One of the more alluring aspects of cement tiles are how, with time, they gently age and grow into a space. Almost like magic, they seem to absorb the days, decades, and centuries of vibrant activity that surround them, taking on the texture of lifetimes.
There is, however, a limit to how much life we want to throw into our tiles at a time, and we’ve got some daily maintenance tips to help keep your cement tiles looking fresh and aging gracefully.
Since cement is porous–much like stone and marble–you’ll want to ensure your tiles are sealed during installation. You can find our recommended sealants here, under Sealing, Grouting, & Waxing. Sealing will minimize the natural patina that accumulates with everyday splashes, spills, and wear.
The next step is washing your tiles with pH-neutral cleaners. Because overly acidic and alkaline products can slowly erode the sealant that protects the tile against stains, it’s important to avoid these for daily maintenance. Two of our favorite products are Bona Hard Surface Cleaner and Marius Fabre Olive Oil Liquid Black Soap.
Bona Hard Surface Cleaner is great for spot cleaning spills, but is also an effective overall surface cleaner for mopping. We recommend pairing this with their microfiber floor mop, which is excellent for gently cleaning large surfaces. The microfiber cleaning pad can be dropped in the wash and reused regularly, which adds a waste-saving benefit that we love.
Next is a classic option for daily tile upkeep: savon noir. Savon noir hails from Provence, and in English is known as black olive oil soap. This neutral, natural cleaner has been used in France for generations on everything from floors to laundry, and is gentle enough to shampoo pets.
There are several great brands on the market, most of which are available as concentrates and are added to warm water for mopping. We like Marius Fabre’s spray version since it’s pre-mixed and easy to use, so feel free to explore what works best for your space. For our floors, we like to follow up a Bona scrub with savon noir, which creates an added layer of clean, sheen, and protection. The spray also works wonders on wooden floors and furniture, and leaves behind a light earthy scent.
Finally, having a great broom makes all the difference. Using a wide, lightweight horsehair and Tampico bristled broom makes for quick and easy work. The bristles are soft enough to work around grout lines, crevices, and uneven tiles while staying firm enough to pull dust and grit from their hiding places. A broom like this has a long handle and swivel head making use and storage a cinch.
Making the decision to incorporate cement tile into your home does come with a few extra maintenance techniques, but there’s balance; it also adds the benefit of long-lasting pattern and color that, when cared for properly, can span lifetimes.
Want more information on our cement tiles? Visit our Tile FAQ. Happy tiling!
