Even the tidiest kitchen will encounter its share of spills. Oil splattered on a backsplash, an errant wine glass toppled over…our spaces are meant to be lived in, and should be able to handle the bustle of daily life. The following steps cover our tested products and tips.
STEP ONE:
The first line of defense is selecting the proper sealant. While it’s normal for cement tile to develop a light patina over time, sealing helps prevent heavy stains and efflorescence. This step is competed during installation, and can be repeated every 3-5 years as maintenance. Here are our favorite options:
- Fila (FOB Xtreme Sealer)
- Drytreat (Stain-Proof)
- Miracle Sealants (511 Porous Plus)
- Tile Armor (Zeus’ Tile Sealer)
STEP TWO:
For areas that are expected to encounter heavy traffic and/or food spills, we recommend an additional protective layer such as Bona Hard Surface Floor Polish or Fila Matt.
We’ve tested each of these against olive oil, lemon juice, red wine, and dirt, and each provided a superior level of protection compared to sealants alone. These products can be applied every few months (for busy areas) or yearly for lighter maintenance. This step can add a light sheen to your tiles–something to keep in mind–but the extra barrier is well worth its satin finish.
STEP THREE:
Finally, you’ll want to stay on top of daily maintenance with a regular routine. Because highly acidic (think vinegar) and alkaline (such as beach) chemicals can strip the sealant and/or wax finish you’ve applied, you’ll want to stick to pH-neutral options. Our top picks for mopping and spot cleaning are:
- Bona Hard Surface Cleaner
- Aphrodite’s Daily Cleaner
- Athos Stone Shine & Polish
- Marius Fabre’s Black Olive Oil Soap
For stubborn spots that aren’t resolved with the above, we recommend Athena’s Heavy Duty Tile Cleaner. This solution can tackle most stains depending on its dilution level, but keep in mind you may want to reseal your tile when using at maximum strength.
Further tips for easy daily upkeep can be found here, including our favorite broom. And yes, we do have one!
Happy tiling!
