Once your ceramic tile flooring has been professionally cleaned and sealed, you're going to want to take precautionary measures to keep your tile in pristine condition until your next cleaning. Tile is vulnerable to food stains, dirt and dust as well as mold and mildew in areas that are damp. Here are a few tips for maintaining your tile and grout between professional cleanings.

1. Combat Daily Dirt - each day, make it a habit to wipe, sponge or mop your ceramic tile and grout to remove debris at the surface, along with dirt or film buildup from mopping with soap.

2. Use common sense cleaning solutions - a simple, yet highly effective cleaning solution can be made from common household products like peroxide and baking soda. Create a paste using baking soda and water. Then, spread the paste over the surface of your ceramic tile grout and let it sit for about two minutes. Finally, rinse with water and dry using paper towels.

Another solution is to mix one part hydrogen peroxide with equal part water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution onto your grout and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with water and dry with paper towels. For stains that are a little more stubborn, mix baking soda in the peroxide mixture, allow the mixture to settle (until the bubbling stops), apply the solution to the stain and gently scrub your grout with a cleaning brush.

3. Cleaning white or lightly colored tile grout - Bleach is highly effective for eliminating mold and mildew as well as completely removing stains. A couple cap fulls of bleach added to about a gallon of water is enough to cover tile throughout your home. Use rubber gloves and a sponge to apply the solution directly to the grout, or put a mixture of bleach and water in a spray bottle. After the solution is applied, allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it with water and drying with paper towels. Be sure your home is properly ventilated when you use bleach and avoid wearing clothes that you don't want splattered with bleach spots. Avoid using bleach on colored tile grout, as it will fade the color.

4. A warning about grout cleaners - You'll want to steer clear of cleaning products that are acid based, because they can eat away at your tile grout. If a heavy duty cleanser becomes necessary, be sure to closely follow the manufacturer's instructions. If your tile has been recently installed, be sure the proper amount of curing time has passed before applying any harsh chemicals to the tile or grout.

5. Have your tile grout sealed - depending on the age of your tile, it may still have the glaze that came on it when it was new. If so, you'll only need to have your grout periodically sealed. Ask your floor cleaning professional at Gator Clean to recommend the frequency with which your tile or grout should be sealed between professional cleanings.

For more floor cleaning tips and a free quote contact the professionals at Gator Clean.