The holiday season is here, and you’re no doubt hoping to enjoy festivities by inviting family, friends and guests round to celebrate – without worrying about any mess or damage caused by the additional footfall to your tiles. At this time of year, our floors tend to take more of a hammering with the likes of high heels, muddy boots and wet paws giving them a run for their money! So, giving your floors some extra TLC this winter is the best way to ensure your tiles look their very best right through to the new year.
Protecting your tiles during the party season is essential to ensure that your beautiful floors and walls remain unscathed while you celebrate. Follow these tips to safeguard your tiles and enjoy a worry-free gathering.
(image credit: Elina Fairytale)
How to clean and protect your tiles
Start by giving your tiles a thorough clean before your gathering. This is the most important step to protecting them, and will ensure your tiles shine during the event.
- Surface Clean: Sweep or vacuum to remove dust and debris, then mop with a gentle cleaner suitable for your tile type. For more information on how to clean your tiles based on material, discover our tile cleaning advice guides such as how to clean porcelain tiles or how to clean natural stone tiles.
- Cleaning Grout: Because grout is porous, it can absorb dirt quicker than your tiles, making them look dirtier than they are - particularly if you have light or white grout. Remove stubborn stains with a suitable cleaning solution or try making your own with two parts baking soda to one part vinegar. For the best results, scrub into your grout with an old toothbrush and rinse away with clean water.
- Protect and Seal: Sealing your tiles can be an important step to take to protect your tiles against future wear and tear, particularly with natural stone. Read our guide to discover when and how to reseal your tiles.
Prepare and Plan Ahead
- Rugs and Mats: Strategically place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, or near the kitchen. They will act as a barrier for your tiles, catching dirt, moisture, and spills to prevent potential damage or mess. For ultimate peace of mind, opt for rugs that are stain-resistant or washing-machine friendly.
- Furniture Pads: Attach felt or rubber pads to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratches or scuffs when guests move chairs or tables. Protecting tile floors from these minor damages is essential for their long-term maintenance.
Handling Spills and Mishaps
No matter how many preventative measures you take, accidents do happen. So, it’s best to prepare in order to remove the stress out of an unfortunate situation. Even the most severe spillages, such as red wine, can be easily cleaned with the right precautionary and proactive measures.
- Immediate Cleanup: Attend to spills promptly to prevent staining and reduce the risk of liquids seeping into grout lines. Keep a stash of clean cloths or wipes handy to wipe up spills immediately.
- Gentle Cleaning Solutions: If a spill occurs, use a mild cleaning solution suitable for your tiles. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleaches or abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface.
Post-Party Cleanup
- Prompt Checks: As your guests head home, carry out one last round of cleaning to ensure any spills or stains are addressed immediately. This prevents any residue from settling and becoming difficult to remove. Also check the grout lines for any signs of staining or damage.
- Repairs Required: Even if your tiles have suffered more severe damages such as cracks, chips or scratches, don’t worry! You may still be able to fix them yourself following our tile DIY repair guide.
Our Avalon Limestone Tiles showcase an antiqued effect in a beautiful, warm beige colour and smooth finish.
What to avoid depending on your tile type
Natural Stone Tiles: If you have natural stone tiles, be cautious with acidic liquids like wine or citrus juices, as well as highly pigmented foods – and clean these spills promptly to prevent staining on the surface. Natural stones tend to be more porous, which is why we’d always recommend sealing your tiles regularly to keep them protected from such substances.
Porcelain Tiles: The number one advantage of porcelain tiles is that they are very resilient and easy to maintain, however they can still occasionally suffer from scratches. Simply avoid dragging heavy furniture or sharp objects across the surface, to keep your tiles in tip top condition.
Protecting your tiles during a party or gathering involves a combination of preparation, prevention, and quick action. By implementing these measures, you can enjoy the festive celebrations while safeguarding your tiled floors and walls. Remember, a little proactive care goes a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your tiles for many more years to come.
For further advice on how to care for your tiles, check out our easy-to-follow tile maintenance guides, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts if you have any questions.
