Uploaded September 2020 | Updated September 2026, 11 minutes ago
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Due to requests, I am now including links to products when possible. These links are provided for reference, no company or individual paid to be in this video. Depending on the vendor, a small commission might be paid and would be used to support adding content to this channel.
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When you are working with tile that is porous, such as slate, marble or terra cotta you could end up with foggy tile.
That’s because porous tile will absorb your grout quickly making the tile look dull and unattractive.
A topcoat or a pre-sealer will keep the grout from penetrating in the pores of the tile. A jug of pre-sealer will cost about twenty dollars from your local hardware store or home center. You will need to pre-seal the tile before you install it. Give the tile time to dry and then install the tile and grout as you normally would. With a little extra effort your tile will end up looking just as great as you imagined. Even after years of wear and tear.
Water based pre-sealers are fairly safe to use. However you always want to use extreme caution when working with any kind of chemical. And you will want to keep it out of reach of small children.
If you are using clay tiles, you can also purchase a polish for the tiles; this will give the tile an extra shine.
Here are a few tips if you have already installed brick or masonry tile and you want to seal it.
Place folded towels next to carpet areas adjoining the tile to help absorb water. Using a scrub brush or large sponge and detergent, scrub the floor surface and rinse with clear water. Be sure any dirty wash water is completely removed from all crevices. It is important to let the floor dry thoroughly.
From a reliable hardware or paint store get a brick masonry sealer; sold in gallons only.
Slowly and carefully paint the sealer on the dry tile or brick, being sure to cover all crevices and cracks in bricks and grout. The smaller the tile the more difficult it will be to keep the crevices and grout from getting wet with the sealant. Let the tile dry and then apply a second coat. Thereafter, apply one coat about every year to maintain the seal.
While it is difficult to seal tile that has already been installed, you will find that the sealer prevents dust from grout being tracked into the house, and makes cleaning very easy with a damp mop. In other words a little hard work now will pay off in the long run.
Some people prefer to use a wax instead of the sealer. Experiment with a sample tile or an inconspicuous corner as some waxes leave a streaky undesirable finish.
You can buy brick and tile unsealed or sealed. If it has been sealed, it will be much easier to keep it clean. Simply vacuum regularly, and occasionally damp mop with plain water to remove soil. Occasionally for heavier soil use a mild detergent solution, rinse well, and wipe dry for more shine.
Ceramic Tile Floors- Cleaning
The best and easiest way to clean a ceramic tile floor is to scrub it with an electric floor washer or polisher-scrubber. The thorough cleaning action should brighten the tile and joints. Use a solution of 1/4-cup low-sudsing detergent or 1-2 tablespoons of either washing soda or tri-sodium phosphate or commercial floor cleaning powder in 1-gallon water. Rinse well.
When further treatment is needed, particularly for the grout, apply a solution of water and chlorine bleach (liquid or powdered). Let it stand for 20 minutes or so, then mop the floor, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Then wax the floor for protection and easier care.
Here are some basic tips to mopping a floor.
1. Sweep or vacuum the floor clean of dust and dirt.
2. Now do it again! Sweep or vacuum a second time to make sure there is no debris.
3. Fill a bucket with hot water.
4. Add a small amount of detergent, ammonia or floor cleaner to the water; the directions on the container should tell you how much to use.
5. Dip your mop in the bucket.
6. Wring out the mop using your hands or, depending on the type of mop you are using, with a lever near the mop head.
7. Scrub the floor in straight lines if you're using a sponge mop. If using a rag mop, swirl the mop head in figure-eight shapes. Push the mop vigorously to remove stains or spots on the floor.
8. Rinse and wring the mop out in a sink or the bucket occasionally, and continue mopping.
9. Let the floor dry before walking on it.
Amazon Tool Deals of the Day: amzn.to/3eUGcsD
Due to requests, I am now including links to products when possible. These links are provided for reference, no company or individual paid to be in this video. Depending on the vendor, a small commission might be paid and would be used to support adding content to this channel.
Amazon Prime free 30 day trial: amzn.to/3g9mwCL
Amazon Homepage: amzn.to/3gQSS5z
When you are working with tile that is porous, such as slate, marble or terra cotta you could end up with foggy tile.
That’s because porous tile will absorb your grout quickly making the tile look dull and unattractive.
A topcoat or a pre-sealer will keep the grout from penetrating in the pores of the tile. A jug of pre-sealer will cost about twenty dollars from your local hardware store or home center. You will need to pre-seal the tile before you install it. Give the tile time to dry and then install the tile and grout as you normally would. With a little extra effort your tile will end up looking just as great as you imagined. Even after years of wear and tear.
Water based pre-sealers are fairly safe to use. However you always want to use extreme caution when working with any kind of chemical. And you will want to keep it out of reach of small children.
If you are using clay tiles, you can also purchase a polish for the tiles; this will give the tile an extra shine.
Here are a few tips if you have already installed brick or masonry tile and you want to seal it.
Place folded towels next to carpet areas adjoining the tile to help absorb water. Using a scrub brush or large sponge and detergent, scrub the floor surface and rinse with clear water. Be sure any dirty wash water is completely removed from all crevices. It is important to let the floor dry thoroughly.
From a reliable hardware or paint store get a brick masonry sealer; sold in gallons only.
Slowly and carefully paint the sealer on the dry tile or brick, being sure to cover all crevices and cracks in bricks and grout. The smaller the tile the more difficult it will be to keep the crevices and grout from getting wet with the sealant. Let the tile dry and then apply a second coat. Thereafter, apply one coat about every year to maintain the seal.
While it is difficult to seal tile that has already been installed, you will find that the sealer prevents dust from grout being tracked into the house, and makes cleaning very easy with a damp mop. In other words a little hard work now will pay off in the long run.
Some people prefer to use a wax instead of the sealer. Experiment with a sample tile or an inconspicuous corner as some waxes leave a streaky undesirable finish.
You can buy brick and tile unsealed or sealed. If it has been sealed, it will be much easier to keep it clean. Simply vacuum regularly, and occasionally damp mop with plain water to remove soil. Occasionally for heavier soil use a mild detergent solution, rinse well, and wipe dry for more shine.
Ceramic Tile Floors- Cleaning
The best and easiest way to clean a ceramic tile floor is to scrub it with an electric floor washer or polisher-scrubber. The thorough cleaning action should brighten the tile and joints. Use a solution of 1/4-cup low-sudsing detergent or 1-2 tablespoons of either washing soda or tri-sodium phosphate or commercial floor cleaning powder in 1-gallon water. Rinse well.
When further treatment is needed, particularly for the grout, apply a solution of water and chlorine bleach (liquid or powdered). Let it stand for 20 minutes or so, then mop the floor, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Then wax the floor for protection and easier care.
Here are some basic tips to mopping a floor.
1. Sweep or vacuum the floor clean of dust and dirt.
2. Now do it again! Sweep or vacuum a second time to make sure there is no debris.
3. Fill a bucket with hot water.
4. Add a small amount of detergent, ammonia or floor cleaner to the water; the directions on the container should tell you how much to use.
5. Dip your mop in the bucket.
6. Wring out the mop using your hands or, depending on the type of mop you are using, with a lever near the mop head.
7. Scrub the floor in straight lines if you're using a sponge mop. If using a rag mop, swirl the mop head in figure-eight shapes. Push the mop vigorously to remove stains or spots on the floor.
8. Rinse and wring the mop out in a sink or the bucket occasionally, and continue mopping.
9. Let the floor dry before walking on it.
