People don’t give their tiles the praise they deserve. Every day, these surfaces deal with coffee spills, muddy shoes, kitchen messes, and a stream of pets. But then, one day, you really look, and the tiles that used to be full of life suddenly look a little tired. And what about that grout? The story is told in dark, obstinate lines that tell of neglect and might give anyone goosebumps. Visit us for information!

Because of the weather in the area, North Shore flooring isn’t always easy. When sea breezes come in, they bring in moisture and salt, which can cause rust stains when you least expect them. A single rainy afternoon can leave streaks of mud on your beautiful floors. Perhaps you had a wild dinner party with a runaway glass of Shiraz, or your curious dog turned the hallway into a racetrack. Over time, all that mess settles into every seam and edge.

The name of the game is technique. Did you hear someone say, “Just mop it”? If your grout is already dirty, good luck with that. Cleaning the surface won’t even touch the real mess. All that dirt and grime is happy to stay in the cracks, where a simple sweep and splash won’t get rid of it. It sounds noble to scrub with a toothbrush, but you might want to just pull the tiles out instead.

One trick that not many people talk about is the powerful steam cleaner. When steam is introduced, dirt that is hard to see doesn’t stand a chance. When you use a moderate cleaning solution with it, dull surfaces will come back to life. Just be careful with the strong chemicals from the store; if you use too much, your floors might seem old before their time.

Choosing tiles made of natural stone? Then you really need to use the appropriate things. Put the vinegar and strong cleansers away—they’ll just dull the luster or leave a stain. If you don’t pay attention to Stone’s preference for a softer touch, don’t be surprised if your floor looks like it came right out of an old haunted house.

Grout sealant is the best thing you can do to protect yourself when grout is being really difficult. It keeps dirt from getting in, so you can skip the next thorough scrub. Gloves aren’t just for show; they will protect your skin from the sticky, nasty sealer residue.

There are always surprises in the bathroom, like soap scum, stubborn water marks, and strange accumulation that seems more like a science experiment than a family problem. Here’s a suggestion from a pro: the edge of an old credit card is the best small scraper for getting into tight spots and getting rid of sticky build-up.

Pet owners are always fighting with stray fur and ghostly paw prints. Microfiber mops are a godsend because they collect dust and fuzz instead of moving it around. Lighter tiles show every imperfection, while dark tiles might hide the problem until you examine more closely.

Is it time to send out the big guns? Every few months, a deep clean works. Most people just need to clean once a week. Don’t worry if your kitchen floor isn’t clean; no one is keeping track.

There will be occasions when stains or tragedies just won’t go away. That’s when getting help from the pros really helps. Their tools can look like something from another world, yet they can get results that will amaze you.

Want to keep your North Shore tiles shining? A blend of old and new ideas is what works best. If you do it well, you’ll love your floors and maybe even do a little victory dance when no one is around.

Ultra Brite Carpet & Tile Cleaning North Shore
79-83 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
(02) 8015 5143