Regular cleaning might be all you better tune up your old tile floor.
Contractor James Marino recommends avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.
“They can dull the tile over time and weaken the grout,” he says.
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“A mild detergent goes a long way in preserving their shine.”
Stick with gentle cleaners andmicrofiber clothsor mops to keep things looking polished without causing damage.
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“No elbow grease required,” she says.
Marino agrees that using rugs or mats in high-traffic areas is a simple way to prevent wear and tear.
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Recolor the Grout
Dirt and mold accumulate in tile grout (seams) over time.
Staining thegrout with a new colorfreshens up the tile without needing to replace the grout or tile.
Even if thegrout is cleanand in good condition, it can be recolored for a bright, new look.
Change grout colorby applying grout color stain with a brush.
Some stains are available in marker-like pens that allow you to draw the color directly on the grout.
Tile Decals
For a more dramatic change, consider tile decals.
Tile decals stick to ceramic, porcelain, or stone floor or wall tiles.
The surface should be smooth and glazed, not porous, rough, or textured.
Decals fit each tile size but leave the grout uncovered.
Decal designs match edge-to-edge.
Paint the Tile
Another way to updatetile is to paint it, according to Bandstra.
For long-lasting durability, use a bonding primer.
The paint should be either a one-part or two-partepoxy paint.
Tile paint covers both the tile and the grout.
So, it’s a great option for dingy tile grout.
Create damask, classical, or floral designs on your floor tile with stencils.
you might stencil the entire floor or just the border.
Start by covering the tile with a bonding primer that also acts as a base color coat.
Position the stencil on a tile and use a dense foam roller to roll on the color coat.
Top with a water-based clear urethane coat for protection.
“Though time-consuming and a workout, the results can be worth every effort,” Bandstra says.
Regrouting is also the best optionwhen thegrout is crumbling and cracked.
The trick is to use an electric multitool with a special grout removal blade.
