Care and Keeping of…Tile

How to Protect the Style and Strength of One of Your Home’s Hardest-Working Surfaces

Tile is one of the most beloved materials in home design—for good reason. It’s durable, beautiful, versatile, and capable of transforming everything from a simple backsplash to a full spa-like bathroom. But despite its sturdy appearance, tile does require thoughtful care to keep it looking and performing its best over time.

In this edition of Care and Keeping, we’re diving into the ins and outs of tile maintenance. Whether you have ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or glass tile in your home, this guide will help you preserve its beauty and ensure it lasts for years to come.

Why Tile Care Matters

Tile is often chosen for its durability and low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it’s totally hands-off. Like any surface, it’s subject to wear, staining, moisture, and everyday messes.

Proper care not only extends the lifespan of your tile—it also:

Preserves the color and finish
Prevents cracking, chipping, and erosion
Keeps grout looking clean and fresh
Maintains a healthy, mold-free environment

Taking a little time now and then to protect your tile means it will keep doing its job—looking great and staying strong—for decades.

Know Your Tile Type

Before you reach for a sponge or cleaning solution, it’s important to know what kind of tile you have. Different materials require different kinds of care.

Ceramic Tile

A classic and cost-effective choice, ceramic tile is made from clay and fired at high temperatures. It’s water-resistant and fairly low maintenance, but not quite as hard as porcelain.

Best used in: Backsplashes, walls, low-traffic floors
Care tip: Avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the glaze.

Porcelain Tile

A subtype of ceramic that’s denser and less porous. Porcelain is ultra-durable and often used in high-traffic or wet areas like bathrooms and mudrooms.

Best used in: Floors, showers, outdoor areas
Care tip: Mild detergent and water go a long way—harsh chemicals not required.

Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Slate, Limestone, Granite)

Each stone has its own care needs, but as a category, natural stone is porous and often needs sealing to resist stains and moisture. These surfaces are beautiful, unique, and slightly higher maintenance.

Best used in: Bathroom floors and walls, fireplace surrounds, kitchen backsplashes
Care tip: Use pH-neutral cleaners and reseal periodically.

Glass Tile

Stunning in showers and backsplashes, glass tile is non-porous and reflective but prone to scratching if cleaned improperly.

Best used in: Accent walls, backsplashes, bathrooms
Care tip: Use soft cloths and non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratches.

Tile Cleaning: The Routine

✨ Daily or Weekly: Light Cleaning

Dry sweep or vacuum tiled floors regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch surfaces.
Wipe down backsplashes and walls with a soft cloth or sponge and mild dish soap to remove splatters and dust.
For kitchen or bathroom tile, a solution of warm water and vinegar (for non-stone tiles) or gentle tile cleaner is usually sufficient.

Pro tip: Always rinse well to prevent residue from building up on the tile or grout.

Monthly or Seasonally: Deep Cleaning

Use a soft brush to scrub grout lines (more on that in a moment).
Polish glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles with a damp microfiber cloth to restore shine.
Inspect for any chips or cracks and address them early to prevent bigger issues.

The Grout Factor

Grout is often the unsung hero of any tile installation—holding it all together and sealing out moisture. But it’s also the most vulnerable part of a tiled surface, prone to staining, discoloration, and mold.

‍♂️ How to Care for Grout:

Clean regularly using a soft-bristled brush and mild grout cleaner.
Avoid harsh bleach or ammonia, which can degrade grout and damage surrounding tile.
Seal grout lines every 6–12 months (depending on exposure) to protect against moisture and stains.
For mold-prone areas (like showers), keep ventilation high and squeegee walls after use.

Natural grout cleaner: A paste of baking soda and water, scrubbed gently with a toothbrush, is a safe and effective option.

Stain and Damage Prevention

Even the strongest tile can be damaged by misuse. Here are a few common-sense precautions that can make a big difference:

✔️ Use Mats and Rugs

Place door mats at entries to catch dirt and debris before it hits your floors.
Use bath mats in bathrooms to prevent standing water and reduce slips.

✔️ Protect from Furniture

Add felt pads under chair and table legs to prevent scratches or cracks.

✔️ Clean Spills Promptly

Especially important for natural stone and grout—clean up wine, coffee, oils, and acids quickly to avoid permanent stains.

✔️ Avoid Heavy Impacts

While tile is durable, dropping something heavy (like a cast iron pan) can crack or chip it. Handle with care, especially in kitchens.

When to Reseal Your Tile

Not all tile needs sealing, but if you have natural stone or cement tile, sealing is critical to preserve color and resist staining.

️ Signs It’s Time to Reseal:

Water no longer beads up on the surface
Grout begins to darken or discolor
The tile starts looking dull or etched

How often to reseal?

Natural stone: Every 1–2 years
Grout: Every 6–12 months in high-use areas
Porcelain/ceramic: Usually doesn’t need sealing unless the grout is unsealed

Tile Troubleshooting

If you notice problems with your tile, don’t wait. Here’s how to handle a few common issues:

Cracked tile? Small chips can sometimes be filled with epoxy, but larger cracks usually mean a replacement.
Loose tile? This could signal issues with the underlying substrate. Have a pro assess the cause.
Mold or mildew? Use a mold-removal product (or vinegar + baking soda) and check your ventilation.

If the same problems keep showing up, it may be time to talk with a remodeling professional about repair or replacement.

A Lifetime of Beauty

Tile is one of the most timeless materials in design—not just because of how it looks, but because of how well it holds up. With the right care, your tile can last for decades while continuing to look fresh, clean, and just as stylish as the day it was installed.

At Eheart Interior Solutions, we believe tile should be both beautiful and practical. Whether you’re choosing a backsplash that makes a statement or installing radiant-heated floors under porcelain tile, we’ll help you select the right materials—and give you the tools to care for them long-term.

Need help choosing or maintaining tile in your home?
Schedule a consultation with one of our design experts. We’ll guide you through materials, finishes, and cleaning techniques so your space looks incredible for years to come.