, and the family now enjoys pristine surfaces two years on.
Conclusion
With thoughtful Italian tile care India practices and consistent glazed tile maintenance, your imported Italian tiles will remain as striking as the day they were installed. Remember to sweep and mop with pH-neutral cleaners, address stains quickly, protect grout lines, avoid harsh chemicals, and leverage professional services annually. For supplies, look to Balaji Expo, HR Johnson, Pidilite Roff, and local vendors like HomeTown—so your tiles continue to impress for decades.
Source : fulinspace.com