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!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about gloss?
When considering gloss, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
What is the best way to clean different floor types?
Hardwood: damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner. LVP: damp mop with vinyl cleaner. Carpet: vacuum 2-3 times weekly. Cork: damp mop with cork-safe cleaner, reseal every 3-5 years. Laminate: dry or slightly damp mop — never use excess water.
Can scratched hardwood floors be repaired?
Minor scratches can be buffed out or filled with wood filler. Deep scratches may need spot sanding and refinishing. For extensive damage, a full professional refinishing restores the floor to like-new condition. See our refinishing services.
Start Your Flooring Project Today
Whether you’re renovating one room or your entire home, Tony’s Flooring Centre is here to help. We offer free estimates, professional installation, and a huge selection at our Etobicoke showroom. Call (416) 255-9631 or get in touch online.