A clean, smooth, and glossy floor is every homeowner’s dream. Who does not want a floor that reflects light and gives the areas of their house a warm yet elegant appearance? Installing high-gloss tiles can deliver instant result, but that gloss can easily be dulled by the accumulation of grease, dirt, and other household stains. You may end up with a floor that looks a little grubby.
But don’t fret just yet! There are ways you can restore the shine on your tile floors on your own! Interested? Just follow these simple tips:
- Remove all the furniture from your floor area. Dust the surfaces first before you sweep and vacuum the floor to thoroughly remove any dirt and debris. You may choose to open the windows to let in fresh air while you’re doing this step.
- Mix some cleaning solution with water, or use your mom’s trusted water-vinegar solution to clean the floor thoroughly. Using a non-scratch pad or a very soft cloth, work your way over the floor tiles and especially along the grouts which tend to hold dirt. When your cleaning solution looks dirty, make sure to replace it with a fresh batch. Rinse the floor with water and immediate dry everything using an old and really absorbent towel.
- Now that you have rid the floor of any debris and you have wiped off grime, too, it’s time to apply high-gloss tile sealer on it. Pour the sealer into a clean paint tray. Apply it, starting from the farthest corner of the area, spreading it evenly over the tiles in straight lines. Use a lint-free cloth for application. Do this carefully to avoid leaving puddles of sealant in depressed areas or along those grout lines. Once you have covered everything, leave the sealant for a few hours to dry. It is best to consult the manufacturer’s instruction to see how much time is actually needed for the sealant to dry completely.
- You can repeat the third step as many times as needed to achieve the shine you want. Apply successive layers in straight lines that are 90 degrees to the previous layering. If you want a really glossy and strong layer that would protect your flooring, you may need to apply up to four layers of the sealant.
Remember that whether you are cleaning or applying sealant, you should always begin at the farthest part of the room and work your way towards the door. Doing so will ensure that you don’t have to walk on the area you have just worked on to leave the room. Make sure that there is sufficient ventilation in the area before you start working, too!