Tile is a beautiful, timeless material that is durable and easy to care for. It can enliven a kitchen, turn a bathroom into an oasis, or cool down a sun room. A tiled entry is both inviting and practical. The most common type of tile is ceramic, or fired clay, which can include talavera, decorative Majolica pottery from Mexico, and Saltillo, a terra cotta pottery that also originates in Mexico. Another popular tile material is travertine, which is a type of limestone. The array of colors and designs available is virtually endless, and it is fairly inexpensive compared to other flooring or countertop options. Wherever you use it, tile is a fantastic investment for your home.

So what's the best way to maintain that investment? Tile is much more forgiving than other surfaces, but it does require some basic upkeep.

Keep It Clean

You can keep your tile floor clean and shiny using a simple broom and wet mop once or twice a week. Wipe up any spills with an absorbent cloth. Counters need a wipe down with a damp sponge. Never use abrasive powders or scrubbers on your tile, and avoid any chlorine or ammonia cleaning solutions, as they will destroy that gleaming tiled surface. Consider using natural, environmentally friendly cleaners on your tile and elsewhere in your home—they are gentler on surfaces and better for the health of everyone living there and the world at large.

Protect It

A tile floor, with proper care, can last more than 15 years. It is a very practical flooring choice, resistant to staining and water damage, but there are things you can do to keep it looking pristine. Area rugs and runners in high-traffic zones will help protect your floor from wear and tear. Furniture resting on a tile floor should have rubber tips on the feet to prevent scratching, and it's a good idea to elevate any heavy planters or vases.

All About Grout

Your floor or countertop has a layer of grout beneath it and all around each tile to form a waterproof layer. This is one of the great advantages of the material. Water cannot damage it, and it prevents moisture from getting under the tile and into your walls or subfloor where it can cause rot, mildew, or mold. To maintain this benefit, check the grout regularly for any cracks or shrinkage that might allow moisture in. If you do notice a few cracks, don't wait to fix them! Re-grouting is inexpensive and only takes a few hours of your time. And it can also save you thousands of dollars in repair work later on.

To Seal or Not To Seal

Stone tile such as travertine is naturally porous and needs to be sealed periodically to avoid staining and erosion. Check with your manufacturer or installer for details on whether and how often you need to do this. This is absolutely a do-it-yourself job; it only requires a bottle of sealant and a sponge. Ceramic tiles generally do not require sealing because the firing process seals the tile, but the cement grout around it needs to be sealed. (Have epoxy grout? No sealing is necessary.) Generally, new grout needs a few days to cure before sealing, and in most cases it will require resealing about once a year. It's a painstaking job to paint in all the lines, but the benefits of protecting your surfaces and what's underneath are well worth it. Backsplash tile or decorative borders on walls outside of bathrooms do not require annual sealing, but do remember to check that grout occasionally for damage.

Tile can create any mood in your home and can harmonize effortlessly with your current decor. If you have pets or small children or just a muddy lifestyle, a tile floor can give you peace of mind. A tile countertop or backsplash can easily change the look of your kitchen without a major remodel. From simple stone to pueblo-inspired folk art, basic geometry to elaborate mosaic, there is a tile design to fit every budget and imagination. Once your tile is installed, just follow these maintenance tips and you’ll enjoy it for years to come.